Wales celebrates first commercial sale of bluefin tuna

The first five bluefin tuna caught under a Welsh Government commercial-scientific trial have been processed and sold to the public. The fish were landed at Milford Haven and processed in Burry Port, marking a significant milestone for the Welsh fishing industry.

The trial allows a limited number of licensed fishers to target bluefin tuna in specific areas of the Welsh zone in exchange for providing detailed scientific data. Participants must use rod and reel only, operate boats under 12 metres, and complete trips of less than 24 hours. All catches must be logged with specific details regarding location, weather, and bycatch to help inform future fishery management.

While much of the catch was sold at a local walk-in fish market in Burry Port, remaining portions, including fins and frames, were distributed via a nationwide home delivery service. The scheme utilizes a specific portion of the UK’s 2026 bluefin quota to ensure it does not impact existing commercial or recreational allocations.