LICENCE conditions have been drafted to ensure that any Atlantic bluefin tuna that might be landed into Jersey – if local vessels are granted a commercial quota this year – stay in the Island “to benefit the local economy and marine sector”.
Environment Minister Steve Luce said that sellers would be registered through a “mandatory electronic catch documentation scheme” as part of efforts to provide “the highest levels of traceability for each individual fish”.
Deputy Luce’s comments, which came in response to a written question from former Environment Minister Deputy Jonathan Renouf, follow an update from the Infrastructure and Environment Department earlier this month.
The department revealed that “clarity” over the opportunities for both commercial and recreational fishing of Atlantic bluefin tuna within Jersey’s waters is expected before the summer.
This is because the Island is awaiting confirmation of the UK’s “final management position” following the submission of a key document to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.
In his response to Deputy Renouf, Deputy Luce noted that “once this is approved at ICCAT level, it will be understood how many permits will be allocated to Jersey for recreational fishing”.
He also stated that “commercial fishing is being looked at for 2026 in Jersey territorial waters”.
“The Atlantic bluefin tuna quota is held at a UK level meaning Jersey vessels will need to apply to the marine management organisation in the UK for a commercial permit,” the minister explained.
“If Jersey vessels are successful, the Atlantic bluefin tuna season runs from 1 July to 31 December.”
Deputy Luce continued: “Licence conditions have been drafted to ensure any Atlantic bluefin tuna landed into Jersey are to remain on island to benefit the local economy and marine sector.
“All sellers will be registered through a mandatory electronic catch documentation scheme which ensures the highest levels of traceability for each individual fish.”
Deputy Luce added that the Island currently has harbour facilities available to deal with “a small scale, trial commercial fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna”.
“If Jersey vessels are awarded Atlantic bluefin tuna quota for 2026, a review process will take place in the winter of 2027 to understand the fisheries performance and whether further investment is needed.”
