2025 UK Bluefin Catch Report

The 2025 season marked the second year of the UK’s official bluefin tuna fishery — and with it came a significant increase in participation, fishing effort, and new insights into how the fishery is evolving. Following the exceptionally strong 2024 season, expectations were high. However, the 2025 results tell a more nuanced story, highlighting how environmental conditions and increased pressure can influence outcomes.

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Season Overview

The 2025 fishery ran from mid-July through to the end of November, slightly shorter than the 2024 season. A total of 142 vessels were permitted, compared to 93 in 2024, representing a major expansion of the fishery. Of these, 124 vessels were active, completing 1,362 trips — up from 1,014 trips the previous year. Fishing activity again peaked between August and October, although weather conditions played a more noticeable role in limiting consistent effort throughout the season.

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Catch Performance

In total, 2,666 bluefin tuna were caught during the 2025 season, compared to 3,359 in 2024.

This equates to:

• 1.96 tuna per trip in 2025
• 3.31 tuna per trip in 2024

Despite more vessels and more trips, catch rates were significantly lower. Catch rates were strongest early in the season, particularly in August, before declining as the season progressed. A key contributing factor was weather conditions, which at times limited fishing opportunities and reduced time on the water. Combined with the increased number of vessels, this likely contributed to the overall drop in catch efficiency.

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Fish Size

While fewer fish were caught, average fish size increased noticeably in 2025:

• 179.5 cm average length in 2025
• 167.7 cm in 2024

This suggests a shift toward larger, more mature tuna being encountered in UK waters. For anglers, this represents an important trade-off: Fewer opportunities, but a higher chance of encountering bigger fish.

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Success Rates

Trip success rates also reflected the change in conditions:

• 70% of trips successful in 2025
• 83% in 2024

While still strong overall, this drop highlights the increased variability in the fishery compared to the previous year.

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Fleet Composition: Charter vs Private Vessels

The structure of the fleet also shifted slightly between seasons.

2024:

• 62 charter vessels
• 31 private vessels

2025:

• 73 charter vessels
• 69 private vessels

This shows a significant increase in private recreational participation, with the number of private vessels more than doubling. Charter vessels still play a key role in the fishery, particularly in introducing anglers to bluefin tuna fishing, but the growth in private boats reflects increasing accessibility and interest in the fishery.

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Fish Welfare and Sustainability

Catch-and-release practices remained highly effective:

• 97% of fish released in good condition in 2025
• 98.7% in 2024

Mortality rates remained low:

• 0.53% in 2025
• 0.21% in 2024

Although slightly higher than the previous year, these figures remain well within acceptable levels and demonstrate that the fishery continues to operate responsibly.

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Key Takeaways from the 2025 Season

• Significant increase in vessels and overall fishing effort
• Lower catch rates compared to 2024
• Larger average fish size
• Growth in private recreational participation
• Weather conditions likely impacted fishing consistency
• Slight reduction in trip success rates

The 2025 season highlights an important shift: The UK bluefin tuna fishery is becoming more competitive, with more pressure and greater variability — but also the potential for bigger fish.

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What Does This Mean Going Forward?

The comparison between 2024 and 2025 shows that the UK fishery is still developing and evolving. Year-to-year variation is to be expected, particularly in a relatively new fishery influenced by environmental conditions, stock movement, and fishing pressure. What remains clear is that:

• Bluefin tuna are consistently present in UK waters
• The fishery is expanding rapidly
• Opportunities remain strong for both charter and private anglers

As more seasons are completed, a clearer picture will emerge of long-term trends, but for now, the UK remains one of the most exciting emerging bluefin tuna fisheries in the world.

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Want to Experience It for Yourself?

If you’re interested in bluefin tuna fishing in the UK or want to stay updated with future seasons, keep an eye on the latest reports and insights. Each season is adding to the story, and the opportunity to target these fish continues to evolve.

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This analysis is based on publicly available data from the UK Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF), published by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO)