Historic moment for UK recreational angling as bluefin tuna fishery approved
Recreational bluefin tuna fishery to open in August
Follows long campaign by the Angling Trust & UK Bluefin Tuna Association
After more than six years of dedicated efforts by the Angling Trust and the UK Bluefin Tuna Association (UKBFTA), we are excited to announce that the legislation enabling the opening of a recreational catch-and-release bluefin tuna fishery in UK waters takes effect today (7 June).
This landmark achievement, under the guidance of the multinational Atlantic bluefin tuna organisation, ICCAT, paves the way for a licensed recreational fishery to commence on the 2nd of August 2024, with the season running until the end of the year. This is a significant step in providing anglers with the chance to engage in this thrilling and sustainable recreational activity.
Jamie Cook, CEO, Angling Trust commented:
“This is a huge victory for the recreational angling sector and testament to the dedication of the Angling Trust team, Steve Murphy, and the CHART skippers in showing the government the value of a world class catch and release big game fishery in the UK. These fish are worth so much more alive and swimming in our waters, the sustainability of the recreational fishery brings benefits to both the environment and the coastal economies, and we are delighted that after years of hard work the future of the fishery and of these wonderful fish has been secured.”
Stuart Singleton-White, Head of Campaigns at the Angling Trust, expressed his enthusiasm:
“After years of campaigning and detailed discussions with Defra, we are delighted this fishery will open to anglers, giving them the opportunity to experience the fish of a lifetime.
“The knowledge and experience gained from the three-year CHART programme have directly influenced the design of this fishery. We believe it will soon become a premier, world-class bluefin tuna fishery, with the highest welfare standards at its heart.
“While we are disappointed that mandatory training for skippers and boat owners was not secured, we are committed to making this fishery a success. We have developed a comprehensive training programme and code of conduct and encourage all successful permit holders without CHART programme experience to complete this training before taking to the water.
“We, along with the UK Bluefin Tuna Association and the Professional Boatman’s Association, will monitor this fishery closely in its first year and will continue to collaborate with Defra and the MMO to enhance its management and the welfare of the tuna in future years.”
Steve Murphy, CEO, UKBFTA said:
“Today’s news, allowing the establishment of a potentially world class, sustainable recreational bluefin fishery is the culmination of many years work by a number of people. It would not have been possible without the commitment, professionalism and patience of the charter skippers, their crews and paying customers who via CHART, built the foundations for this fishery. August 2nd marks the start of the beginning only for this fishery which we are optimistic can evolve in coming years and establish itself as a mecca for the catch and release of Atlantic bluefin tuna.”
The Angling Trust and UKBFTA campaigned for, won and co-designed an extensive pilot research programme to establish the sustainability of this new recreational fishery – CHART – The ‘CatcH And Release Tagging programme’ for Atlantic bluefin tuna. Between 2021 and 2023 up to 24 charter boats each year took part in the scientific programme, tagging over 3,000 tuna. Charter skippers were trained in catching, tagging and data recording techniques so that they could contribute to BFT research, while also protecting BFT welfare. Once trained, skippers secured a scientific licence for the duration of the programme and all activities were closely monitored by Cefas to ensure that risks to BFT welfare were minimised.
The new fishery is exclusively for recreational purposes (there is also a separate pilot commercial bluefin tuna fishery in operation). It will strictly adhere to a rod and line, catch-and-release approach, and there will be no boarding of the fish once brought alongside, ensuring the utmost care and welfare for the bluefin tuna. Specific gear recommendations form part of a ‘Code of Conduct’ to further protect these magnificent creatures.
The government is facilitating the issuance of up to 100 permits across the charter and private boat sector. Approximately 85 of these permits are expected to be available for English boats, with distribution managed by the devolved governments. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will oversee the allocation and management of these permits, with applications opening on the 10 June and closing on the 30 June.
First bluefin tuna fishing championships
The inaugural UK Bluefin Tuna Championship, a landmark event in British angling, took place in the picturesque coastal town of Falmouth, Cornwall, on the 28th and 29th of September, 2024. This groundbreaking competition distinguished itself as the first catch-and-release bluefin tuna tournament in the UK, emphasizing conservation and sustainable fishing practices while celebrating the remarkable resurgence of these magnificent fish in British waters. Thirteen boats, each carrying a team of enthusiastic anglers, set out from Falmouth harbor, venturing into the waters known to be frequented by bluefin tuna. The anticipation was palpable as participants hoped to encounter these powerful and elusive creatures.
Over the two days of the championship, a total of 43 bluefin tuna were caught.
Each fish was carefully handled and, after a brief period for measurements and tagging, was successfully released back into the ocean. This catch-and-release approach ensured the well-being of the tuna while still providing anglers with the thrilling experience of the sport. Among the catches, one tuna stood out as the largest of the tournament, an impressive specimen measuring 83 inches in length. This remarkable fish served as a testament to the growing health and abundance of bluefin tuna populations in the region.
A vital component of the championship was the collaboration with the University of Exeter. Renowned researchers from the university played a crucial role, attaching sophisticated electronic tracking tags to the released tuna. This tagging initiative is designed to gather invaluable scientific data on the tuna's movements, migration patterns, and overall behavior. The information collected will contribute significantly to our understanding of bluefin tuna populations, aiding in the development of effective conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term survival of this species. Beyond the tagging program, the University of Exeter also maintained an engaging and informative stand at the event. Here, they showcased their broader research activities related to marine conservation, the factors contributing to the resurgence of bluefin tuna in UK waters, and the importance of sustainable fishing practices.
The UK Bluefin Tuna Championship served multiple important purposes. Firstly, it built upon the existing success and momentum of the English Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF), further promoting responsible angling and the conservation of marine resources. Secondly, the event served as a celebration of the encouraging return of bluefin tuna to UK coastal waters, highlighting the positive impact of conservation efforts and improved marine ecosystem health. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the championship underscored a growing commitment to bluefin tuna conservation. By prioritizing catch and release, the tournament ensured the continued health and vitality of the fish populations while allowing anglers to experience the unique thrill of encountering these powerful predators. The event served as a powerful symbol of the evolving relationship between anglers and the marine environment, emphasizing the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures for generations to come.
Results of the first UK atlantic Bluefin Tuna Championship
The inaugural UK Bluefin Tuna Championship, held in Falmouth from September 28th to 29th, was a resounding success! Here are some of the highlights:
Championship Winner: St Ives skipper Sam Narbett, aboard his vessel "Bluefin", took first place with a total length of 209 inches (531 cm) from his three largest tuna.
Second Place: Jerry Rogers on "Dream Catcher 2" closely followed with a total length of 200 inches (508 cm).
Largest Tuna: The prize for the biggest tuna caught went to David Mordecai from Torbay, with a fish measuring an impressive 83 inches (211 cm).
First Ladies Team: The tournament also marked the participation of the first all-female team, captained by Katy Davidson.
Scientific Data: The event provided valuable data for scientists from Exeter University, who were present to collect footage and gain insights into bluefin tuna behavior.
Catch and Release: A total of 43 fish were caught, measured, and released back into the water, emphasizing the tournament's focus on conservation.
The championship was not only a thrilling competition but also a significant step forward for sustainable sport fishing in the UK. It showcased the potential for combining sport, science, and conservation to protect these magnificent fish.
UK Bluefin Tuna Championship
The event is the first ever catch-and-release bluefin tuna tournament held in the UK.
It builds on the success of the recently formed catch and release recreational fishery, external, set up as the species returns to UK waters.
In partnership with skippers and anglers, the University of Exeter has attached high-tech tags to tuna to track their movements and aid conservation.
Alongside recreational fishing for bluefin tuna, a pilot scheme for commercial fishing of the species was also set up last year, limited to 10 licences and with strict limits on quota.
The huge fish can be 10ft (3m) long and weigh more than 1,000lbs (454kg).
Dr Lucy Hawkes from the university said: "Our research on these amazing fish over the last six years has revealed their fascinating behaviours and migrations – travelling far and wide from the Atlantic into the Mediterranean, and returning to UK waters every year.
"We are delighted that this event will allow us to share many stories from following the movements of more than 150 fish, providing data that not just increase our appreciation for these amazing animals, but to help inform policy and management."
'Beautiful harbour waters'
The organisers of the championship hope the planned annual event will grow and one day attract an international angling community to Falmouth.
Falmouth Harbour’s commercial operations manager Tristan Rowe said: "This championship is a unique combination of sport, science and sustainability and it’s exactly the sort of event we are focused on supporting and enabling here in our beautiful harbour waters.
"We’re delighted to be providing use of our full range of services ashore and afloat to facilitate this event in the heart of Falmouth.
"We are also blown away by the knowledge and expertise in understanding and monitoring these fish, so we are very excited to host the team from the University of Exeter during the event, as what they have to say and show will be fascinating for visitors and the local community alike."
There are 19 vessels registered for the event, with both private and charter vessels taking part.
The first UK Bluefin Tuna Championship was held in Falmouth, Cornwall on September 28–29, 2024. The event was a catch-and-release tournament.
Why was the event held?
The event was held to celebrate the return of bluefin tuna to UK waters
The event was a way to understand more about the biology of bluefin tuna
The event was a way to promote sustainable fishing
What happened at the event?
Anglers reeled in 43 bluefin tuna
David Mordecai of Devon landed the biggest fish at 83 inches
The University of Exeter attached high-tech tags to tuna to track their movements
The event included a University of Exeter stand to showcase research on the fish
The event included a ladies team captained by Katy Davidson
Who organized the event? The UK Bluefin Tuna Association (UKBFTA), SCBI, The University of Exeter, and Cefas.
Falmouth to host first UK Bluefin Tuna Championship
The inaugural UK Bluefin Tuna Championship will be held in Falmouth .
The event is the first ever catch-and-release bluefin tuna tournament in the UK.
It builds on the success of the new English Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF), set up in Falmouth as a world-class sustainable fishery as bluefin tuna return to UK waters.
Working in partnership with skippers and anglers who now form the CRRF, the University of Exeter and Cefas have attached high-tech tags to tuna to track their movements and aid conservation.
The event, at Falmouth Harbour, will include a University of Exeter stand showcasing this research.
“The championship is the culmination of six years of lobbying, co-design, fishing and data gathering,” said Dave West, from the Sports Fishing Club of the British Isles.
“The UK once had a thriving tuna fishery – but numbers declined, most likely due to overfishing of herring, which is their main food source.
“But now tuna are back in huge numbers for five months of the year, creating a fishery unlike any other in the world.”
The CRRF has been developed in a partnership involving the UK Bluefin Tuna Association (UKBFTA), the Angling Trust, DEFRA, the MMO and Natural England.
The UKBFTA, Angling Trust and highly experienced fishermen have helped to develop strict rules and regulations to ensure welfare of the fish.
Dr Lucy Hawkes, from the University of Exeter, said: “Our research on these amazing fish over the last six years has revealed their fascinating behaviours and migrations – travelling far and wide from the Atlantic into the Mediterranean, and returning to UK waters every year.
“We are delighted that this event will allow us to share many stories from following the movements of more than 150 fish, providing data that not just increase our appreciation for these amazing animals, but to help inform policy and management.”
Falmouth Harbour’s Commercial Operations Manager Tristan Rowe said: “This championship is a unique combination of sport, science and sustainability and it’s exactly the sort of event we are focused on supporting and enabling here in our beautiful harbour waters.
“We’re delighted to be providing use of our full range of services ashore and afloat to facilitate this event in the heart of Falmouth.
“We are also blown away by the knowledge and expertise in understanding and monitoring these fish, so we are very excited to host the team from the University of Exeter during the event, as what they have to say and show will be fascinating for visitors and the local community alike.”
The benefits of the fishery reach beyond the charter vessels and data reports, with just 25 boats in 2022 generating a Total Economic Impact of £2.6 million, according to a DEFRA/Cefas study.
The organisers of the championship hope the planned annual event will grow and one day attract an international angling community to Falmouth.
There are 19 vessels registered for the inaugural championship, with both private and charter vessels taking part.
Steve Murphy, from the UKBFTA, said: “We understand the importance of this fishery to the recreational sea anglers and the value this brings to the wider community of Falmouth and the UK.
“We are honoured to be working with such exceptional partners on this event and look forward to showcasing just what this fishery can look like now and in the future.”