The Bluefin tuna commercial trial fishery for 2023 has received an extension and is now extended to the year-end
The Bluefin tuna commercial trial fishery for 2023 has received an extension, now scheduled to conclude on 31 December 2023.
This year, the United Kingdom has been allocated a bluefin tuna quota of 65 tonnes, representing a notable increase from the quotas set in 2021 and 2022. Taking advantage of this expanded allocation, the UK has earmarked 39 tonnes to conduct a trial for a novel small-scale commercial fishery. This strategic move aligns with the directives outlined in the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) fishing plan for 2023.
The purpose of this trial is twofold: firstly, to assess the sustainability of a small-scale commercial bluefin tuna fishery, and secondly, to evaluate the potential social and economic benefits that such a fishery could bring to UK fishers. The extension of the trial until the year-end provides an extended window for gathering comprehensive data and insights.
To facilitate the trial, the UK has the authority to issue up to 10 license authorisations in adherence to ICCAT vessel catching capacity guidelines as per Recommendation 22-08. This commitment has been clearly outlined in the UK’s 2023 ICCAT fishing plan.
The distribution of the 39-tonne quota among successful license authorisation holders will be managed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of UK fisheries authorities. The fishery is open from August 1 to December 31, 2023, subject to ICCAT registry requirements. The MMO retains the flexibility to redistribute quota as needed throughout the year.
It is essential to note that license authorisations granted for this trial are non-transferable and valid only for the 2023 fishing season. Success in obtaining a license authorisation does not establish a track record for future quota considerations and does not guarantee access to bluefin tuna quota in subsequent years. The extension of the Bluefin tuna trial heralds a pivotal phase in the UK’s exploration of sustainable and economically viable fishing practices.
