"2024 Bluefin Tuna CRRF Statistics: A Milestone for Sustainable Fishing in Devon and Cornwall"
2024 Bluefin Tuna CRRF Statistics: A Milestone for Sustainable Fishing in Devon and Cornwall
The Atlantic bluefin tuna has made a triumphant return to UK waters, and the 2024 Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) season proves it’s here to stay. On March 19, 2025, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) released its official 2024 CRRF Statistics, showcasing a thriving fishery in English waters—particularly in Devon and Cornwall, where we at Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK are proud to call home. Let’s dive into the numbers and what they mean for our local fishing community.
A Record-Breaking Season
The 2024 CRRF season ran from August 3 to December 31, spanning 21 weeks and 4 days. Here’s what the MMO reported:
Permitted Vessels: Out of 93 permitted vessels, 81 were active at least once. Many of these operated out of Devon and Cornwall, a hub for UK tuna fishing.
Trips and Catches: These vessels made 1,014 trips, with 838 (83%) resulting in at least one bluefin tuna catch. A total of 3,359 tuna were caught, averaging 3.3 tuna per trip.
Tuna Size: The average bluefin tuna measured 167.7 cm (about 5.5 feet) and weighed an estimated 95.5 kg (210 lbs)—a thrilling catch for any angler!
Sustainability: An impressive 98.7% of tuna were released in good to excellent condition, with a pre-release mortality rate of just 0.21%, highlighting the fishery’s commitment to conservation.
Why This Matters for Devon and Cornwall
Devon and Cornwall have long been at the heart of the UK’s bluefin tuna resurgence. The high success rate of trips (83%) reflects the abundance of tuna in our waters, making this region a top destination for anglers. The low mortality rate aligns with our mission at Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK to promote sustainable fishing practices. Local skippers and charter businesses benefit economically, as more anglers—both from the UK and abroad—are drawn to experience this world-class fishery. Whether you’re fishing off the rugged cliffs of Cornwall or the serene waters of Devon, the 2024 season has set a high bar for what’s possible.
Get Ready for 2025
The 2024 CRRF stats are a call to action for anglers everywhere: Devon and Cornwall are the place to be for bluefin tuna fishing. Ready to hook your own giant in 2025? Book a trip with one of our trusted local skippers and experience the thrill of catch-and-release fishing. Check out our [Fishing Guides] page to plan your adventure, or read our next post for insights tailored to American anglers visiting the UK.
