EU updates bluefin tuna quota, season and video-recording controls
Bluefin tuna operators must update quota, season and video-recording workflows
Change
The EU amended bluefin tuna management rules for the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, updating quota carry-over, purse seine seasons, vessel-list timing, video records and observer declaration controls.
Why it matters
The Regulation changes operational controls for bluefin tuna fishing, farming, transfer, caging, release and harvesting workflows. Member States must reflect the 20% quota carry-over request limit and updated purse seine fishing seasons in their annual plans. Operators must also follow revised video-recording, observer verification and declaration requirements for controlled bluefin tuna operations.
Implications
- — Member State fisheries authorities must update annual fishing and capacity management plans for bluefin tuna — quota carry-over requests are capped at 20% and must be included for ICCAT endorsement.
- — Purse seine operators fishing bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean must align activity with the updated fishing seasons — the general season runs from 19 May to 1 July, with the Cantabrian farming derogation running from 26 May to 31 August.
- — Trap, farm and donor operators involved in transfer, caging, release or harvesting operations must follow the revised video-recording and declaration requirements — inadequate video quality can require the operation to be repeated.
Who is affected
- — Member State fisheries authorities managing bluefin tuna quotas
- — Purse seine operators fishing bluefin tuna
- — Bluefin tuna farm, trap and donor operators
- — ICCAT regional observers and national observers
What to watch
- — 14 May 2026: amended bluefin tuna management rules enter into force.
- — 19 May to 1 July each year: general purse seine fishing season for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.
- — 26 May to 31 August each year: Cantabrian Sea purse seine season for farming purposes.