Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK Record:

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK Record: Size, History, and a Massive 900-Pound Catch in Welsh Waters

The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), often called "British tuna" in UK waters, is a majestic species renowned for its massive size and incredible power. This fish has made a remarkable return to UK waters, particularly in Devon, Cornwall, and now Wales, thanks to conservation efforts by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). At Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK, we’re diving into the record-breaking catches of tuna in the UK, exploring the Atlantic bluefin tuna’s size, and highlighting a recent 900-pound catch off the Welsh coast that’s believed to be the largest ever captured in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re chasing a record or eager to experience bluefin tuna fishing, this page has everything you need to know for 2025.

The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: A Giant of the Sea

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is one of the largest fish in the ocean, often reaching lengths of 6 to 10 feet and weighing between 220 and 250 kg (485 to 550 lbs). Some individuals, however, grow even larger—up to 680 kg (1,500 lbs)—making them a true trophy for anglers. Their torpedo-shaped bodies, with a metallic blue back and silver sides, are built for speed, capable of reaching 60 mph in short bursts. These giants are found across the Atlantic, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Mediterranean Sea, and in both the eastern Atlantic and western Atlantic regions. In the UK, they’ve been returning to UK waters in huge numbers since 2014, a testament to the success of ICCAT’s management and tagging programs like the English CHART initiative (2021-2023).

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Size: How Big Do They Get in British Waters?

In British waters, the Atlantic bluefin tuna, often referred to as "British tuna," has shown impressive growth. During the 2024 Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF), anglers in Devon and Cornwall caught 3,359 bluefin tuna, with an average size of 167.7 cm (5.5 feet) and an estimated weight of 95.5 kg (210 lbs). However, some fish far exceed these averages. The largest recorded catch in the 2024 CRRF was estimated at over 400 kg (880 lbs), one of the biggest ever documented in UK waters under catch-and-release rules. This size aligns with the species’ potential, as Atlantic bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic, including UK waters, can grow larger than their western Atlantic counterparts due to differences in fishing pressure and environmental conditions.

A Historic 900-Pound Catch: The Largest Tuna Ever Captured in the UK

On October 9, 2022, anglers Simon Batey and Jason Nott, along with Welsh charter captain Andrew Alsop of White Water Charters, made history by catching and releasing a 900-pound (408 kg) Atlantic bluefin tuna off the Pembrokeshire coast in Welsh waters. Measuring 111 inches (2.82 m) from nose to tail fork, this giant is believed to be the largest tuna ever captured in the United Kingdom. The catch took place in the Celtic Deeps, approximately 30 miles off the west Wales coast, while the team was drifting for sharks. After a grueling 90-minute fight, during which Batey passed the rod to Nott to share the effort, the massive fish was brought to the boat, measured, and safely released. The weight was estimated using a globally recognized formula, as the fish was not removed from the water. Campaigners have since highlighted that Welsh waters now boast some of the biggest fish in the world, advocating for a fishery to attract international anglers.

The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK Record: A Legacy of Giant Catches

The official UK record for Atlantic bluefin tuna stands at an impressive 910 pounds, a testament to the species’ potential in British waters. While the 900-pound Welsh catch is a contender for the largest ever captured in the UK, the CRRF’s catch-and-release rules mean official records are often based on estimated weights. Historically, before the species faced heavy fishing pressure in the mid-20th century, even larger bluefin tuna were caught in UK waters, with some reports from the 1930s suggesting fish over 500 kg (1,100 lbs). The return of these giants, thanks to conservation efforts by the Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, is a promising sign for the future of bluefin tuna fishing in the UK.

Why Tuna in UK Waters Are Thriving Again

The resurgence of tuna in UK waters is a conservation success story. By the 1960s, Atlantic bluefin tuna were nearly extinct in the region due to intense fishing pressure, earning them a spot on endangered species lists. However, since 2014, they’ve been returning to UK waters in large numbers, driven by climate change, improved management by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), and tagging programs that track their movements. These programs, such as the Cefas CHART initiative, have shown that bluefin tuna are thriving in the eastern Atlantic, particularly off the coasts of Devon, Cornwall, and now Wales. The nutrient-rich waters here, far from the Black Sea but closer to the Atlantic currents, provide an ideal habitat for these fish to grow to their massive sizes.

Bluefin Tuna Fishing in the UK: A Sustainable Future

The 2024 CRRF season demonstrated the potential for sustainable bluefin tuna fishing in the UK, with an 83% trip success rate and a 98.7% healthy release rate. The fishery, managed by the MMO, operates under strict catch-and-release rules to minimize impact on the population. In 2025, the CRRF is expanding to 180 permits, offering more opportunities for anglers to chase these giants in British waters. Additionally, a small-scale commercial fishing operation with a 45-tonne quota will run from July 1 to December 31, 2025, ensuring that both recreational and commercial sectors can benefit from the bluefin tuna’s return.

Plan Your 2025 Bluefin Tuna Fishing Trip

Ready to chase a record-breaking Atlantic bluefin tuna in UK waters? Devon, Cornwall, and now Wales are the heart of this fishery, offering world-class opportunities for both UK and American anglers. Here’s how to get started:

  • Book a Trip: Visit our page to connect with trusted skippers in Devon, Cornwall, and Wales. With more permits in 2025, spots are filling up fast—secure yours now!

  • Best Time to Fish: The 2025 CRRF season is expected to run from August to December, with peak activity in September and October.

  • Travel Tips for Americans: Fly into Exeter or Bristol for easy access to Devon, Cornwall, and Wales. 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.