Opposition grows to tuna fishery

CORNWALL Wildlife Trust has joined with Green Party leaders in objecting to plans to open up Westcountry waters to anglers targeting bluefin tuna.

The plans has won support from charter boat owners, tourism leaders and MPs Luke Pollard (Lab, Plymouth Devonport) and Derek Thomas (Conservative, St Ives)

But Matt Slater, fisheries officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, pointed out the risks of even a catchand-release fishery designed to gather data on the animals as well as attracting big game fishermen.

“We are concerned,” he said. “They’re amazing creatures which have been fished heavily for centuries. Stocks have appeared to slightly improve and we’ve seen the welcome return of bluefin tuna to Cornish waters after a long absence.

“They’re huge, and quick – they can get up to speeds of 40mph and you need a large hook.

“It’s going to result in potential for injury. Scientists say the success rates have been great, but a more open fishery with less experienced people might change that.”