Mandatory training introduced for 2026 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has today confirmed the introduction of mandatory training for all vessel masters/skippers participating in the 2026 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT) catch and release recreational fishery in English waters.

The new requirement, delivered by the Angling Trust and supported by the MMO, will apply to all successful applicants in this year’s permit process. It is designed to ensure the fishery operates to the highest standards of fish welfare, safety, and professionalism.

All successful applicants will be issued a provisional permit and invited to complete training before being issued their full permit ahead of the season opening in mid-July. The Angling Trust therefore strongly advises all interested applicants to apply via the MMO before making training arrangements. More details on training are available below.

To take part in the 2026 CRRF, you must apply for a permit through the MMO’s application process, which will be open from 24 March until 23:59 13 April 2026. All applicants – including those who held a BFT permit in 2025 – must apply if they wish to participate in 2026.

Application guidance is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluefin-tuna-bft-catch-and-release-recreational-fishery-crrf-within-english-waters

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluefin-tuna-bft-fisheries-in-2026

Moving forward, all permit holders will be required to undertake the online course annually as the fishery evolves and the best-practice guidance is updated to reflect the latest science and management requirements. While the Angling Trust’s stance was that applicants with existing experience under CHART should not be required to undertake the in-person element of the course, the approach for all 2026 permit holders to undertake mandatory training was discussed and agreed by majority consensus through the Defra-led steering and included input from the Marine Management Organisation, Cefas, Natural England and Defra. 

The announcement follows confirmation that the UK’s bluefin tuna fishing plan has been formally endorsed by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), allowing the 2026 application process to proceed.

Quota and fishery structure for 2026

For the 2026 season, the UK will allocate:

• 20 tonnes of quota to support up to 230 recreational permits across UK waters, with approximately 140 to 150 permits expected to operate in English waters. This figure includes allowance for incidental mortality.
• 120 tonnes of quota for up to 30 commercial vessels using low impact rod and reel gear, supporting a tightly managed and sustainable commercial fishery.

The MMO is expected to open both fisheries in mid-July through a formal authorisation and permit process.

Jamie Cook, CEO of the Angling Trust and Fish Legal, comments: “The Angling Trust welcomes the introduction of mandatory training as a crucial step in the evolution of the UK’s bluefin tuna fishery.

This is a world-class recreational opportunity, but it comes with a responsibility to operate to the very highest standards. By ensuring every skipper is properly trained, we are protecting the welfare of these remarkable fish, supporting angler safety, and helping to build a fishery that is sustainable and respected internationally.

The Angling Trust is proud to be working with MMO, Defra and other stakeholders to deliver this programme, and we look forward to working with permit holders to set the benchmark for best practice in catch and release fisheries.”

Andrew Wills, MMO’s interim Head of Future Fisheries, said: “From this year, we’re introducing compulsory training for the catch and release fishery. This means all applicants offered a permit will have to ensure their named masters fully complete the Angling Trust-accredited BFT training, before receiving their authorisation.

“We are starting the catch and release permit process earlier this year to enable permit holders to take the training before the season begins in mid-July.”

What the training will involve

The training will take place in two parts: online theory, which focuses on the requirements for participating in the CRRF, best practices, and the code of conduct; and an in-person training assessment to ensure all participants are equipped with the highest possible skills and understanding ahead of the season opening.

The training course will cover core operational and conservation competencies, including:

• Fish welfare and best practice handling
• Bycatch mitigation and reducing marine disturbance
• At-sea etiquette and angler safety
• Legislative requirements and catch reporting

The training will cost approximately £450 per person. This comprises £100 for the online aspect and £350 for the in-person aspect. No alternative training qualifications will be accepted.

Upon successful application, applicants will be required to complete the online training and receive a list of trainers to contact to organise their in-person training session. Once they have completed the online course, they will receive a certificate and can proceed to undertake in-person training. Following the successful completion of the in-person course, the Angling Trust will inform the Marine Management Organisation, and the permit will be allocated. Training is expected to take place from May through early July, prior to the 2026 season opening.

Contact

You can contact the Marine Management Organisation with queries on BFT by emailing [email protected]

You can contact the Angling Trust with queries on BFT by emailing [email protected]

Notes to editors

1. UK Bluefin Tuna Plan
   On Thursday 5 March, the UK Government’s bluefin tuna fishing plan was agreed and endorsed by ICCAT. The plan outlines how the UK will utilise its quota allocation across the 2026 to 2028 total allowable catch cycle, covering both commercial and recreational fisheries.
2. Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF)

• Up to 230 recreational permits will be available across the UK, with approximately 140 to 150 issued for English waters.
• Applicants must operate a vessel of 5 metres or greater, registered in the UK under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
• The permit applies only within English waters.
• Charter vessels will continue to be prioritised, although a limited number of permits will be allocated to private vessels.
• Mandatory Angling Trust training will be required for all named vessel masters.

3. Application rules

• Applicants may apply to both the recreational and commercial fisheries if they meet the eligibility criteria.
• A single vessel cannot hold both a recreational permit and a commercial licence.
• Applicants successful in both must choose one fishery for that vessel.
• Multi-vessel owners may participate in both fisheries using separate vessels.