The Tuna Chart programme began accepting applications from fishing skippers last Thursday, inviting them to participate in a collaborative scientific survey that involves the capture and release of Atlantic bluefin tuna. The purpose of this initiative is to amass data about the size, occurrence, and foreign re-capture of these creatures in Irish waters.
The programme, which first observed re-captures in 2023, has shed valuable light on the fluctuations in the size of these meticulously managed fish. While recreational angling for Atlantic bluefin tuna in Irish waters is forbidden, the Tuna Chart programme affords certified charter boat skippers the chance to hook, tag and liberate these fish during the open season, with the assistance of their on-board passengers.
Skippers are obligated to use high specification fishing equipment. This is to ensure that each caught fish is swiftly brought alongside the boat for tagging before being released back into the sea. Every year, the tuna are meticulously managed in line with stringent guidelines set out by the Tuna Chart programme, and all are released alive.
The programme in 2023 saw the first tagged Atlantic bluefin recapture and placed tags on 381 of these animals. It also saw 239 angling trips and a peak of 4.5 tuna caught per journey in the most successful week. The upcoming year is slated to have a maximum of 25 authorised skipper applicants who will be permitted to fish around the Irish coast.
The fishing season will kick-off on July 1st and wrap up on November 12th. Seasoned charter skippers can submit their application to partake in the 2024 Tuna Chart programme between May 2nd and May 8th. The application forms can be obtained from the Inland Fisheries Ireland at 01-884 2600.
The Tuna Chart programme is the result of a concerted effort by the Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Marine Institute, in association with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
Additionally, the recent Tomas Burke two-day midweek fly fishing event held at Lough Mask was a huge draw, enticing 126 competitors. Peter Diver was declared the victor with his catch of six sizable trout, one of which weighed 2.5lb, while Patrick Burns clinched the second spot.