‘Fishing News’ article: ‘More bluefin going for the crabs’
2025 Bluefin Tuna CRRF Expansion: Addressing Concerns and Celebrating Opportunities for Anglers in Devon and Cornwall
The 2025 Atlantic bluefin tuna season is shaping up to be a landmark year for anglers in the UK, with the Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) expanding to 180 permits, as announced by the Angling Trust on February 20, 2025. However, a recent editorial in Fishing News titled "More bluefin going for the crabs" (published February 27, 2025) has sparked controversy by questioning the sustainability of the CRRF, prompting a detailed response from recreational sea fishing representatives. At Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK, we’re diving into this debate to set the record straight, address the concerns raised, and highlight why the 2025 season offers incredible opportunities for anglers in Devon and Cornwall—while emphasizing the fishery’s commitment to sustainability.
The CRRF Expansion: A Win for Anglers
The 2025 CRRF expansion is a direct response to the success of the 2024 season, which saw 3,359 bluefin tuna caught with a 98.7% healthy release rate, as reported by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The increase from 100 to 180 permits, advocated by the Angling Trust, UK Bluefin Tuna Association, and Sportfishing Club of the British Isles, ensures more anglers—both on charter and private vessels—can experience the thrill of catching these ocean giants. The season, expected to run from August to December (pending confirmation in April 2025), will continue to prioritize fish welfare, building on the high standards set by the 2021-2023 CHART program. Additionally, a small-scale CRRF in Jersey with five permitted boats will launch in 2025, further expanding opportunities for sustainable fishing in the region.
Addressing the Fishing News Claims
The Fishing News article raised several concerns about the CRRF, alleging that it contributes to bluefin tuna mortality and undermines the species’ recovery. The Angling Trust, UK Bluefin Tuna Association, and Sportfishing Club of the British Isles issued a joint response on February 25, 2025, titled "Beyond the Breakers," rebutting these claims with evidence-based arguments. Let’s break down the key points and examine the broader context.
Claim: Dead Tuna Linked to the CRRF
The article suggested that trawled-up dead tuna are "highly likely" linked to the 2024 CRRF expansion, implying that catch-and-release practices are to blame. The recreational fishing representatives countered that this claim lacks evidence—no data on the number of dead tuna or their source was provided. It’s equally plausible that these fish were lost from the rod-and-line commercial fishery or discarded as bycatch by other commercial vessels. Without specific data, this accusation remains speculative. Moreover, the 2024 CRRF reported a combined incidental mortality rate of just 0.21%, far lower than the article implies, suggesting that the fishery’s impact on tuna populations is minimal.Claim: Prolonged Fights and Quick Releases for Profit
The article alleged that charter vessels use light lines to "play" tuna for hours, then release them quickly to hook the next customer, compromising fish welfare. The Angling Trust called this "unsubstantiated hearsay," urging Fishing News to provide evidence to the MMO for review. The CRRF operates under a strict Code of Conduct, developed with Defra, MMO, Cefas, and Natural England since 2021, which emphasizes quick, safe releases to ensure fish survival. The 98.7% healthy release rate from 2024 demonstrates the effectiveness of these protocols, though continuous improvements are being made based on data and feedback.Claim: Fishing in Shallow Waters Harms Recovery
Fishing News cited ThunnusUK guidance recommending releases in waters deeper than 50 meters, claiming that much of the CRRF activity occurs in shallower waters, reducing recovery rates. The Angling Trust refuted this, noting that Fishing News lacks access to unpublished data on fishing depths. Studies from the ThunnusUK and CHART programs, which tagged several hundred bluefin tuna, show post-release mortality (PRM) in the low single digits, with no significant issues in the fishing grounds used—many of which overlap with CRRF locations in Devon and Cornwall. Recreational representatives are already collaborating with Cefas to assess any risks from inshore fishing, but the article’s claims are exaggerated and unproven.Claim: 16-Tonne Quota Equals 160 Dead Tuna
The article misinterpreted the 16-tonne quota for the 2024 CRRF as a "bycatch quota," suggesting it equates to 160 dead tuna "feeding the crabs." The Angling Trust clarified that this quota is not for bycatch but a precautionary allocation to cover potential incidental mortalities, as required by ICCAT. The actual mortality rate in 2024 was far lower, leading Defra to reduce the quota to 13 tonnes for 2025. This adjustment reflects the fishery’s low impact—only 0.21% mortality—contradicting the article’s narrative of widespread tuna deaths.Claim: High Post-Release Mortality Rates
Fishing News cited an Australian study on southern bluefin tuna, claiming a 17% post-release mortality rate, implying that one in five CRRF-caught tuna die. The Angling Trust debunked this by highlighting that the most extensive research—over 4,000 Atlantic bluefin tuna studied in the UK and Scandinavia—shows a combined mortality rate of around 1%, with post-release mortality in the low single digits. The Australian study, involving just 59 smaller southern bluefin tuna, is an outlier due to factors like seal predation, multi-hook lures, and lack of recovery protocols—none of which apply to the UK CRRF. For example, the Scandinavian Bluefin Marathon study reported a 4% mortality rate, even with private vessels, reinforcing the CRRF’s high welfare standards.
A Critical Look: Are There Legitimate Concerns?
While the Fishing News article relies on unsubstantiated claims, it’s worth examining whether there’s any merit to the broader concerns. Posts on X from
@Seasaver
on March 27, 2025, echo the article’s skepticism, arguing that the CRRF’s reported 0.7% mortality rate (slightly higher than the MMO’s 0.21% figure) doesn’t account for post-release deaths, which they claim could be as high as 17% based on the Australian study. However, as the Angling Trust noted, the Australian study isn’t directly comparable to the UK context, and UK-based research consistently shows much lower mortality rates. That said, the lack of long-term post-release studies in the CRRF—beyond the CHART program’s tagged fish—means there’s room for more research to confirm these low rates over time. The recreational sector’s commitment to ongoing data collection and protocol adjustments is a step in the right direction, but transparency in sharing depth-specific data could further address concerns about inshore fishing risks.
On the flip side, the Fishing News article’s attempt to pit recreational and commercial sectors against each other overlooks their shared interest in sustainable bluefin tuna management. The commercial fishery, expanded to 15 boats with a 45-tonne quota in 2025, operates under strict ICCAT regulations, as noted in a March 20, 2025, article from The Fishing Daily. Both sectors contribute to coastal economies—recreational fishing alone generated £2.6 million in 2022 with just 25 boats, according to a Defra/Cefas study. Rather than fueling division, collaboration between the sectors could ensure that bluefin tuna, a species that nearly vanished from UK waters by the 1960s, continue to thrive.
Why 2025 Is an Exciting Year for Anglers in Devon and Cornwall
Despite the controversy, the 2025 CRRF expansion is a golden opportunity for anglers in Devon and Cornwall. The region has been at the heart of the bluefin tuna resurgence, with nutrient-rich waters attracting these fish in huge numbers since 2014. The 2024 season’s 83% trip success rate and average catch size of 167.7 cm (95.5 kg) highlight why this area is a world-class fishery, rivaling destinations like the Mediterranean. With more permits in 2025, you’ll have a better chance to book a trip and experience the adrenaline of battling a fish that can weigh up to 250 kg and hit speeds of 60 mph.
The CRRF’s focus on sustainability ensures that this fishery isn’t just about the thrill—it’s about preserving bluefin tuna for future generations. The high welfare standards, informed by years of research, mean you can fish with confidence, knowing that 98.7% of released tuna swim away healthy. Plus, the economic benefits are undeniable: events like the UK’s first Bluefin Tuna Championship in Falmouth in 2024, which saw 43 fish caught and released, are drawing international attention and boosting local tourism.
Plan Your 2025 Bluefin Tuna Adventure
Ready to join the action? Here’s how to make the most of the 2025 CRRF season in Devon and Cornwall:
Book a Trip: Visit our [Fishing Guides] page to connect with trusted skippers. With 180 permits, there are more opportunities than ever—secure your spot now!
Best Time to Fish: August to October are typically peak months for bluefin tuna. Check back in April 2025 for confirmed dates.
Travel Tips for Americans: Fly into Exeter or Bristol for easy access to Devon and Cornwall. From the U.S., connect through London Heathrow (a 7-hour flight from JFK), then take a 1-hour flight or 3-hour train to Exeter.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
For more on the 2024 season, check out our [2024 CRRF Statistics] blog post. To understand the data behind the fishery, visit our [Bluefin Tuna CRRF Methodology] page. Follow us on X and Instagram for updates, and join our newsletter to stay hooked on all things bluefin tuna. Have thoughts on the Fishing News debate? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
