ANGLERS have welcomed news that a science-based bluefin tuna fishery has been given the green light by the Government.
Back in February, Angling Times wrote about the potential for such a fishery and, after being given the go-ahead by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), an English Catch and Release Tagging (CHART) programme will operate off the South and West coasts from this autumn.
Steve Murphy, of Bluefin Tuna UK, said:
“This is a great result. Our campaign with the Angling Trust and the acceptance of CHART by Defra and Cefas has resulted in a high-quality programme design that will deliver great scientific insight, the beginnings of valuable socio-economic contributions, and an opportunity for anglers to legally catch bluefin in a safe, professional environment with trained and authorised skippers and crew.”