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The government has announced expanded opportunities for recreational anglers to participate in a catch-and-release Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery in English waters, effective Thursday, December 7.
Responding to significant support expressed during a recent consultation, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed plans to introduce new legislative measures in spring 2024 that will establish a permitting system for the recreational targeting of bluefin tuna.
This initiative aims to open the English fishery in summer 2024, benefiting local skippers and attracting additional tourists to coastal areas.
The potential for this fishery arises from the UK’s departure from the EU, which has allowed the establishment of a UK-specific quota for bluefin tuna, thereby creating opportunities to manage the species sustainably outside of EU regulations.
Information collected from this fishery will enhance the monitoring of bluefin tuna populations and ensure that the species is managed sustainably within English territorial waters.
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer stated:
“This exciting development is a direct result of the UK’s exit from the EU and the strong backing we received for our initiative from both the fishing industry and environmental advocates.”
“This will generate economic and social advantages for the fishing sector and coastal towns while promoting the sustainable management of Atlantic bluefin tuna.”
The announcement builds on the accomplishments of catch-and-release (CHART) tagging programs achieved by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Swansea University, and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, which have allowed selected recreational anglers to target bluefin tuna over the past three years.
A formal consultation took place between July and September 2023 to gather stakeholder feedback on the proposed design for the permitting system that would enable the opening of catch-and-release recreational fisheries for bluefin tuna in UK waters. Input was sought on the essential principles for the permitting framework, expressions of interest, and anticipated social and economic benefits.
Overwhelming support emerged from stakeholders for the consultation proposals, which outlined the design of new permitting regimes for recreational bluefin tuna fishing in the UK, as well as Defra’s operational strategy for implementing the English fishery.
Each fisheries administration within the UK will determine its timeline for introducing a bluefin tuna catch-and-release recreational fishery. Defra plans to launch this initiative in English waters in 2024.
Furthermore, Defra is currently conducting a trial for a commercial bluefin tuna fishery, which is set to continue until December 31, 2023.
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Elena Rossi is a graduate of the University of Hohenheim in Germany, where she earned her degree in Agricultural Economics. Her coursework centered on farm management, agricultural policy, and rural development. Elena is dedicated to enhancing the economic viability of small farms and works as a policy analyst, advising on agricultural economics and food security issues in Europe.
