Open season for Bluefin tuna in Gibraltar waters begins

The open season for Bluefin tuna in Gibraltar waters has started.

The Government says there will be a total allowable catch of 30 tonnes - up from 26 tonnes last year.

You can contact the Environment Department on info.environment@gibraltar.gov.gi for further information.

The Department of the Environment reminds anglers that a Class K licence is required to fish for Bluefin tuna.

It says the 30 tonne quota has been set following a review of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna quota increase on Bluefin tuna for the 2026 season.

It says the quota will again be split into two parts.

The first part - 27 tonnes - will be for the period starting today and ending on the 25th of next month - unless the limit is reached beforehand, in which case the season will be temporarily closed.

The second part of the quota is set at three tonnes, with the open season to restart on the 6th of August until the 14th of October - again, unless the limit is reached early.

A dedicated landing stage has been set up within the North Mole.

All tuna and billfish catches - such as swordfish - must be reported and weighed, and landing point staff must be contacted as soon as a vessel catches a Bluefin tuna.

There's a limit of one fish per day per licence holder and vessel, and the fish must have a minimum weight of 30 kilos and fork length of 130cm.

The Department also reminds anglers that the practice of "popping" for tuna, which can cause serious injury to dolphins, is not allowed inside the Dolphin Protection Zone north of Rosia Bay.

It also reminds them to keep their distance from dolphins or whales, in line with the Cetacean Protocol.