Minister Expresses Optimism Over Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishing Prospects

Jersey Minister Hopes for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Charter Fishing in 2025

Jersey’s Environment Minister, Deputy Steve Luce, has expressed optimism that charter fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna could begin in the island’s waters as early as 2025.

Updating the States Assembly, Deputy Luce discussed progress on extending the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas to Jersey. This extension would enable the island's vessels to fish for bluefin tuna under sustainable regulations.

The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has approved charter fishing in Jersey’s territorial waters starting in 2025, contingent on the convention’s extension.

Deputy Luce said he plans to sign a ministerial decision in early June, formally requesting that UK officials proceed with extending the convention to Jersey.

During Brexit negotiations, the UK became a contracting party to the 1966 convention, which promotes sustainable fishing and stock management. As a Crown Dependency, Jersey cannot join international agreements directly but can be included through the UK with its consent.

“Shoals of thousands of Atlantic bluefin tuna have been seen in Jersey waters since 2016,” Luce noted. However, the species is currently protected under the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021, which prohibits fishing or landing them within territorial waters.

If the convention is extended, Jersey's Marine Resources team would oversee the regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of the new fishery.