Category: Sea Fishing News

Recreational UK bluefin tuna fishery approved; open from August 2024

After more than six years of dedicated efforts by the Angling Trust and the UK Bluefin Tuna Association (UKBFTA), the legislation enabling the opening of a recreational catch-and-release bluefin tuna fishery in UK waters takes effect from June 7th, 2024. This landmark achievement, under the guidance of the multinational Atlantic bluefin tuna organisation, ICCAT, paves […]

Angling Trust fight for anglers to have their say as the government commits to exploring recreational pollack management in 2024

Over the last tenweeks, the Angling Trust has worked hard behind the scenes to avoid the worst-case scenario for recreational anglers through the annual UK-EU negotiations following ICES advice on pollack for a zero catch in 2024. Thanks to our work, anglers will now have an opportunity to have their say on pollack management in […]

DEFRA announces intention to establish a Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery

DEFRA has announced plans to establish a Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery in England in 2024. Stakeholders welcome this but have serious concerns regarding some key aspects of the proposal. Three of the biggest stakeholder representative bodies in a future recreational bluefin tuna fishery have welcomed the publication by DEFRA of their consultation […]

Recreational Bluefin Tuna Fishery Consultation Launched

Defra has launched a consultation on  ‘Permitting regimes for the recreational targeting of bluefin tuna in UK waters’. The consultation is open until 4th September 2023. You can view the consultation here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/recreational-aquaculture-and-migratory-team/bft-recreational-fishery/ This is the next step in the development of policy options regarding the establishment of a Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF). Last year’s consultation on […]

Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel Mixed Flatfish Fisheries Management Plan Consultation Opens

Monday 17th July the Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel Mixed Flatfish Fisheries Management Plan consultation has opened for 12-weeks. The consultation closes on 1st October 2023. As the Angling Trust understand it, there will be two opportunities to respond: online consultation via Citizen Space, and in-person via a Defra roadshow (details still to be announced). You […]

Angling Trust launches ‘Fishing for Good’ 5-year plan

The Angling Trust has launched its vision for fishing and the environment in its five-year strategic plan, Fishing for Good 2023-28. Through the pillars of campaigning, participation, competitions and supporting grass roots clubs and fisheries, the report outlines how the Angling Trust will play a leading role in achieving key goals that will enrich and […]

International Game Fish Association Launches Pioneering Billfish Research and Conservation Endowment Campaign

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), a global leader in game fish conservation, is proud to announce the launch of its Billfish Research and Conservation Endowment Campaign, an ambitious initiative focused on ensuring the future of these iconic species. The unparalleled initiative will provide long-term funding solutions that support studies that augment data on billfish […]

England’s first national Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code launches to help people enjoy the coast responsibly

• First national Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code launches in England to help protect animals and habitats • The code encourages those visiting our unique coastlines to do so in a way which also protects our marine wildlife such as seals, seabirds and dolphins • The code was developed in collaboration with Whale and Dolphin […]

International Game Fish Association Launches New World Record Length Category for Kids

Young anglers have a new chance to catch and release IGFA World Records The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), a global conservation non-profit that manages world records for all game fish species worldwide, recently debuted a new category for junior anglers to compete in World Record fishing. Beginning March 1, 2023, the new IGFA All-Tackle […]

Coastal communities to receive funding for recreational sea fishing

Up to £1 million has been made available for coastal communities across the UK to invest in new and improved infrastructure for recreational sea fishing. From today (27 March), eligible applicants will be able to bid for between £10,000 and £100,000 for projects to upgrade recreational fishing facilities, reduce carbon emissions, support the protection and […]