Economic Development wants the UK’s membership of the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna extended to cover the island. That would allow a limited amount of tuna to be caught for food, as well as letting angling trip organisers apply to fish for the protected species on a catch-and-release basis.
The committee said the initial benefits would be limited, but it was looking to the longer term.
‘The increase in the abundance of Atlantic bluefin tuna and, more recently, common octopus in the English Channel may be part of a wider climate change driven shift in fish assemblages,’ it said.
‘The primary reason for the extension of the UK’s contracting party status is therefore strategic, enabling the Bailiwick to access the UK Atlantic bluefin tuna quota. This would also place our recreational and commercial anglers on a level playing field with neighbouring jurisdictions in Jersey, the UK and France.’
The committee said the local fishing industry had suffered significantly from the recent octopus bloom, and access to the tuna fishery could help support its economic viability.
‘For the 2026-2029 quota period, 230 tonnes of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota will be available annually, distributed via approximately 30 commercial permits,’ it said. ‘Each permit holder will be able to land four to five tonnes of Atlantic bluefin tuna. Prices vary with size and quality, but each permit is likely to generate up to £50,000 for the licence holder.’
How many permits Bailiwick fishers might receive would depend on an application process administered by Defra. The committee said discussions were ongoing over apportioning quotas to specific regions, which could further benefit the Bailiwick in time for the 2027 fishing season.
Membership of the convention would also bring other responsibilities and restrictions, including a prohibition on fishing for blue shark species.