A CATCH-and-release permit for Atlantic bluefin tuna has been issued to a local charter vessel as part of a research project, the Government has confirmed – as it continues working with UK officials on plans to “expand the fishery” next year.
It follows comments made by Environment Minister Steve Luce in June, when he told the States Assembly about a scheme to enable approved businesses to offer catch-and-release charter trips between August and October.
Deputy Luce stated that this would see up to five licenses issued over the summer season, and that he hoped “sometime in the future” the Island might be granted a small quota for landing Atlantic bluefin tuna for consumption in the local market.
“Tuna is a very popular fish and bought in great quantities in supermarkets – if we could do that locally I look forward to being able to do that,” he said at the time.
In a statement on Friday, the Infrastructure and Environment Department said that since completing the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna ratification process, the Government had issued one catch-and-release permit for bluefin tuna to a local charter vessel.
“This is part of a controlled research project to better understand the species in Jersey waters and is run using a strict and proven capture methodology,” the statement continued.
“We are working closely with DEFRA [the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] on plans to expand the fishery in 2026 and will participate in the ICCAT negotiations this November as part of the UK delegation.”
