UK: Three-year English bluefin tuna research hailed a success

Three-year English bluefin tuna research hailed a success. A three-year research programme, co-designed by scientists, policymakers, recreational anglers, skippers and conservationists, to unlock understanding of Bluefin Tuna (BFT) populations in English waters has been deemed a success or a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to understand these remarkable top predators; leaving a valuable legacy of high welfare standards and professional skills to inform a future sustainable recreational BFT fishery, in addition to bringing economic benefits to coastal communities. In addition to providing important scientific data, Catch And Release Tagging Programme (CHART) brought valuable economic benefits to coastal communities, by attracting recreational anglers to engage with this iconic sportfish and boosting local tourism. A socio-economic survey of participating anglers and skippers was conducted in 2022, enabling Cefas to estimate the Programme’s economic impact. Based on the survey ...