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Marine Management Organisation gov.uk

Bluefin tuna (BFT) catch and release recreational fishery (CRRF) within English waters

Imported from official source

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will open a bluefin tuna (BFT) catch and release recreational fishery (CRRF) in English waters in 2026. The MMO will run the application process and will issue permits only for vessels fishing in English waters, with around 150 permits available, Applicants wishing to operate outside English waters, for example in Welsh waters will need to apply through the relevant fisheries authority.

MMO have produced a summary of the outcomes from the 2026 UK Bluefin tuna catch and release recreational fishery (CRRF) application process, and the list of vessels permitted to fish for BFT in 2026.

The 2026 fishing season will run from mid-July to 30 November. To take part in the 2026 CRRF, you must apply for a permit through the MMO’s application process which will be open from 24 March until 23:59 13 April 2026. All applicants - including those who held a BFT permit in 2025 - must apply if they wish to participate in 2026.

Key changes coming into effect for 2026:

  • The application tiering system has been simplified with the introduction of Angling Trust accredited mandatory training.
  • Angling Trust, Defra, the MMO, Cefas, Natural England and sector representatives have jointly developed mandatory training, which is accredited by Angling Trust.

    • Applicants who are successful in the permit application process will receive a conditional offer and must complete this accredited training syllabus (approx. £450pp) before a permit can be issued.

    The MMO will only issue a permit once the required training has been successfully completed.

  • Successful charter vessel applicants will be eligible for a multi-year permit inside a TAC cycle period (2026 - 2028), under certain provisions. Successful private vessel applicants will continue to be eligible for one-year permits.

    • This is an extract. The publication continues at the source.

    Read the original at the source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluefin-tuna-bft-catch-and-release-recreational-fishery-crrf-within-english-waters

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    Provenance

    Organization
    Marine Management Organisation — imported from official source
    Official source
    https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-management-organisation.atom ATOM
    Imported
    September 20, 2026 19:53
    Versions
    1 recorded
    Identity
    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bluefin-tuna-bft-catch-and-release-recreational-fishery-crr...

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