The major change in this update is the addition of a new rating for line-caught Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Following the opening of a targeted line fishery in August 2023, this new rating comes straight onto the recommended list. After an absence in the UK of over 60 years, and despite facing stock collapse in the early 2000s, eastern Atlantic Bluefin Tuna stocks have recovered, and fortunately these amazing animals have returned to our waters after being sighted again for the first time in 2014. We are lucky to have these powerful, intelligent fish back in UK waters, and must ensure that Atlantic bluefin tuna is not overfished once again.
We don't yet know the full reasons behind their return, however emergency management measures put in place from 2007-2016 have helped to save the species from the brink of stock collapse. In 2021, Atlantic bluefin tuna moved from Endangered, to Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. The UK was then allocated quota for Atlantic bluefin tuna for unavoidable bycatch in ring-net, gill-net, and trawl fisheries. This year, 39 tonnes of a total 65 tonnes was allocated to a brand new, trial, targeted, hook and line fishery.
The fishery is highly regulated, 2023 saw only 10 fishing licenses, increasing to 13 in 2024, given out across the country, and licenses to trade line-caught Atlantic bluefin tuna a requirement for merchants. While too early to know it's effectiveness, the size of the fishery, and the measures in place mean there should be good traceability of the line-caught fish throughout the supply chain and sets the bar for other fisheries to follow suit.
The Atlantic bluefin tuna stock score improved last year, but it is the strict management and low impact of this line fishery that has earned its place on the recommended list. We still have concerns for management of the wider fishery, both in the UK bycatch fishery and the wider eastern Atlantic, and there is uncertainty in both stock mixing and recruitment so we will be monitoring this fishery closely. |
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