In a damning report from the Angling Trust, it appears that the UK bluefin tuna fishery is now under threat due to the near non-existent management of our waters. It is a disappointing revelation, as the world-class fishery has been tirelessly campaigned for by many organisations to help this once-nearly-extinct species thrive again in our waters.
It has emerged that enforcement representatives have informed stakeholders that there will be “no enforcement” of the recreational bluefin tuna fishery rules and that it is “not a priority” for the MMO.
The Trust have since written to the authorities and fishery officials involved to raise their urgent concerns over the apparent lack of effective enforcement in key marine and coastal fisheries.
Considering this species’ international significance and the UK’s on-going commitment to responsible management, such remarks risk encouraging rule-breaking and attracting individuals without fishing permits or sufficient experience.
This not only harms the credibility of the world-renowned fishery, but also undermines the permitting system managed by the MMO. In addition to this, it also threatens the high welfare standards that define the fishery, while simultaneously damaging the UK’s standing with global conservation partners.
Jamie Cook, CEO of Angling Trust and Fish Legal said:
“The UK Government’s failure to act on our recommendations or enforce the rules, after all the work that has gone into building a sustainable catch-and-release tuna fishery, is a significant risk. This fishery delivers huge value to coastal economies while safeguarding the future of an iconic species once driven to extinction in UK waters.
We have proposed mandatory training and best-practice handling for all recreational skippers and angler permit holders, and consistently highlighted the threat of illegal fishing – whether recreational or commercial. We again call on the UK Government to implement these measures so that this world-class recreational fishery on our doorstep is managed and policed to the highest standard.”
