Call for Expressions of Interest: Angling Trust Bluefin Tuna Advisory Group

The Angling Trust is inviting expressions of interest to join its Bluefin Tuna Advisory Group (BFTAG) – a new advisory group that will help shape the Trust’s policy positions and advocacy on the future of recreational catch-and-release bluefin tuna fishing in the UK.

This is an important opportunity for anglers and stakeholders with relevant experience to help influence how the recreational bluefin tuna fishery develops, ensuring it is well-managed, evidence-led, and rooted in best practice and conservation.

What is the Bluefin Tuna Advisory Group?

The Angling Trust Bluefin Tuna Advisory Group (BFTAG) provides advice and guidance to the Trust on:

• Policy positions relating to the recreational catch-and-release bluefin tuna fishery
• Best practice in angling, fish handling, and welfare
• Training, competence, and safety considerations
• Conservation measures and the long-term sustainability of the fishery

The group will help inform how the Angling Trust engages with decision-makers, including DEFRA and the MMO. The BFTAG is not a UK Government group and will not interact directly with UK Government departments, regulators or other arms-length bodies.

Who are we looking for?

We are keen to hear from individuals with relevant experience and a strong connection to the recreational bluefin tuna community, including (but not limited to):

• Private boat anglers
• Charter skippers and crew
• Individual anglers with relevant experience
• Tackle trade or industry representatives
• Others with appropriate expertise in fisheries, conservation, or big game angling

We are particularly interested in applications from the private boat sector, which is currently under-represented but plays a vital role in the recreational bluefin tuna fishery. If you fish from a private vessel and have experience, insight, or a perspective to share, we strongly encourage you to apply.

What experience is relevant?

Applicants may have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Prior participation in the UK Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF)
• Involvement in the Catch-and-Release Tagging Programme (CHART) programe (as a vessel owner, skipper, or crew)
• Big game or tuna fishing overseas
• Fisheries management, data collection, conservation, or angling best practice
• Representing or engaging with angling communities

All members of the BFTAG must be able to demonstrate support from the community they are applying to represent, and, where possible, provide evidence of this.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the Expression of Interest Form, which asks for:

• Your background and proposed representation
• Relevant experience
• Your interest in joining the Advisory Group
• The skills, knowledge, or perspective you would bring

Once complete, submit the form by email to: [email protected]

The application form is available here.

Applications are open on a rolling basis. Please note that submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee a place on the Advisory Group. Selection of representatives is at the discretion of the Angling Trust, and all members will be required to adhere to the group’s Terms of Reference.