Plans for the 2024 Bluefin tuna (BFT) catch and release recreational fisheries
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-21)

New legislation (The Sea Fisheries (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024)  will make it a criminal offence for any recreational fishing vessel to target BFT in the UK without a permit.

Home Nations

England

The 2024 Regulations enable the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to proceed with the application process that will allow around 85 permitted vessels to operate in the BFT catch and release recreational fishery (CRRF) in English waters.

The fishery is expected to open in early August and run until December 2024.

Key dates for the English BFT CRRF:
- BFT CRRF application period opens 10 June.
- BFT CRRF application period closes 30 June 2024.
- Applicants will be notified whether they have been successful or not, between the 15 July and 19 July 2024.
- BFT CRRF opens early August.
- BFT CRRF closes at the latest by 31 December 2024.
Wales

Welsh Government have opened applications for a bluefin tuna catch and release recreational fishery taking place in Welsh waters. In 2024 applications are open to charter vessels. Applications are open until 23:59 14/7/24.

Full details can be found at the following link: Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery GOV.WALES (https://www.gov.wales/bluefin-tuna-catch-and-release-recreational-fishery)

Scotland and Northern Ireland

Scotland and Northern Ireland will not be opening BFT CRRFs in their waters in 2024.

Joining the 2024 English BFT CRRF

You will need a permit to join this fishery.

Permit numbers will be proportionate to the amount of quota available to cover any incidental BFT mortalities.

The MMO will be responsible for issuing permits for the English BFT CRRF. In 2024, permits will be free of charge. In future years, charges are likely to be introduced.

How English BFT CRRF permits will be allocated.

To be eligible for a permit you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be the owner of a vessel registered in the United Kingdom under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
- Your vessel must not be less than 5 metre in overall length and must be powered by an engine/motor.
- You must not have secured a permit for the UK commercial BFT fishery trial. See Bluefin tuna (BFT) commercial fishery within UK waters - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluefin-tuna-bft-commercial-fishery-within-uk-waters)
- You must not have secured a permit for another UK BFT CRRF.
- If your vessel is used for charter fishing trips, you will need to provide a copy of your Small Commercial Vessel Certificate (SCV2).
- You will be asked to submit a recent photograph of your vessel with external registration markings on display.
The permit application process will be open from 10:00 on Monday 10 June until 23:59 on Sunday 30 June.

All applications will be evaluated once the permit application process has closed. If MMO receive more applications than the number of permits available, then MMO will prioritise applications as follows:
- Priority 1: Charter vessels owned by those who skippered or owned a vessel that participated in a UK CHART programme.
- Priority 2: Charter vessels owned by those who participated in a UK CHART programme as crew.
- Priority 3: Any other charter vessel owned by an individual who does not meet the requirements of category 1 or 2.
- Priority 4: Private vessels
Some permits will be reserved for private vessels to ensure this group also has the opportunity to participate in the 2024 English BFT CRRF. They will be issued by lottery and no priority will be given to private vessels owned by those who participated in a UK CHART programme.

Due to the expected volume of interest, submitting an application will not automatically guarantee that you receive a permit. MMO reserves the right to undertake a random selection process if required.

In the unlikely event of undersubscription, MMO may consider extending the application submission period to allow more applications. This will be communicated as appropriate.

How to apply for a 2024 English BFT CRRF permit.

For your application to be considered, all evidence must be attached in one email, with the subject heading ‘BFT CRRF application submission’, and sent to: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

You will need to complete and submit the following:
- Complete the BFT CRRF application form attached below.
- Provide a copy of the UK Ship Registercertificate showing that your vessel has been registered on either part 1, 2 or 3 of the UK ships register.
- Provide a copy of your Small Commercial Vessel Certificate SCV2 – only required if your vessel is used for charter fishing trips.
- Provide a photograph of the vessel displaying external registration marking on the hull to allow for identification.
- Applicants can also include copies of evidence/documentation supporting their CHART involvement. Optional
(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6666b3d1b04145fef3164373/Recreational_Application_for_Bluefin_Tuna_2024_v1_-_Access.pdf)

BFT CRRF application form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6666b3d1b04145fef3164373/Recreational_Application_for_Bluefin_Tuna_2024_v1_-_Access.pdf)

PDF, 191 KB, 6 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx). Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/666c1244fed5bd09e5195a47/BFT_CRRF_FAQs_v1.pdf)

Frequently asked questions - BFT CRRF application form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/666c1244fed5bd09e5195a47/BFT_CRRF_FAQs_v1.pdf)

PDF, 115 KB, 2 pages

The BFT CRRF application form requires the owner to select which priority category they wish to apply under and provide an explanation of their selection. For instance, if selected ‘Priority 1’, then a written explanation of their involvement within a UK CHART programme is required.

The submission must be sent before the closing deadline of 11:59 Sunday 30 June.

How we will handle your application information

Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the MMO personal information charter and privacy notice. Personal information charter - Marine Management Organisation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation/about/personal-information-charter#contacting-us)

MMO reserves the right to use your information within your application to validate/verify CHART participation with Cefas, and/or other bodies overseeing other CHART Programmes.

Personal information will only be shared with third parties for social research purposes with the consent of the applicant. Defra social science teams will only contact applicants that provide consent. This will not affect your chances of obtaining a permit.

What will be expected of the permit participants in the 2024 English BFT CRRF

The English BFT CRRF permit allows for the named vessel to be used to ‘catch and release’ BFT by rod and line only, for the defined period in English waters.

The vessel owner and skipper are both liable for ensuring that legislative requirements are followed.

The new legislation will set out how any caught BFT should be treated. It will stipulate that BFT must not be:
- harmed,
- removed from the sea,
- brought aboard a vessel,
- transferred to any other vessel,
- landed.
It will also require all permit BFT fishing trips carried out in English waters to be reported to the MMO within 24 hours upon return, regardless of whether any BFT were caught or not.

Details on how permit holders are to report their information will be communicated to successful applicants and set out within their permit.

The vessel owner and skipper will be legally bound by permit conditions set by the MMO.

The permit will not be transferable to a different owner or in respect of a different fishing boat.

The MMO has the power if needed to vary, suspend, or revoke permits, under the conditions set out in the new legislation.

BFT Code of Conduct

All participants in the English BFT CRRF are encouraged to undertake training and to adopt the voluntary code of conduct, which will set out best practice relating the catching and release of BFT.

The guidance is being produced collaboratively by the Angling Trust, the UK Bluefin Tuna Association, the Professional Boatman’s Association, Centre of Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and Natural England. Once available, a link to the provider’s guidance will be appear here. Other training providers may be available.

Registration under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995

To demonstrate that your vessel has been registered in the United Kingdom under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 you must provide a certificate showing that your vessel has been registered on either part 1, 2 or 3 of the UK ships register (UKSR): https://www.ukshipregister.co.uk/.

The appropriate part of the register depends on the class of the vessel.
- Part 1 or Part 3 registration will be accepted for non-commercial fishing vessels. You will need to check with the UKSR to determine which is suitable for your vessel.
- Part 2 of the register is reserved for commercial fishing vessels (those issued with an MMO licence to sell fish for profit). If you are applying as an owner of commercial fishing vessel you can submit a copy of your existing part 2 registration certificate.
Please note that the MMO will require a photograph of the vessel displaying external registration markings on the hull to allow for identification.

Depending on vessel type you may be required to provide supporting documents and pay the appropriate fee to register your vessel with UKSR. Please allow sufficient time in order for the UKSR registration to be complete.

Applications for UKSR registration and advice can be found here at https://www.ukshipregister.co.uk/registration/.