APPLICATIONS for the recreational fishing of Atlantic bluefin tuna in Jersey’s waters can now be submitted after new regulations were approved earlier this year.
The Infrastructure and Environment Department said that a maximum of 25 permits will be issued for 2026 and fees will be set at £500.
Application forms can now be received by emailing marineresources@gov.je with an expression of interest.
It follows a decision by States Members last month to back plans for the “catch-and-release” fishing of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, which were once classified as ‘endangered’ but have been making a return – including to Channel Islands waters – in recent years following successful conservation efforts.
The Infrastructure and Environment Department said a “responsible, measured approach” had been taken to managing the fish.
“Over recent years, the Island applied the precautionary principle, protecting Atlantic Bluefin Tuna under the Wildlife Law while scientific evidence on stock health continued to grow,” the statement continued.
“Now, with the stock internationally recognised as recovered and sustainably managed, and with Jersey formally included in the UK’s membership of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), Jersey is able to participate in regulated and internationally monitored fishery.”
