Up to 25 permits for a recreational Atlantic Bluefin Tuna fishery in Jersey waters will be issued this year – with applications now available following the approval of new regulations.
In March, States Members backed plans for the “catch-and-release” fishing of the species, which was once classified as ‘endangered’ but has been making a return in recent years following successful conservation efforts.
In a statement on Friday, the Infrastructure and Environment Department said a “responsible, measured approach” had been taken to managing the fish.
“Over recent years, the island applied the precautionary principle, protecting Atlantic Bluefin Tuna under the Wildlife Law while scientific evidence on stock health continued to grow,” the statement continued.
“Now, with the stock internationally recognised as recovered and sustainably managed, and with Jersey formally included in the UK’s membership of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), Jersey is able to participate in a regulated and internationally monitored fishery.”
A maximum of 25 permits will be issued for 2026. Fees will be set at £500.
Application forms can now be received by emailing marineresources@gov.je with an expression of interest.
More information can be found online.