Huge Fish Return: Bluefin Tuna Lands in UK Port After 70 Years

Commercial bluefin tuna fishing has returned to the British port of Whitby for the first time in 70 years, with the crew of the vessel Dominator A (WY 333) landing two specimens exceeding 300 kilograms (660 pounds) each over two days. Historic Catch in North Sea Waters The first tuna weighed approximately 338 kg, with the second slightly less. These large individuals are appearing in the region due to their migration route, which takes them north of Scotland and along the western coast of the British Isles. Their substantial body mass allows them to withstand the colder northern waters and take advantage of abundant food sources. Marine biologists note that these fish are genetically distinct from smaller populations found in the southwest of the UK, which typically migrate through the English Channel. Exclusive License Paves Way for Revival This significant catch was made possible by a license granted by the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). For the 2027 season, only one crew from Yorkshire, aboard the Dominator A, secured this exclusive permit. They were chosen from a field of six local applicants, making their success particularly noteworthy.