First bluefin tuna fishing championships held

The event is the first ever catch-and-release bluefin tuna tournament in the UK

The inaugural UK Bluefin Tuna Championship is set to be held this weekend.

The event is the first ever catch-and-release bluefin tuna tournament held in the UK.

It builds on the success of the recently formed catch and release recreational fishery, set up as the species returns to UK waters.

In partnership with skippers and anglers, the University of Exeter has attached high-tech tags to tuna to track their movements and aid conservation.

Alongside recreational fishing for bluefin tuna, a pilot scheme for commercial fishing of the species was also set up last year, limited to 10 licences and with strict limits on quota.

The huge fish can be 10ft (3m) long and weigh more than 1,000lbs (454kg).

Dr Lucy Hawkes from the university said: "Our research on these amazing fish over the last six years has revealed their fascinating behaviours and migrations – travelling far and wide from the Atlantic into the Mediterranean, and returning to UK waters every year.

"We are delighted that this event will allow us to share many stories from following the movements of more than 150 fish, providing data that not just increase our appreciation for these amazing animals, but to help inform policy and management."

'Beautiful harbour waters'

The organisers of the championship hope the planned annual event will grow and one day attract an international angling community to Falmouth.

Falmouth Harbour’s commercial operations manager Tristan Rowe said: "This championship is a unique combination of sport, science and sustainability and it’s exactly the sort of event we are focused on supporting and enabling here in our beautiful harbour waters.

"We’re delighted to be providing use of our full range of services ashore and afloat to facilitate this event in the heart of Falmouth.

"We are also blown away by the knowledge and expertise in understanding and monitoring these fish, so we are very excited to host the team from the University of Exeter during the event, as what they have to say and show will be fascinating for visitors and the local community alike."

There are 19 vessels registered for the event, with both private and charter vessels taking part.