UK Secures 230t for Bluefin Tuna – What Happens Next?

The UK has secured a 230-tonne quota allocation for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT) for 2026 – 2028 following the 2025 International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) meeting on 24 November 2025. This is a substantial increase from the previous allocation of 66 tonnes. The UK Government has yet to confirm how this allocation will be divided between the recreational and commercial sectors, or how it will be allocated across the devolved administrations.

As the National Governing Body for recreational angling in England, the Angling Trust remains firmly committed to representing the interests of the recreational sector on Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. We continue to engage closely with Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on the future of the English catch-and-release recreational fishery (CRRF), while recognising that we are stakeholders – not decision-makers – in the management of the fishery.

Our vision for a world-class recreational fishery is one firmly grounded in science and sustainability. We remain critical of certain aspects of the current fishery and are in dialogue to generate the change we feel is needed to support the fishery’s sustainability.

Our Priorities for 2026

The Angling Trust is consistently advocating for a fair, sustainable, and world-leading recreational catch-and-release fishery for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna that maximises its benefits to coastal communities.

For 2026, our priorities are focused on the following:

• Improving fairness for applicants and supporting sustainable growth of the fishery while maintaining the highest standards of fish care and handling.
• Introducing multi-year permits to give charter skippers and businesses the confidence and stability to invest.
• Clear, minimum skills level through the completion of mandatory training or via demonstrable previous experience.
• Tightening the legislation to support enforcement agencies in policing the fishery
• Stronger at-sea enforcement by the Marine Management Organisation
• High-quality, consistent data collection to improve fishery management for both anglers and the stock.
• Transparent, timely publication of data, ensuring accountability and public trust.

Our position is clear: There should be no substantial increase in permits issued in 2026. Instead, the priority must be to further embed best practice, strengthen participant training, and improve reporting and enforcement across the fishery. This is a special fishery, and it must continue to be held to the highest standards.

Looking ahead, our position remains that permits must have a fee that is transparently reinvested back into the fishery, its management, science, outreach and enforcement.  This is best practice in many tuna fisheries around the world and, in our view, should be an aspiration for the English CRRF to reach its full potential.

Anglers at the Heart of a Sustainable Fishery

Recreational anglers and charter skippers in England have been central in developing a responsible, science-driven catch-and-release Atlantic Bluefin Tuna fishery. Their leadership has demonstrated how conservation, science, and high-quality angling experiences can align to deliver real value for coastal communities.

Jamie Cook, CEO at the Angling Trust, said: “As the UK Government considers how to allocate its 2026 quota, it’s vital that recreational access, high welfare standards, and long-term sustainability remain central to decision-making. We’re committed to ensuring this fishery continues to deliver real benefits for coastal communities and conservation. In England, the recreational fishery has developed through genuine collaboration between anglers, skippers, scientists, and policymakers based on the best-available evidence. As the UK moves toward the 2026 season, we want to see that partnership strengthened for the benefit of angling and these iconic fish.”

The Angling Trust will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the bluefin tuna fishery delivers lasting benefits for recreational fishing, coastal communities, and marine conservation – now and into 2026. If you would like to share your views, please email us at [email protected]