Only licensed tuna fisherman lands first catch

Jersey's only commercial bluefin tuna fisherman has landed his first catch after becoming the island's sole holder of a licence to catch and sell the species.

Commercial fishing for the species remains tightly controlled, but this year marked the first time Jersey fishermen could apply for a commercial bluefin tuna licence through the UK's quota system.

Six people applied, but only one licence was awarded to fisherman Shetty Chavan.

Speaking after his first successful catch on 25 July, Chavan described the moment as "a great feeling".

After missing opportunities during his first few days on the water, he said he was eventually rewarded when the fish moved closer.

He said: "The next day, yeah, quite lucky. The fish was closer and it wasn't that difficult."

It is the first time island fishers have been able to apply for part of the UK's commercial quota for bluefin tuna, but only one of six Jersey applicants was successful in the lottery system managed by the UK government.

Although pleased to secure the licence, Chavan said he had been disappointed more Jersey boats had not been successful.

He added the application process had been difficult to navigate and did not know why it was so complicated.

In July officials said they would prefer Jersey to manage its own commercial quota in future, arguing that licences could then be tailored to the island's fleet.

A UK government spokesperson said it "recognises the concerns" on the island and that it is "working closely with the Government of Jersey regarding the future management of the fishery".

The first tuna caught under the licence went on sale earlier this week at Co Op Grand Marché stores and Ugly Oysters at Greve de Lecq, with Chavan donating the profits to the Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA).

He said: "I thought if I get my bluefin licence, I decided the first fish I catch, the profit will go to charity."

Chavan said bluefin tuna could be difficult to track because they moved quickly and could be in one area one day before travelling many miles away the next.

He explained large numbers had initially appeared in local waters before moving on, sometimes into Guernsey waters where he could not fish.

Chavan added he would continue monitoring their movements in the hope of bringing more tuna to Jersey's local market.

"I'm trying hard to keep going basically," he said.

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