Weekend of firsts as local tuna hits Jersey Fish Market counter

For the first time ever, locally-caught bluefin tuna is on the counter at the Jersey Fish Market as permits took effect for five commercial fishermen to land the species.

There is a buzz around Jersey's fishing industry today (24 August), as history has been made.

Onlookers at the market on Beresford Street have been coming to see the first bluefin tuna grace the counters.

It was caught on Sunday, as permissions came into effect for five commercial fishermen to land the species, which has become more prevalent in our waters in recent years before of warmer seas.

WATCH: Bluefin tuna feeding frenzy filmed in Alderney waters

Earlier this month, fisherman Shetty Chavan caught and landed the first bluefin, having been the only person to successful gain a licence through the UK's quota system.

Local officials have been working hard to be able to issue Jersey licences, with five now in effect.

They took effect at midnight on Saturday, with one boat launching immediately in the middle of night.

Three bluefin were line caught in Jersey waters on day one.

Tina Burt from Crabs Direct says it's a big deal for Jersey.

"This is amazing for the industry. We're really struggling at the moment. There is not a lot out there to catch.

"For some of us to be able to do this, it is a great experience, it's great to boost us, it helps get Jersey on the map, and people eating local produce.

"We have got the licence to fish until December - two tonnes - and we can't wait to get going.  We just need the wind to drop, and people to buy fresh tuna.

"Everybody needs to try it."

 Olly Heart at Fishing Jersey and Les Burt at Crabs Direct with their 43 kilo tuna.

Describing the moment the fish was hauled onto the boat, Tina said:

"Oh, my goodness.  We didn't believe it.  It was fantastic!  I am sure they shed a few tears when that came onboard."

Fishmonger Conor McMurray from Dunn Ross fisheries, was at Victoria Pier within 30 minutes of getting the call:

"It's a first for the fish market.

"It's the biggest locally caught fish we have ever had, in more than 30 years.

"Customers have been placing orders for steaks, restaurants have been ringing us to get a share of it, so it seems like there is a lot of interest in locally caught tuna, which is really good.

"To be able to have locally caught bluefin tuna is great.  Growing up watching on the TV, now being able to be a fishmonger and buying it, it is a great experience.

While the fish on the market counter weights an impressive 43 kilos, Jade-S fisheries landed a whooper at 1.7m llong and and weighing 81.19kg (approx. 179lb).  They posted to social media:

 Credit: Jade-S Fisheries

This morning, we caught our first Jersey bluefin tuna off the Jade-S! First of this new trial season for us, which opened this morning, and hopefully first of many to come!

"Big thank you to the guys coming out to help on such a choppy day and for being part of this new adventure in our industry and our story. Even bigger thanks go to Jersey Marine Resources/Fisheries for fighting to get this fishery open for the Jersey fleet

A brilliant example of Government and Industry working together for the future. More massive thank yous need to be sent to all those who helped us get ready for action; it takes a full team to achieve such a goal! There are too many to tag!

Local blue fin tuna will be available to purchase during the week, just drop us a message on FB!"