“CLARITY” over the opportunities for commercial and recreational fishing of Atlantic bluefin tuna within Jersey’s waters is expected before the summer, according to the government.
The Infrastructure and Environment Department said that it was awaiting the submission of a “key document” from the UK to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, which is due later this month.
It follows a previous update in September, when it emerged that a catch-and-release permit for Atlantic bluefin tuna had been issued to a local charter vessel as part of a research project – while the government continued developing plans to “expand the fishery” this year.
In a statement yesterday, the department said the UK document due to be submitted later this month “will confirm the final management position for Atlantic bluefin tuna for the 2026 season”.
“At the ICCAT Annual General Meeting in November 2025, the UK was awarded an increased Atlantic Bluefin tuna quota for the upcoming three‑year fisheries cycle, rising to approximately 230 tonnes,” the statement continued.
The department explained that Jersey was working closely with UK authorities “to develop both commercial and recreational opportunities for Atlantic bluefin tuna” within the Island’s waters.
“To support this, law drafting has been lodged to amend the Sea Fisheries Licensing Regulations, enabling the introduction of a regulated recreational Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery in Jersey,” it added.
“The final allocation and arrangements for Jersey’s Atlantic bluefin tuna fisheries in 2026 will only be confirmed once the UK’s fishing plan has been formally submitted to ICCAT.
“The Government of Jersey expects to receive clarity on this position in the spring.”
