Bluefin Tuna Rebound in British Waters After Decades-Long Decline
Conservation efforts and fishing regulations have contributed to a resurgence of the 'king of fish' along the UK coast.
A remarkable comeback is underway for the bluefin tuna, with sightings and a recent spectacular leap observed off the coast of southwest England. The 7ft fish was seen erupting from the water while hunting, an event captured by a kayaker who described the experience as a "complete and utter thrill."
The waters off Devon and Cornwall are currently experiencing a surge in bluefin tuna, which migrate to the area annually from July to November. These large, warm-blooded predators, capable of growing up to ten feet long and weighing over 800 pounds, were once a common sight but disappeared from British waters in the 1960s due to overfishing.
The species' decline accelerated by 2007, when global tuna stocks neared collapse. In response, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) implemented a 15-year recovery plan coupled with stringent international fishing regulations. This strategy has led to a significant increase in Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna populations, particularly in British seas.
The success of these conservation measures was further highlighted in 2021 when the bluefin tuna was removed from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Sightings along the southwest coast have become increasingly frequent, establishing the region as a "world-class fishery" for the species.
While bluefin tuna remain highly protected, the UK government has introduced managed fishing programs. In 2023, ten commercial vessels were granted licenses on a trial basis. This year, 30 commercial boats are permitted to catch a total of four tons each. The licensing process is competitive, with fishermen applying annually and winners selected from a pool after a strict vetting procedure.
Recent reports indicate the growing presence of these magnificent fish. Just last month, a 740-pound bluefin tuna was caught off the coast of Whitby, marking the first such catch in six decades. A chef and restaurateur from Dartmouth, Devon, previously described witnessing a shoal in action as "the most unbelievable sight," with the water boiling as the tuna pursued their prey to the surface.