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England

We are expecting to open a BFT catch and release recreational fishery (CRRF), for permitted vessels, in English waters in summer 2024. The exact season start date will be confirmed once the new legislation has come into force. This fishery is expected to run until early December 2024.

Wales

Welsh Government is considering a catch and release recreational fishery in Welsh waters in 2024. Further details and updates will be published by Welsh Government when available.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

Scotland and Northern Ireland will not be opening BFT CRRFs in their waters in 2024.

Joining the 2024 English BFT CRRF

You will need a permit to join this fishery.

MMO will issue permit application guidance and the application submission dates once the new legislation has come into force.

Permit numbers will be proportionate to the amount of quota available, to cover any incidental BFT mortalities.

The MMO will be responsible for issuing permits for the English BFT CRRF. Initially, permits will be free of charge. In future years, charges are likely to be introduced.

We are setting out this provisional guidance now to give you the maximum amount of time to prepare to apply.

We want to determine levels of interest in the English BFT CRRF ahead of applications opening. You can register your interest by emailing us at BFT.Recreational@marinemanagement.org.uk

Please note that this is not compulsory, but in registering your interest we can inform you when the application process has opened so that you can apply and be considered for a permit. However, it remains your responsibility to check the website regularly for updates. The next CRRF update is expected in June.

How English BFT CRRF permits will be allocated.

To be eligible for a permit you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be the owner of a vessel registered in the United Kingdom under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
• Your vessel must not be less than 5 metre in overall length and must be powered by an engine/motor.
• You must not have secured a permit for the UK commercial BFT fishery trial (please see the commercial BFT section (add link).
• You must not have secured a permit for the Welsh BFT CRRF.
• If your vessel is used for charter fishing trips, you will need to provide a copy of your Small Commercial Vessel Certificate (SCV2).
• You will be asked to submit a recent photograph of your vessel with external registration markings on display.

The permit application process will be open for a set amount of time. All applications will be evaluated once the permit application process has closed. If MMO receive more applications than the number of permits available, then MMO will prioritise applications as follows:

• Priority 1: Charter vessels owned by those who either skippered or owned a vessel that participated in a UK CHART programme.
• Priority 2: Charter vessels owned by those who participated in a UK CHART programme as crew.
• Priority 3: Charter vessels not linked to a UK CHART programme.

Additionally, some permits will be ring fenced for private vessels, to ensure this group also has the opportunity to participate in the 2024 English BFT CRRF.

In the unlikely event of an under-subscription, the MMO may consider extending the application submission period to allow more applications. This will be communicated as appropriate.

What will be expected of participants in the 2024 English BFT CRRF

An English BFT CRRF permit allows for the named vessel to be used to catch and release BFT by rod and line only, for the defined period, in English waters. The vessel owner and skipper are both liable for ensuring that legislative requirements are followed.

The new legislation will set out how any caught BFT should be treated. It will stipulate that BFT must not be:

• harmed,
• removed from the sea,
• brought aboard a vessel,
• transferred to any other vessel,
• landed.

It will also require all permit BFT fishing trips carried out in English waters to be reported to the MMO within 24 hours upon return, regardless of whether any BFT were caught or not.

Details on how permit holders are to report their information will be communicated to successful applicants and set out within their permit.

The vessel owner and skipper will be legally bound by permit conditions set by the MMO.

The permit will not be transferable to a different owner or in respect of a different fishing boat.

The MMO has the power if needed to vary, suspend, or revoke permits, under the conditions set out in the new legislation.

All participants in the English BFT CRRF are encouraged to undertake training and to adopt the voluntary code of conduct, which will set out best practice relating the catching and release of BFT.

The guidance and training has been developed collaboratively by the Angling Trust, the UK Bluefin Tuna Association, the Professional Boatmans Association, Centre of Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and Natural England. It is expected to be available from May.

Registration under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995

To demonstrate that your vessel has been registered in the United Kingdom under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 you must provide a certificate showing that your vessel has been registered on either part 1, 2 or 3 of the UK ships register (UKSR): https://www.ukshipregister.co.uk/.

The appropriate part of the register depends on the class of the vessel.

• Part 1 or Part 3 registration will be accepted for non-commercial fishing vessels. You will need to check with the UKSR to determine which is suitable for your vessel.

• Part 2 of the register is reserved for commercial fishing vessels (those issued with an MMO licence to sell fish for profit). If you are applying as an owner of commercial fishing vessel you can submit a copy of your existing part 2 registration certificate.

Please note that the MMO will require a photograph of the vessel displaying external registration markings on the hull to allow for identification.

Depending on vessel type you may be required to provide supporting documents and pay the appropriate fee to register your vessel with UKSR. Please allow sufficient time in order for the UKSR registration to be complete.

Applications for UKSR registration and advice can be found here at https://www.ukshipregister.co.uk/registration/.