Irish skippers needed to support scientific programme for world’s largest tuna

Applications have today opened for experienced charter skippers to catch and release Atlantic bluefin tuna as part of a collaborative scientific survey.

The initiative targets Atlantic bluefin tuna – the world’s largest tuna species – to collect information on their sizes, and when and where they occur in Irish waters.

Inland Fisheries Ireland Senior Research Officer Dr William Roche said: “This is an important tagging programme, which is undertaken on-site by authorised tuna angling skippers. 

“Large bluefin tuna consistently visit Irish waters between summer and autumn – especially off the northwest and south coasts. 

“Sizes of tuna have varied over the years, and their arrival time has been variable too. 

 “While storms prevented some angling trips in 2025, high numbers of bluefin tuna were tagged and released on trips that did take place – particularly in September and October.

“The data from this programme is incorporated into international stock assessment models for Atlantic bluefin tuna to understand the status of this tightly managed and formerly endangered species.”

In 2025, the programme recorded:

• A total of 288 bluefin tagged;
• 193 bluefin tuna angling trips undertaken;
• 4 bluefin caught per trip in the most successful week;
• 90% of all bluefin tuna tagged were tagged off the Donegal Coast, which continues to be the hotspot for bluefin tuna.

While the majority of Atlantic bluefin tuna were caught in Donegal Bay, some fish were also tagged and released along Ireland’s south and west coasts.

Recreational angling for Atlantic bluefin tuna is technically prohibited in Ireland. 

Unauthorised vessels are not permitted to target or catch bluefin tuna and any unauthorised person found to be targeting bluefin tuna is liable to prosecution. 

However, under the Tuna CHART (CatcH And Release Tagging) programme, authorised charter vessel skippers can catch, tag, and release bluefin during the open season, with the help of anglers on board. 

Skippers are required to have high specification rods, reels and lines to ensure that each bluefin tuna is brought alongside the vessel for tagging in a timely manner, prior to their subsequent release.

In 2026, a maximum of 25 authorisations may be granted to qualifying angling charter vessel skippers around the Irish coast. 

The Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery will open on July 1st and close on November 12th.

Experienced charter skippers can apply to join the 2026 Tuna CHART programme between Feb 17th and March 3rd by completing an online application form.