> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thequarry.media/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Guernsey seeks bluefin tuna fishing rights as species returns to island waters - URL: https://www.thequarry.media/guernsey-seeks-bluefin-tuna-fishing-rights-as-species-returns-to-island-waters/ - Published: 2026-09-15T13:23:17.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-15T13:23:17.000Z - Author: The Quarry - Tags: News - Guernsey seeking ICCAT membership to enable legal bluefin tuna fishing after five-year increase in species abundance - Up to 30 commercial permits across UK and Crown Dependencies, each potentially worth £50,000 to licence holders - Approximately 25 recreational catch-and-release permits expected for Bailiwick applicants for 2027 season - Legislative changes required including new permit regime and prohibition on taking other ICCAT-managed shark species - Fishing without ICCAT status considered illegal and could result in vessel blacklisting and trade sanctions Listen to this article 0:00 /0 1× Guernsey is seeking to extend the UK's membership of an international tuna conservation body to the Bailiwick to enable local fishers to legally catch Atlantic bluefin tuna, which has become increasingly abundant in territorial waters over the past five years. Economic Development [has submitted proposals to the States](https://parliament.gg/parliamentary-business/propositions/P2026-67?ref=thequarry.media) asking for approval to implement measures that would bring Guernsey into compliance with the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), enabling both commercial and recreational tuna fishing in Bailiwick waters. Atlantic bluefin tuna abundance has increased significantly in the waters around Guernsey over recent years, generating growing interest among commercial licence-holders and recreational anglers. However, without ICCAT contracting party status, any fishing for bluefin tuna is considered Illegal, Unreported and Unlawful (IUU) fishing under international law. The UK became an ICCAT contracting party in 2020, and Jersey has already completed a similar process to extend this status to its waters. Under the proposed arrangements, approximately 30 commercial permits would be distributed across the UK and Crown Dependencies for the 2026-2029 period, with a total quota of 230 tonnes of Atlantic bluefin tuna available annually. Each permit holder would be able to land between four and five tonnes of tuna, with each permit likely to generate up to £50,000 for the licence holder, though prices vary depending on size and quality. For the 2027 season, approximately 25 catch-and-release recreational permits are expected to be available for Bailiwick applicants. Charter vessels would be able to offer dedicated tuna fishing trips, contributing to the visitor economy, with additional spending expected on fishing tackle, fuel and associated costs. The move comes at a time when the local fishing industry has suffered significantly from a recent octopus bloom, and access to the tuna fishery would support the economic viability of the fishing sector. Climate change may be driving shifts in fish assemblages in the English Channel, potentially increasing tuna abundance in these waters. To comply with ICCAT requirements, Guernsey would need to implement significant legislative changes, including establishing a permit regime for recreational fishing through amendments to the Fishing Ordinance 1997\. The island would also be required to prohibit the taking of other ICCAT-managed species, including bluewater shark species, shortfin mako sharks and thresher sharks. Further measures would include prohibitions on transhipment of ICCAT species between vessels of any size, measures against IUU fishing vessels, new licence conditions on commercial fishing licences, and the creation of offences for fishing without a permit or in contravention of permit conditions. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be established with the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), covering joint fishing operations, bycatch species, data submissions, biological sampling, monitoring and compliance, and statistical documents. The MoU would be non-legally binding. For the 2027 season, which opens in July, commercial licence applications would be administered directly by Defra. Bailiwick applicants would apply alongside other UK and Crown Dependency applicants through a centralised scoring system. With only 30 commercial licences available across the UK and Crown Dependencies, there is no guarantee that Bailiwick operators would secure a licence. Non-Bailiwick vessels would not be permitted to fish commercially for bluefin tuna in Bailiwick waters. Recreational permits would be administered locally by Guernsey Sea Fisheries, with priority given to charter vessels. Applicants would be required to complete a Defra-approved training course on handling, safety and welfare standards before a permit could be granted. Consideration is being given to allowing visiting Jersey or UK charter vessels with permits to fish in Bailiwick waters, which could provide additional benefits to the local economy. The annual cost of ICCAT membership is estimated at between £4,000 and £5,000, calculated based on GDP, tuna catch, canned production and panel meeting attendance. The States expect this to be cost-neutral as fees would be recovered through recreational permit fees. Compliance checks and data reporting would be handled within existing resources by Guernsey Sea Fisheries. ICCAT was established in 1966 and manages tuna and tuna-like species, swordfish, and associated migratory fish stocks across the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. The convention regulates approximately 30 species including tuna, albacore, yellowfin, bigeye, swordfish, marlin, sailfish and mackerel species. It coordinates scientific research, sets catch limits and monitors compliance. Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), migratory species crossing borders must be managed collectively through Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs). ICCAT is the RFMO for the Atlantic, and the only way to obtain a quota share is by being a contracting party to ICCAT. The consequences of non-compliance are severe. Fishing without ICCAT status is treated as IUU fishing, and ICCAT maintains an IUU vessel list where vessels can be formally blacklisted. Blacklisting consequences include removal of market access for caught fish, import bans and refusal of landings, signals to other jurisdictions that vessels are operating illegally, and enhanced inspection and reporting requirements at ports. ICCAT can impose trade sanctions against non-compliant members and non-members, including import prohibitions on bluefin tuna from identified non-contracting parties and bans on landings or transhipments by non-contracting parties involved in serious infringements. Bailiwick vessels engaging in illegal tuna fishing would cause reputational damage to Guernsey and the UK, as the UK is responsible for the Bailiwick's actions at international level. The States are being asked to approve three key decisions: agreeing that the Economic Development shall implement necessary measures to ensure Guernsey complies with ICCAT obligations; directing the preparation of necessary legislation, including consequential amendments to other legislation; and delegating authority to the Policy & Resources Committee to take necessary steps to extend ICCAT to Guernsey or the wider Bailiwick, subject to Economic Development's confirmation of future compliance. The changes must be made across Guernsey, Alderney and Sark, with each island required to amend respective fishing ordinances. Alderney and Sark must consent to being party to the ICCAT MoU with Defra. This would bring the entire Bailiwick into alignment with ICCAT requirements and put Bailiwick anglers on a level playing field with Jersey, the UK and France. Under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the UK must notify the EU of new fisheries management measures likely to affect EU vessels. However, Defra has advised that updating the fishing ordinances would not require such notification. The policy letter, dated 11 September 2026, has been submitted with the unanimous support of Economic Development. Consultation has been undertaken with St James' Chambers, Environment & Infrastructure, Policy and Resources Committee, and the governments of Alderney and Sark. Ongoing discussions regarding quota apportionment to specific regions could benefit the Bailiwick in time for the 2027 season, providing a strategic opportunity for Guernsey's fishing industry to participate in what could become an increasingly valuable fishery as climate change potentially increases tuna abundance in Channel waters. ## Q&A **Q: Why does Guernsey need ICCAT membership to fish for bluefin tuna?** A: Under international law, fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna without ICCAT contracting party status is considered Illegal, Unreported and Unlawful (IUU) fishing. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea requires migratory species to be managed collectively through Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, and ICCAT is the designated organisation for the Atlantic. The only way to obtain a legal quota share is by being a contracting party to ICCAT. **Q: How many tuna fishing permits would be available to Guernsey fishers?** A: Approximately 30 commercial permits would be distributed across the entire UK and Crown Dependencies for the 2026-2029 period, with no guarantee that Bailiwick operators would secure any. For recreational fishing, approximately 25 catch-and-release permits are expected to be available for Bailiwick applicants for the 2027 season, with priority given to charter vessels. **Q: What are the consequences if Guernsey vessels fish for tuna without ICCAT status?** A: Vessels could be formally blacklisted on ICCAT's IUU vessel list, resulting in removal of market access for caught fish, import bans, refusal of landings, and enhanced inspection requirements at ports. ICCAT can impose trade sanctions including import prohibitions and bans on landings or transhipments. There would also be reputational damage to Guernsey and the UK, as the UK is responsible for the Bailiwick's actions at international level.