Like every year at the same time, it's time to apply for bluefin tuna fishing authorizations for pleasure boaters.
This authorization is required for all anglers, whether no-kill or catch-and-release.
So you can't decide to go bluefin tuna fishing on a whim in the middle of the season.
Application for authorization must be made between April 05 and May 31, 2024.
After May 31, it will be too late to apply.
How do I apply?
There are two ways to apply.
The first is by post, by downloading the CERFA from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty website. This should then be sent by post to one of the 5 DIRMs (inter-regional maritime directorates - Mediterranean, South Atlantic, North Atlantic-West Channel, East Channel-North Sea and Corsica)
The second option is to submit the application online via the teleprocedure (Télésisaap). This link will be available from April 05, the opening date for authorization requests.
Please note that only one application is required per boat, not one per angler.
No-kill and ring application
When filling out your application, you will have the option of choosing between no-kill fishing and applying for a ring.
Bluefin tuna is a highly monitored species with strict quotas. You can't keep a bluefin tuna without this famous ring. It will be allocated to the boat. It must be placed on the tail of the fish and marked with the current date.
If you are requesting a ring, you will need to tick both the fishing/releasing box and the sampling box!
The number of rings allocated to boaters is not yet known.
A regulatory update
The total bluefin tuna fishing period in 2024 will run from June 1 to November 15. During this period, you can practice no-kill for as long as you like.
The sampling period will run from July 11 to October 11, 2024.
You can keep a bluefin tuna as long as it measures over 115 cm or weighs 30 kg. The measurement is carried out in a particular way.
It takes the length from the tip of the head to the fork of the tail.
