Atlantic tuna fishing permit

Vessels with a commercial fishing license and equipment suitable for fishing for East Atlantic bluefin tuna can apply for a tuna fishing permit. Permits may only be assigned to up to three vessels according to ICCAT rules.

Conditions

• General license for commercial fishing.

• Ships must be at least 500 gross tons in size.

• Have adequate equipment for fishing and handling of bluefin tuna catches.

The application must state

• A plan for when to go fishing.

• Descriptions of a ship's equipment, especially processing and freezing capacity.

• Landing ports.

• Information on how to dispose of the catch.

• Information on previous tuna fishing experience.

When deciding on allocation, all these points are taken into account. The Directorate of Fisheries can reject applications if there is a possibility that the vessels in question are in some way unsuitable or underprepared for fishing in terms of safety or equipment.