In a momentous decision for British big game fishing, the government has announced its intention to open a much bigger recreational catch-and-release Bluefin tuna fishery in 2024. However, experts are already warning that this could lead to the current tightly-regulated system descending into a messy open access arrangement.
Responding to a cross section of skippers, private boat owners and general anglers, Defra has outlined a much more open vision than the previous CHART programme, which only allowed strictly licensed and trained operators to fish for tuna.
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Previous results spoke for themselves, with major economic gains for coastal regions and a hugely successful record for sustainability. Almost all Bluefin tuna were shown to survive capture thanks to specialist tackle and rigorous fish care standards.
“This risks creating a fishery with minimal management measures in place,” said an Angling Trust source, adding that looser arrangements could compromise “fish welfare and optimal economic outcomes.”
Of particular concern is the prospect of specialist training being replaced by a “voluntary code of conduct.”
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While anglers welcomed the ambition of a much broader catch-and-release fishery, the fear is that a free-for-all situation could lead to poorer survival rates for the tuna, while the sheer power and unpredictability of these fish, which average 200lb to 400lb, could compromise angler safety.
Speaking on behalf of both the Angling Trust and UK Bluefin Tuna Association, Stuart Singleton-White said that while anglers were “excited” about the prospective fishery, they were frustrated that Defra hadn’t listened closely enough to the expertise on offer.
“What they propose risks doing immense damage to the reputation gained through a well-managed, high welfare catch-and-release fishery, and the credibility of those taking part,” he said.
“We’re determined this won’t happen and will continue to work with Defra to ensure the clear views of stakeholders and all those who responded to the consultation are incorporated.”
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