Applications have opened today for experienced angling skippers to catch-and-release Atlantic bluefin tuna as part of a collaborative scientific survey.
The initiative targets Atlantic bluefin tuna – the world’s largest tuna species – to collect information on their sizes, and where and when they occur in Irish waters.
The programme saw two recaptures for the first time in 2023. The first recaptured bluefin was tagged and released originally by skipper, Adrian Molloy on October 2nd 2020 in Donegal Bay. Three years later, the same fish was caught again on September 11th 2023 off the north-east coast of Spain.
The second bluefin was originally tagged and released by skipper, Tony Santry on August 23rd 2023 off the Kerry coast – and recaptured just 22 days later on September 14th 2023 off the west French coast.
Recreational angling for Atlantic bluefin tuna is technically prohibited in Ireland.
Unauthorised vessels are not permitted to target or catch bluefin tuna and any unauthorised person found to be targeting bluefin tuna is liable to prosecution.
However, under the Tuna CHART (CatcH And Release Tagging) programme, authorised charter vessel skippers can catch, tag, and release bluefin during the open season in, with the help of anglers on board.
Skippers will be required to have high specification rods, reels and lines to ensure that each bluefin tuna is brought alongside the vessel for tagging in a timely manner, prior to their subsequent release.
In previous years all tuna were carefully managed, subject to strict guidelines set by the Tuna CHART programme, and all were released alive.
In 2024, a maximum of 25 authorisations may be granted to qualifying angling charter vessel skippers around the Irish coast.
This fishery will open on July 1st and close on November 12th.
Experienced charter skippers can apply to join the 2024 Tuna CHART programme between May 2nd and May 8th by completing an online application form: https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/what-we-do/research/tuna-chart
