Giant bluefin tuna are making a comeback off the Devon coast, chasing mackerel and delighting onlookers. This resurgence is a result of two key factors: successful conservation efforts and warming sea temperatures.
Conservation Efforts: Stricter fishing quotas and improved enforcement against illegal fishing have allowed bluefin tuna populations to rebound significantly. A crucial step was the establishment of a catch-and-release fishery in UK waters. This decision followed a research program demonstrating that the population could support recreational fishing without jeopardizing its recovery. This allows anglers to experience the thrill of catching these powerful fish while ensuring their continued survival.
Warming Seas: The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), a natural climate cycle, is contributing to warmer sea surface temperatures in the region. Bluefin tuna are known to follow warm currents as they search for food, and the warmer waters around Devon are now attracting these predators in greater numbers.
Impacts of Bluefin Tuna's Return: The return of bluefin tuna has a ripple effect on the marine ecosystem. It can influence the populations of other species, such as mackerel and bass, which are important targets for local anglers. However, the presence of bluefin tuna is also a positive sign, indicating a healthier marine environment overall. This recovery is a significant success story for a fish stock that was once severely depleted.
A Look Back: Bluefin tuna were once a common sight in UK waters, but their numbers drastically declined in the 1960s due to overfishing. The recent resurgence is a testament to the effectiveness of conservation measures. In a significant milestone, the bluefin tuna was removed from the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species in 2021 and reclassified as a species of Least Concern, marking a remarkable comeback for this iconic fish.
On March 28th, 2024, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) released its fishing plan for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT) in UK waters. The plan outlines how the UK's 66.15 tonne quota will be allocated.
Here's a breakdown of the quota distribution:
Recreational Permitting Schemes: 16 tonnes
Commercial Fishery Trial: 39 tonnes
Commercial Bycatch and Tagging Programs: The remaining quota (11.15 tonnes)
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the organization responsible for managing Atlantic BFT, has approved the UK's plan. The MMO stated that the quota allocations were determined to ensure compliance with international commitments, align with the objectives of the Fisheries Act 2020, and consider the interests of both commercial and recreational fishers.
gov.uk/government/news/atlantic-bluefin-tuna-fishing-plan-2024