Guernsey is in the final legal stages of trying to open a bluefin tuna fishery for the 2026 season, according to Sea Fisheries officials who are working with the UK government.
A mandatory step, the legal hurdles are needed to be overcome in order to extend the ‘International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas’ (ICCAT) regulations to the Bailiwick.
Jersey recently moved ahead with its own licensed catch-and-release programme, but Guernsey remains in the technical review period.
According to Sea Fisheries, any potential 2026 tuna season now depends entirely on whether the current legal checks by DEFRA reveal a need for further changes to Guernsey’s laws.
David Wilkinson, Sea Fisheries Officer for the States of Guernsey, said: “Officers are continuing to work with DEFRA officials to enable extension of ICCAT to the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
“DEFRA legal teams are currently reviewing our compliance documentation, which is required before extension is formally approved.”
Bluefin tuna returned to local waters in high numbers due to successful international conservation a number of years ago.
In early in 2024, the States of Guernsey began investigating how to manage a potential fishery, but found it would be legally blocked until the island could join ICCAT and secure a portion of the UK’s fishing quota.
Throughout late 2024, officials described the application process as a “slow grind,” and the focus shifted toward a catch-and-release model because the equipment and logistics required to sell tuna commercially are complex and expensive.
According to Sea Fisheries any legislative changes would need to come into force first.
“The opening of any bluefin tuna fishery for the 2026 season will be dependent on the extent of legislative changes that may be required prior to ICCAT extension,” said Mr Wilkinson.