With the bluefin tuna returning to UK shores over the last six years, and thanks to the excellent management of the fishery by local skippers, the UKBFTA, and other associated groups, there are now sufficient numbers to host the first Bluefin Tuna Championships right here in the UK. The event will take place out of Falmouth, Cornwall on the 28-29th of September 2024.
Steven Murphy, head of the UK Bluefin Tuna Association, had this to say following the announcement:
"The event is the culmination of six years of lobbying, co-design, fishing, and data gathering; three years of English CHART, during which we saw 3,400 bluefin tagged and released, with important data collected to help us understand the fishery."
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"The CHART program brought millions of pounds of new revenue to coastal communities in the South West and continues to do so through the world-class Catch and Release Recreational Fishery."
"And now, a collaboration of key partners brings the inaugural bluefin tuna fishing tournament to the UK, showcasing all that we have achieved together and creating an event that we intend to grow and develop into a sustainable showcase of a world-class fishery," he added.
"The UKBFTA has continued working with the Sportfishing Club of the British Isles, numerous experienced charter skippers, sponsors, and event organisers to prepare for the launch of this historic event."
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Steve went on to say:
"With the support of Shimano UK, Suzuki Marine, Tuna gear, RBS marine, Huntress & Home and a growing list of sponsors and partners, around 20-25 vessels will have the opportunity to showcase the fishery and their skills in this landmark event."
"As the first event of its kind in the UK, it will be limited in numbers of entrants, have experience/training requirements, gear and technique constraints, and of course will be limited to authorised (licensed) CRRF vessels only. Angler safety and fish welfare are at the very heart of the design of this tournament."
Our request for informal expressions of interest some weeks back saw a great response, and we are now looking to formalise that interest into entries in the coming days.
The dedicated website to register your interest can be accessed here:
www.theukbluefintunachampionship.co.uk
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