UK’s First Catch-and-Release Bluefin Tuna Championship in Falmouth Harbour

A Sustainable Showcase of Sport and Science on 28th-29th September

Falmouth Harbour will be the setting for the inaugural UK Bluefin Tuna Tournament on 28th and 29th September 2024. This first-of-its-kind event in British waters will see a range of vessels participating in a catch and release championship designed to highlight the recovery and sustainability of the bluefin tuna population in UK seas.

A Historic Fishery Returns

The bluefin tuna, once abundant in the North Sea, was a major attraction for big game fishers from the 1930s to the 1950s, drawing in famous faces such as John Wayne to the waters off Scarborough. Their decline, likely due to the overfishing of herring, saw a drastic reduction in numbers. However, recent years have seen a remarkable resurgence, with bluefin tuna returning to UK waters in significant numbers for up to five months each year.

A Sustainable Partnership

This unique fishery has been carefully developed through a partnership between the UK Bluefin Tuna Association (UKBFTA), the Angling Trust, DEFRA, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), and Natural England. The tournament, designed with the welfare of the fish as a priority, will showcase the world-class sustainable fishery that has been created.

Tristan Rowe, Falmouth Harbour’s Commercial Operations Manager, highlighted the importance of the event: “This Championship is a unique combination of sport, science and sustainability and it’s exactly the sort of event we are focused on supporting and enabling here in our beautiful Harbour waters.”

The Event and Its Participants

Nineteen vessels, both private and charter, will compete in the tournament, including teams like the ‘Young Guns’ and the Ladies Team, demonstrating the inclusivity and enthusiasm for this historical event. The tournament’s rules will see the overall winner determined by the cumulative score of the length of the best three fish caught each day, with a special prize awarded for the largest fish of the tournament.

The fishery has brought an exciting and sustainable extension to fishing charters in the South West, with many skippers now able to extend their season into December. This is a significant development, considering that the first bluefin tuna in 70 years was caught off Scarborough earlier this season.

Research and Impact

The University of Exeter, a key partner in the event, will present its research over the weekend. Their ThunnusUK programme, in collaboration with CEFAS, has tracked over 150 bluefin tuna with state-of-the-art satellite tags. The data has revealed fascinating insights into the global journeys and behaviours of these enigmatic fish. Visitors to Falmouth Harbour will have the opportunity to learn more about this research and its implications for the future of the species.

With bluefin tuna stocks now 6-8 times higher than in 2010, the event aims to showcase the remarkable recovery of this species. The economic impact of the fishery is significant too. According to a DEFRA/CEFAS study, just 25 boats generated a total economic impact of £2.6 million in 2022.

Falmouth Harbour and Future Aspirations

Falmouth Harbour, known for its historical significance and excellent facilities, is an ideal venue for this event, which hopes to grow into an annual attraction, eventually drawing an international angling community to its shores. The harbour is committed to safely and sustainably shaping and maintaining the area for the benefit of all stakeholders and the local community. For more information on Falmouth Harbour and its services, visit their website or contact the team on 01326 213537.

A Step Towards the Future

Steven Murphy, CEO of the UKBFTA, emphasised the broader importance of the tournament: “We understand the importance of this fishery to the recreational sea anglers and the value this brings to the wider community of Falmouth and the UK and the inherent natural value of having this unique and dynamic fish in our waters.”

The organisers hope that the event’s success will set the stage for future tournaments, bringing sustainable tourism and economic growth to Falmouth and beyond, while continuing to protect and celebrate the UK’s bluefin tuna population.