Bluefin Tuna Catch-and-Release Recreational Fishery 2026

The 2026 bluefin tuna catch-and-release season opens on Monday 13th July 2026 around the coast of England, marking the third year of this remarkable rod-and-line fishery for a species that, just over a decade ago, had all but disappeared from our waters. For permit holders heading out this summer, and the wider angling public who will venture out on charter vessels, it is an opportunity to encounter one of the ocean’s great predators while helping to demonstrate that recreational fishing can play its part in the responsible management of a recovering stock and delivering social and economic benefits to coastal communities.

This year marks an important milestone for the fishery. For the first time, mandatory training has become a condition of every permit. Every permit holder participating in the fishery – regardless of previous experience – must have at least one individual onboard at all times who has completed both an online course and an in-person, classroom and on-the-water training day covering fish welfare and handling, bycatch mitigation, at-sea etiquette and the legal responsibilities that come with fishing for a quota species.

The introduction of mandatory training represents a significant step forward, but it is only one part of building a fair and responsible fishery.

Angling Trust CEO Jamie Cook said:

“Watching this fishery develop over the past few years has been one of the real highlights of our work. The training now required for every permit holder is the result of collaboration between the angling community, scientists and regulators, and reflects a shared commitment to improving standards across the fishery.

“This is still a relatively young fishery, and none of us should assume we’ve got everything right. What matters is that we’re prepared to learn from experience, listen to evidence and keep improving to deliver positive outcomes for the recreational sector and this iconic species. That commitment to continual improvement will be at the forefront of our minds throughout this years season and planning for the next, and we actively encourage the recreational sector to engage with us.”

Head of Marine, Hannah Rudd, who leads the Angling Trust’s work on the fishery, added:

“It’s encouraging to see the commitment shown through this year’s training, and I’d like to thank the trainers, skippers and participants who helped make it possible as well as our colleagues at Defra, MMO, Cefas and Natural England, and sector representatives, who were instrumental in co-developing the course content. Introducing mandatory training has been a major undertaking and provides a stronger foundation for the fishery going forward.

“We also recognise that training alone doesn’t define success. This season will provide valuable opportunities to see what’s working well and where further improvements may be needed. Access to the fishery remains an important and sometimes challenging conversation, and our task is to continue working with our Steering Group colleagues on how opportunities can evolve fairly while maintaining the high standards that underpin public confidence in the fishery.

Throughout the season we will share regular reminders on the code of conduct and its contents to refresh all permit holders of their obligations now that the code of conduct has transitioned from being voluntary to a permit condition in 2026.”

A voice on the Steering Group

The Angling Trust sits on the Defra CRRF Steering Group alongside Cefas, Natural England, Cornwall IFCA and the Marine Management Organisation, helping to shape the code of conduct and the future direction of the fishery.

We take that responsibility seriously and want our contribution to reflect the experiences of those taking part in the fishery, as well as those who would like to see future opportunities become available. If you have thoughts, concerns or suggestions about how the fishery is working – or where it could improve – please contact us at [email protected]. Your feedback helps inform the discussions we have at Steering Group level.

A note on permit packs

We’re aware that a delay at the printers has held up dispatch of this year’s permit holder packs, which contain ID stickers, measuring tape and the code of conduct. We apologise for the delay. Packs are now in production and should be with permit holders shortly. Thank you for your patience.

An evolving fishery

Fisheries management, particularly for an internationally managed species like bluefin tuna, is complex. This remains an emerging fishery built around a recovering stock, and we do not expect every challenge to be solved overnight. Our commitment is to work with anglers, skippers, scientists and regulators to ensure recreational fishing opportunities continue to develop alongside the highest possible standards of fish welfare, responsible behaviour and sustainable management.

We’ll continue listening, learning and adapting as the fishery evolves, with the aim of building something anglers, skippers and the wider public can have confidence in.

The Angling Trust is your National Governing Body and your voice. Anglers and skippers with questions or feedback on the bluefin tuna fishery can contact the marine team at [email protected].