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| Good news for some! |
Bluefin Tuna continues to be a keenly sought-after species in UK waters. For 2025, the UK has been allocated a total of 66.15 tonnes of quota. This allowance will be carefully managed across both commercial and recreational fishing sectors, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and regulatory compliance.
Commercial Fishery: A Controlled Opportunity
The UK will dedicate 45 tonnes of its BFT quota to continue the commercial fishery, specifically for vessels employing low-impact rod and reel gears. This commitment underscores a move towards environmentally conscious fishing methods.
Key details for the 2025 commercial BFT fishery include:
- Limited Access: Licence authorisations will be available for up to 15 vessels. This controlled number aims to ensure the fishery remains sustainable.
- Application Process: Access to these coveted spots was determined through an application process. We can confirm that this process is now complete, and 15 vessels have been notified of their success.
- Equal Share: The 45 tonnes of quota will be distributed equally among the successful applicants, resulting in each vessel receiving a 3-tonne quota.
- UK-Wide Eligibility, With Location Restrictions: Commercial fishing vessels from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland were eligible to apply. However, it's crucial to note that fishing for and landing BFT will not be permitted in Welsh or Northern Irish waters in 2025.
- Fishing Season: The fishery is anticipated to operate from 1 July to 31 December 2025. This is subject to each vessel's International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) registry.
- MMO Management: The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will oversee the quota. They reserve the right to redistribute quota during the year if necessary.
- Licence Specifics: It's important for successful applicants to remember that these licence authorisations are non-transferable and are valid for the 2025 fishing season only. Furthermore, these authorisations will not establish a track record for future quota considerations and offer no guarantee of access to bluefin tuna quota in subsequent years.
- Reporting is Key: The authorisation allows the landing and sale of BFT, strictly provided that all reporting conditions are met. Failure to comply can lead to the suspension or removal of an authorisation.
- Mandatory Training: All skippers who were successful in the application process are required to attend a mandatory training meeting. This session will cover the essential processes and protocols of the fishery, ensuring everyone is up-to-speed on best practices and regulatory requirements.
Recreational Fishery: Catch and Release in English Waters
For recreational anglers, the MMO will be opening a permitted BFT catch and release recreational fishery (CRRF) in 2025. This fishery will operate exclusively within English waters. The MMO plans to issue permits for approximately 140 vessels to participate in the BFT CRRF.
To be eligible for a recreational permit, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- No Commercial Permit: You must not have secured a permit for the UK commercial BFT 2025 fishery. (See Bluefin tuna (BFT) commercial fishery within UK waters - GOV.UK)
- No Other CRRF Permit: You must not hold a permit for another UK BFT CRRF for the 2025 season.
- Vessel Specifications: Your vessel must be no less than 5 metres in overall length and must be powered by an engine/motor.
- Vessel Identification: A recent photograph of your vessel displaying external registration markings must be submitted with your application.
- UK Vessel Registry: You must be the owner of a vessel registered in the United Kingdom under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. Evidence will be required.
- Charter Vessel Certification: If your vessel is used for charter fishing trips, you must hold a valid Small Commercial Vessel Certificate (SCV2). Evidence of this certificate will also be required.
A critical point for all interested parties: Applicants cannot hold both a commercial BFT authorisation and a recreational CRRF BFT permit for the same vessel.
The allocation of BFT quota and the structured approach to both commercial and recreational fisheries highlight the UK's commitment to managing this valuable resource responsibly. For those involved in the commercial sector, the 2025 season offers a regulated opportunity, while recreational anglers in England can look forward to a permitted catch and release fishery. Stay tuned to "Through the Gaps" for any further updates as the season progresses.