The application period for the commercial BFT trial, will open from 10:00am today, Monday the 8th of April until Sunday the 28th of April. The application itself and updated information on ‘how to apply’ is on this gov.uk page.
What is prohibited?
Commercial targeting of BFT is prohibited unless authorised in your fishing licence. BFT should be released alive and unharmed to the greatest extent possible; logbook vessels must record the discard. For the protection and conservation of BFT there is a minimum conservation reference size (MCRS). For bluefin tuna caught in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean the MCRS is 30kg or 115cm (fork length).
If the BFT cannot be returned to the sea alive UK vessels must:
- record all BFT by-catch.
- report and land all dead BFT above MCRS.
- discard all dead BFT below MCRS, vessels must record all discards.
Every BFT landed must be accompanied with an ICCAT Electronic Bluefin Tuna Catch Document (eBCD). It is the fisher’s responsibility to complete. For assistance, please contact ukiuuslo@marinemanagement.org.uk
Permitted BFT fishery through licence authorisation.
For 2024 the UK has 66.15 tonnes of BFT quota. The UK will use 39 tonnes of the quota to continue to the UK trial commercial fishery for vessels fishing with low-impact rod and reel gears. Licence authorisations will be available for up to 13 vessels, accessed through an application process. The 39 tonnes of quota will be split equally between the successful applicants. The trial will continue to assist in the evaluation of the sustainability of a small scale commercial BFT fishery and the social and economic benefits this new fishery could potentially provide to UK fishers. The MMO can make up to 13 licence authorisations available, in accordance with our 2024 UK annual fishing plan endorsed by ICCAT. The MMO on behalf of the UK fisheries authorities, will distribute the 39 tonnes of the quota amongst successful licence authorisation holders to fish against (3 tonnes per licence holder). Commercial fishing vessels from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may apply to take part in the trial, but fishing for BFT will not be permitted in Welsh or Northern Irish waters in 2024. The fishery is expected to be open from 1 July to 31 December 2024 subject to ICCAT registry, with the quota managed by the MMO who reserve the right to re-distribute quota if required during the year. Licence authorisations will be non-transferable and valid for the 2024 fishing season only. Licence authorisations will not provide successful applicants with a track record for future quota considerations and provide no guarantee of access to bluefin tuna quota in future. The licence will allow a controlled number of vessels the ability to land and sell BFT, provided reporting conditions are met. Failure to meet these conditions can result in an authorisation being suspended or removed. Eligibility criteria in order to apply for a BFT commercial licence?
Commercial fishing licence holders who meet specific mandatory criteria can apply to take part in the trial. The criteria is aligned with the UK’s commitment to meeting the requirements set by ICCAT and contributing to the sustainable management of the stock internationally. To apply for a BFT licence authorisation applicants must: Applicants cannot own both a commercial BFT licence and a recreational CRRF BFT permit for the same vessel, and applicants will know whether they have been successful before the recreational BFT application period opens. MMO and Defra reserve the right to take account of previous infringements by applicants when assessing applications.
Commercial fishing vessels from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may apply to take part in the trial, but fishing for BFT will not be permitted in Welsh or Northern Irish waters in 2024.
Consideration will also be given to an applicant’s history of compliance with regulatory requirements relating to fishing. Further detail on what will be considered is available in the terms and conditions of the application.
