MOVES to allow charter fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna in Jersey’s waters later this year have been condemned by a UK animal rights group.
“Catch and release” charter trips are due to take place in the Island for a three-month period between August and October, Environment Minister Steve Luce told politicians at the most recent States sitting.
Up to five businesses would be given permits for 2025, with two having already expressed interest, according to Deputy Luce, who said this would take place within an international conservation convention that oversees the management of tuna and related species.
But Rob Hill, campaign manager for Animal Aid, said the group was “dismayed” by the government’s plans.
Mr Hill said the plans risked undermining decades of recovery for a species once nearly wiped out by overfishing.
“Rather than being quick to re-exploit these incredible fishes, whose population numbers only recovered through strict restrictions on commercial fishing, including sport angling pressures, we say leave them be,” he said.
Mr Hill continued: “All marine life around the planet is under pressure, with major drivers being overfishing, pollution, and climate change. We evidently need to reset our attitudes towards the natural world. We should be celebrating the return of the bluefin into your waters as a victory for the ocean’s wider ecosystem, in which they play a fundamental role as an apex predator.”
The UK became a party to the convention post-Brexit and has now authorised charter fishing for the species in Jersey’s territorial waters, once the extension is finalised.
Deputy Luce has argued the changes would support Jersey’s fishing industry.
“[This would] benefit the Island’s fishing communities and allow diversification to the fishing industry,” he said.
Extending the convention to cover Jersey waters would end the current situation where UK companies can apply for licences for charter fishing, but their counterparts in Jersey are unable to do so.
Members of the Island’s fishing community have been supportive of the proposed extension, saying that it could benefit several parts of the economy, including hospitality businesses as well as those directly involved in fishing.
