27 May 2025
Image: Bluefin Tuna in Torbay, Devon by Ray Harrington Angus Campbell, a fisher based on the Isle of Harris, the Outer Hebrides, has secured one of only 15 licences, which allows him to land 3 tonnes of tuna this season. Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) have returned to UK waters after being absent […]
25 Mar 2025
Image Description: Bluefin tuna on a black stone floor. Image by WikiImages from Pixabay Starting in 2024, an English Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) for Blue Fin Tuna (BFT) was opened. Now, fishers with commercial licences who want to apply for an authorisation to fish commercially for bluefin tuna in English waters in 2025 can start […]
07 Jan 2025
A fish of remarkable spectacle, the Atlantic bluefin tuna, has been found on an Anglesey beach, marking its unexpected return to Welsh waters after many years. Known for their massive size, weighing double that of a baby elephant, and unparalleled predatory prowess, this species had vanished from the local marine landscape. On Thursday, January 2, wildlife enthusiasts […]
06 Aug 2024
Legislation came into force in June 2024 enabling UK fisheries administrations to launch permitting regimes for the recreational angling of Bluefin Tuna in their waters. Permits have now been issued to 89 vessels to recreationally target Bluefin Tuna using rod and line, on a catch and release basis, following a resurgence of the species in […]
11 Jun 2024
Legislation has come into force today establishing permitting regimes for vessels to fish recreationally for Atlantic bluefin tuna in UK waters. The legislation allows for vessels with a permit to fish using rod and line, on a catch and release basis, following the resurgence of the species. 16 tonnes of bluefin tuna quota have been […]
02 Jan 2024
The Wildlife Trusts’ annual round-up of life in UK seas presents the highs and lows for 2023, including bait ball feeding frenzies and increased sightings of Atlantic bluefin tuna alongside the devastating impact of avian flu on seabirds. Dr Lissa Batey, head of marine conservation at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “2023 has been a historic […]
12 Dec 2023
Recreational anglers will have broader access to a catch-and-release Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery in English waters, the UK government has announced. Responding to overwhelming support for proposals in a consultation, Defra has confirmed that it will introduce legislation in the spring to establish permitting regimes for the recreational targeting of bluefin tuna. This will mean […]
15 Aug 2023
Marine environmentalists have reacted with concern at news the UK will allow commercial fishing of bluefin tuna for the first time in 60 years. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have announced that 10 licences would be issued for a small-scale trial of commercial fishing, with the tuna brought ashore for consumption, […]
