Wednesday 31 January 2024
The Committee for Economic Development is considering the potential for a bluefin tuna fishery in Bailiwick waters, as stocks of Eastern Atlantic Bluefin tuna have increased such that it is no longer considered endangered.
Current rules prohibit the landing of Bluefin Tuna in Bailiwick waters but due to the increasing abundance of the stock, there exists potential for a fishery to be permitted in Bailiwick waters.
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).
This will involve compliance and legal work involving officers of the Committee and DEFRA officials. 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.
