Trainers Wanted: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Catch-and-Release Recreational Fishery 2026

The Angling Trust is calling for experienced charter skippers to register their interest in becoming accredited trainers for the 2026 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT) Catch-and-Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) in England. As the fishery continues to grow in popularity, work is underway to ensure it meets the highest standards of fish welfare, safety, and professionalism.

Mandatory Training for Participants

To ensure high fish welfare and demonstrate a world-class catch-and-release recreational fishery (CRRF) for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT), mandatory training is being considered for all entrants into the 2026 English BFT CRRF ahead of permits being issued. This will help ensure every participant fully understands and adheres to the updated Code of Conduct.

Plans under consideration include:

• Online training to ensure consistent understanding of best practice.
• In-person training to include both a classroom component and practical “on-the-water” training sessions.

Training of prospective permit holders is expected to take place between March and July 2026.

Delivery is led by the Angling Trust, with support and oversight of training material development from the Marine Management Organisation, Cefas, and Natural England.

Call for Accredited Trainers

Trainers will be expected to have a minimum of the following criteria, which are not ranked in order of significance:

• Participation as a CHART charter skipper since 2022 OR can demonstrate extensive previous experience with large pelagic fish AND participation in the CRRF 2024 and 25 as a charter skipper.
• Provide evidence of successfully having caught and released BFT in either CHART OR the 24/25 CRRF. The outcome of this criterion may be weighted based on the amount of BFT caught by the application review panel.
• Access to a suitable shoreside facility for training and a charter vessel that is suitably coded and insured for carrying paying passengers for on-the-water training.
• Currently hold a valid commercially endorsed skippers’ qualification.
• Possession of a relevant teaching or coaching qualification would be advantageous.

Successful trainers will be contracted by the Angling Trust to deliver the in-person training and are subject to Angling Trust terms and conditions.

How to Register Your Interest

If you would like to register your interest, please e-mail  [email protected] with your name, email address and telephone number by Friday, 19th December 2025, so that we can contact you with an application form.

We aim to respond to interested individuals with an application form in the week commencing Monday, 5^th January 2026, and to inform them whether they have been successful in becoming an accredited trainer by February 2026.

Please note: submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee accreditation as a trainer, nor does it guarantee a permit for the 2026 BFT CRRF.