The arrival of has been hailed as a future boom for the local economy and a lifeline to the dwindling charter boat industry.
Cornwall-based Steve Murphy, founder of the campaign group, Bluefin Tuna 海角视频 and Torbay recreational anglers say there is a 'world-class' fishery on the doorstep and are calling on MPs for a review of regulations to allow tag and release of bluefin tuna.
Bluefin Tuna, which can reach 1,500lb and swim up to 50mph is classed as a 'near-threatened' species but more .
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Campaigners say a tightly regulated fishery would allow both valuable scientific research and an economic boom for the Bay, attracting recreational anglers outside of the main tourist season and helping to revive the dwindling charter boat fleet.
And in the seaside resort will also benefit from the additional income from anglers who would otherwise travel overseas to land the prized fish.
They have cited the case of where a fishery discovered in 1994 has transformed the fortunes of the town, creating a Bluefin Tuna mecca for anglers from all over the world worth around $5million a year for the local community.
Susie Colley, Chairman of the Torquay chamber of commerce said: "This project will turn Torquay into a vibrant and bustling town and we are indebted to those who can see a bright future for, not only themselves, but for Torquay."
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Recreational sea angling is estimated to be worth between £1.5-2.0 billion per year to the 海角视频 economy, and the rich waters off of Torbay hold many species that attract visiting sea anglers each year, including huge Atlantic bluefin tuna that have appeared in the waters off Torbay each autumn for several years.
Mr Murphy said: "Atlantic bluefin tuna in our waters have been increasing in numbers and their geographical range for around seven years now. Long term climatic cycle changes, possibly exacerbated by man-made climate change, and underpinned by a dramatic recovery in the stock since 2010 in consequence of a 15-year recovery plan.
"We have a valuable world class fishery on our doorstep and well managed recreational live release fisheries - with proven very low mortality rates - are the most effective way to utilise that opportunity -- good science, optimal economic benefits, and a world class, sustainable fishery. It needs to be delivered now."
As rules stand, until the government authorises a recreational fishery. Representatives of the 海角视频’s estimated 800,000 recreational sea anglers have been working with DEFRA on a possible research focused catch, tag and release fishery to allow angling for bluefin in 海角视频 waters.
Recreational Sea angling has now been recognised in the new post-Brexit as a legitimate stakeholder in fisheries and eligible for support to promote this valuable sector, something which will boost tourism in coastal communities such as Torbay.
Angling representatives met last week with Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes, and Susie Colley, Chairman of the Torquay Chamber of Commerce, to explain how support for a recreational bluefin tuna fishery, and the sea angling sector in general, would benefit small businesses suffering the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Mangnall said he would liaise with Scott Mann (MP North Cornwall) and discuss presenting a question in the House of Commons to enable a debate regarding the need for DEFRA to authorise a research focused catch-tag-release recreational fishery in 2021.
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Matt Forrester, charter skipper of Torquay-based Silver Halo Charters, said: "I’ve had a big demand from anglers to fish for this species, the bluefin tuna offer something really special and anglers will pay a premium for ‘the fish of a life time’. This additional revenue is really important to skippers as overheads and running costs are very high and getting a higher value ticket, per day, is crucial.
"The revenue will spread far and wide across the area, but only if DEFRA move to adopt the fishery for this iconic sporting fish.
"Sadly, the charter fishing fleet, mirroring commercial fishing, has shrunk over recent decades but a real opportunity exists to rebuild this recreational sector. This chance is second to none, we can have a thriving live release bluefin and shark fishery right here on our doorstep, it will run really well alongside the existing and varied sea fishing we have on offer."
David Mitchell, Head of Sea Angling at the Angling Trust, the national representative body for all angling in England, said: “Angling could play a huge role in bringing Torbay back to life once the Covid-19 pandemic recedes. With the presence of giant bluefin tuna off the coast all sorts of local businesses could be capitalising on servicing anglers travelling from far and wide to fish for a species normally associated with expensive foreign fishing holidays. Now they can visit Torbay instead”.
What are your thoughts on recreational tag-and-release fishing for Bluefin Tuna in Torbay? Be part of the conversation in the comments section below