Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Catch-and-Release Recreational Fishery 2026: Trainers Wanted
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), in partnership with the Angling Trust, Cefas, Natural England and Defra, is supporting the delivery of the 2026 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT) Catch-and-Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) in England. As this fishery continues to grow in popularity, we are committed to ensuring it operates to the highest standards of fish welfare, safety, and professionalism.
For 2026, mandatory training is being considered for all permit holders prior to permit issuance. This will ensure participants fully understand and comply with the updated Code of Conduct and best practice guidelines.
Mandatory Training for Participants
Plans under consideration include:
- Online training to provide consistent understanding of best practice.
- In-person training, combining classroom sessions with practical “on-the-water” exercises.
Training for prospective permit holders is expected to take place between March and July 2026.
Please note that Angling Trust and MMO will be informing potential participants once in the training is live in March 2026. The training developed by the Angling Trust will be the only training the MMO considers applicable when applying for the 2026 CRRF fishery.
Call for Accredited Trainers
To deliver this programme, the Angling Trust is inviting expressions of interest from experienced charter skippers who meet the following minimum criteria (not ranked by importance):
- Participation as a CHART charter skipper since 2022, OR evidence of extensive experience handling large pelagic fish AND participation in the 2024/25 CRRF as a charter skipper.
- Demonstrated success in catch-and-release of Bluefin tuna, either through CHART or the 2024/25 CRRF (number of fish caught may be considered).
- Access to a suitable shoreside training facility and a properly coded, fully insured charter vessel for practical training.
- A valid commercially endorsed skipper’s qualification.
- A teaching or coaching qualification would be advantageous.
Successful applicants will be contracted by the Angling Trust under standard terms and conditions.
How to Register Your Interest
If you would like to register your interest, please email sea@anglingtrust.net with your name, email address, and telephone number by Friday, 19 December 2025. More information can be found here.
People who have submitted an interest in becoming a trainer will receive an application form during the week commencing Monday, 5 January 2026, with final decisions expected by February 2026.
Please note: submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee accreditation as a trainer, nor does it guarantee a permit for the 2026 BFT CRRF.