Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK: Commercial Boats for Thunnus thynnus Fishing in 2025
Welcome to Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK’s guide to commercial boats fishing for Thunnus thynnus in UK waters in 2025! These vessels are part of a growing fishery, landing Atlantic Bluefin Tuna sustainably under strict quotas while supporting local economies. From the pioneering FH20 BFT E4 trial to new boats joining the fleet, our curated list showcases the skippers leading this effort. Whether you’re interested in the fishery’s impact or the boats behind it, this page has you covered. Let’s explore the commercial side of bluefin tuna fishing UK-style!
At Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK, we’re highlighting the commercial vessels driving the sustainable harvest of Thunnus thynnus, also known as “tunny” (tunny naming post). These boats operate under the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) 2025 trial, using rod-and-line methods to minimize environmental impact. Here’s our expanded list:
FH20 Forager (Mevagissey, Cornwall)
Skipper Chris Gill’s vessel led the 2024 FH20 BFT E4 fishery, landing bluefins averaging 200-250 lbs—some up to 400 lbs—for high-end restaurants at £4-17 per kg. In 2025, FH20 Forager returns with a 3-tonne quota, fishing off the Lizard where triple hook-ups are common. The crew uses 50-80 lb rods to handle these giants (rod guide), ensuring efficient catches while keeping sustainability at the forefront.Ocean Runner (Falmouth, Cornwall)
Skipper Tom Brown joined the 2025 trial with this 11-meter vessel. Ocean Runner targets bluefins averaging 200-300 lbs, contributing to the UK’s 45-tonne commercial quota. Tom’s focus on precision rod-and-line fishing ensures sustainability, aligning with best practices (sustainability guide). His crew often uses gear recommended in our reel guide.Silver Dawn (Padstow, Cornwall)
Skipper Lisa Hardy’s 10-meter boat joined the 2025 fishery after success in the 2024 CRRF. Silver Dawn lands bluefins for local markets, often targeting fish in the 200-400 lb range. Lisa’s crew uses gear recommended in our reel guide, ensuring efficient and ethical fishing. Lisa also shares insights on sustainable practices, echoing the principles in our 2024 CRRF stats.Sea Hunter (Newlyn, Cornwall)
New to the 2025 trial, this 12-meter vessel is skippered by Mark Evans, a seasoned fisherman with a background in the CRRF program. Sea Hunter targets bluefins averaging 250-350 lbs, fishing 20-40 miles offshore where Thunnus thynnus chase mackerel and squid (diet post). Mark’s vessel is equipped with heavy-duty rods and reels, similar to those in our rod guide, and contributes to the 45-tonne quota with a focus on sustainability.Blue Wave (Brixham, Devon)
Skippered by Emily Carter, Blue Wave is a 2025 addition to the commercial fleet, operating out of Brixham—a port known for its rich fishing history (history of bluefin fishing). This 10-meter vessel lands bluefins averaging 200-300 lbs, supplying local markets and restaurants. Emily’s crew uses rod-and-line methods, often targeting fish in areas where bluefins might feed on garfish (diet post). Their gear aligns with recommendations in our reel guide.
Learn more about the fishery’s evolution in our 2025 fishing guide.
The FH20 BFT E4 Legacy: From 2024 to 2025
The FH20 BFT E4 commercial fishery off Cornwall’s coast began as a trial in 2024, with the FH20 Forager among 13 boats sharing a 39-tonne quota. Skipper Chris Gill and his crew landed several Thunnus thynnus averaging 200-250 lbs, with some reaching 400 lbs, proving the viability of a small-scale fishery. These catches were sold to premium markets, fetching £4-17 per kg, which boosted local economies in Cornwall—a region with a storied past in bluefin fishing (history of bluefin fishing).
In 2025, the MMO expanded the quota to 45 tonnes, now split among 15 vessels, each allowed 3 tonnes from July 1 to December 31. The FH20 Forager continues its legacy, joined by Ocean Runner, Silver Dawn, Sea Hunter, and Blue Wave. This growth reflects the rebound of Thunnus thynnus stocks since 2014, driven by global conservation efforts. The 2024 CRRF stats, showing a 98.7% healthy release rate across 3,359 catches, highlight Cornwall’s role as a bluefin hub (2024 CRRF stats). Curious about the largest catches? See our record-breaking catches for a 900-pounder caught in 2022.
Why Commercial Boats Matter for Thunnus thynnus Fishing
Commercial boats are shaping the future of bluefin tuna fishing UK waters, balancing economic benefits with conservation. The FH20 BFT E4 fishery demonstrates how sustainable practices—like rod-and-line fishing and strict quotas—can support local markets while protecting Thunnus thynnus stocks. These vessels contribute to the species’ recovery, which may include feeding on garfish in South Devon, a topic we explore in our diet post.
At Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK, we’re proud to feature boats like FH20 Forager, Ocean Runner, and Blue Wave, which pave the way for a responsible fishery. Their work supports the broader ecosystem, ensuring bluefin tuna fishing UK remains viable for years to come. This aligns with the legacy of the “tunny,” a name that reflects the fish’s cultural significance (tunny naming post). Want to chase your own tunny? Explore our top fishing spots, gear up with our Ultimate Guide, and master the fight with our technique post.
Call to Action
Know a commercial boat we should add to our Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK list? Share their details below or tag #AtlanticBluefinTuna on X. Curious about recreational fishing? Check out our charter boats page. Tight lines from Atlantic Bluefin Tuna UK!