Bluefin tuna return fuels UK fisheries with higher quotas and permits

The Atlantic bluefin tuna has returned to UK waters in growing numbers, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) said, prompting record quotas and more licences for commercial and recreational fishers in 2026.

Defra noted the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) raised the UK’s annual bluefin quota from 63 tonnes in 2024–25 to 230 tonnes for 2026–28. The MMO doubled commercial licences from 15 to 30 and issued 145 recreational permits in England and six in Jersey for 2026.

Defra estimated UK commercial fishers could land 120 tonnes of bluefin this year, with an approximate value of £1.4m based on historic prices, and made a further 26 tonnes available for commercial-scientific trial fisheries, worth around £300,000 by the same yardstick.

Scientists and fishers described rapidly increasing sightings and catches. University of Exeter ecology professor Dr Lucy Hawkes, who worked with the Thunnus UK tagging project, said bluefin numbers had risen since their collapse by the mid-1960s and that partnerships with industry were vital because fishers observe tuna regularly.

Newlyn fisherman Andrew Pascoe reported steady annual increases since tuna returned about 14 years ago, saying recent seasons have seen “absolutely thousands” of fish across the English Channel. He outlined kit costs of roughly £7,000–£8,000 to convert to tuna fishing and said licence holders have allocations of 4,000kg each for the year.

Andy Wills, the MMO’s interim head of future fisheries, called the 2026 season an important milestone with the most quota and permits to date. A Defra spokesperson described the return as “one of the most exciting developments in our fisheries for decades,” highlighting opportunities for commercial fishers, recreational anglers and coastal communities.

Seafood merchants and local operators said the larger tuna presence affects local food chains and revenues. Brixham fish merchant Ian Perkes noted tuna consumption of forage species and said increased tuna landings would boost income for fishermen and merchants.

Emily Theobald of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation pointed to conservation and environmental factors, including warming waters and prey availability, as contributing to the rise in bluefin sightings. Pascoe emphasized the fishery’s high regulation as a factor in stock recovery.

For the first time, licence holders are required to complete training run by the Angling Trust covering fish welfare, handling, equipment, revival and release techniques, data recording and avoiding disturbance to other marine life. The Angling Trust said the course aims to ensure safe handling for fish and crews and maintain a responsible fishery.

Researchers noted notable catches off the UK coast: a 338kg bluefin landed off Whitby in August was among the largest recorded in recent decades. Thunnus UK tagging data show many Channel-tracked tuna have not entered the North Sea, and scientists said some large individuals may be highly migratory.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The rise in bluefin sightings prompted ICCAT to increase the UK’s quota to 230 tonnes for 2026–28, the MMO to expand commercial licences and recreational permits, and Defra to quantify expected landed amounts and values for 2026, while scientists and industry shared observations of growing local tuna numbers and implemented training and research partnerships.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• ICCAT raised the UK’s bluefin quota to 230 tonnes for 2026–2028.
• MMO doubled commercial licences to 30 and issued 145 recreational permits in England for 2026.
• Defra expects 120 tonnes for commercial landings in 2026, valued at about £1.4m based on historic prices.