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Guernsey is examining how it might cash in on the recent arrival of valuable Atlantic Bluefin Tuna in island waters with a small commercial fishery.
Atlantic Bluefin tuna are a valuable catch which some believe could help revive the islands' struggling maritime industries.
However, current rules in place prohibit the landing of bluefin tuna in the waters around Jersey and Guernsey.
Jersey is in the process of applying for membership to an international body which may pave the way for recreational and commercial fishing of the species – and Express has now learned that Guernsey is looking to do the same.
"In order for the Bailiwick to consider a fishery either commercial or recreational, it must first seek membership of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT)," said a spokesperson for the States of Guernsey.
Pictured: A shoal of bluefin tuna in Jersey's territorial waters.
The Committee for Economic Development is leading the charge on potentially developing this idea.
"This will involve compliance and legal work involving officers of the Committee and DEFRA officials," continued a spokesperson.
"Should the Bailiwick be successful in gaining ICCAT membership, the Committee would then determine how best to manage any allocation of Bluefin Tuna secured.
"There is currently a limited UK quota of 65 tonnes for 2024 and it is therefore likely that only a very limited commercial/recreational catch and release fishery will be possible in the Bailiwick, but the Committee is taking necessary steps to examine options."
FOCUS: Bluefin tuna the "way forward" for Jersey... What's the catch?
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