World Class fishing to be found off the west Wales
coast.
Wales' first ever recreational fishery for bluefin tuna was
permitted in 2024 which revealed an increase in Bluefin Tuna in
the Celtic Deeps of West Wales and provided a boost to local
charter businesses.
The fishery was open between August and December for 2024 and
during this time, eight vessels were permitted, and a catch and
release of 83 individual Tuna was reported, with no reported
mortality. The Fish ranged from 4ft to 9 ft in length.
The recreational fishery was open to charter vessels to maximise
the socio-economic benefits.
Ocean Odyssey was one of the charter vessels to obtain a permit,
skipper explains how people can find
world class the fishing off the west coast of Wales: “It's an
exciting time for Wales as it's a golden opportunity to showcase
the wildlife we have and the conservation efforts we doing to
learn more about these species. It's been a privilege to be able
to target these magnificent fish and the make the most of the
world class fishery we have in Wales.
“All the skippers are conservation minded as demonstrated by the
zero fatalities of tuna in 2024. Working alongside my wife Emma
we have been able to welcome anglers from all corners of the UK
to make the most of this world class fishery. We have been able
to catch, tag and release blue sharks in the morning and then
target the mighty bluefin tuna in the afternoon. All whilst
enjoying the spectacle of pods of both fin whales and dolphins in
a feeding frenzy with the tuna. If the adrenaline rush of hooking
a huge bluefin tuna is not enough, the wildlife just adds another
level to the whole experience. The scene of huge bust of tuna
feeding amongst whales and dolphins with gannets diving is a
spectacle that never ceases to amaze.
“It's incredible to think that all of this is just off the coast
of Wales. We are looking forward to seeing the same again in 2025
as we look to make the most of this fishery in a responsible
manner. Being able to fish for the tuna allows us to extend our
typical season fishing offshore in the Celtic Deeps long into
December.
“We already have exciting plans in place for 2025 related to
shark conservation and we look forward to once again adding
responsible tuna fishing to our trip offerings. All whilst
contributing to the valuable scientific understanding of these
majestic fish and supporting our local economy in West Wales.”
In 2024 the fishery was only open to charter vessels on a catch
and release basis, and fishers were not permitted to bring the
tuna on board the vessel and all measurements were undertaken at
the side of the vessel to minimise accidental mortality.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for climate change and
Rural Affairs, , said: “With the increase of Bluefin Tuna in
our waters, it is clear stock recovery, along with climate change
is having an impact on the distribution of this iconic species
and, we will be looking to adapt and respond to these changes.
“I am pleased that the introduction of the recreational fishery
last year was a great success. We will manage this iconic species
in line with our international obligations, and it is important
that we continue to take a precautionary approach which will
maximise the potential social and economic benefit of the
species. We look forward to announcing further plans for the 2025
season.”
Notes to editors
• Tuna fisheries take place under the auspices of ICCAT
(International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas)
a Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO) that the UK
is a contracting party to. ICCAT rules stipulate that
recreational and sport fishing is not permitted unless
authorised. In 2024 the UK introduced legislation to allow the
authorisation of recreational tuna fishing for the first time. As
a devolved matter the issuing of authorisations to fish for Tuna
in Wales and the Welsh zone is a matter for Welsh Ministers.
• Each year the UK must set out its plans for the management of
Tuna in its waters to ICCAT. The plan will set out the maximum
number of licenses to be issued across the UK.
