Charter skippers are being sought to support a scientific effort to study Atlantic bluefin tuna, the world's largest tuna species.
The catch-and-release initiative, run by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), is seeking experienced skippers to take part in its Tuna CHART - Catch and Release Tagging programme.
The project will collect data on the size, distribution and seasonal movements of bluefin tuna in Irish waters, feeding into international stock assessments for the once-endangered species.
IFI Senior Research Officer Dr William Roche said large bluefin tuna reliably return to Irish waters between summer and autumn, particularly off the northwest and south.
Dr Roche said it is an important tagging programme undertaken by authorised tuna angling skippers.
He said large bluefin tuna consistently visit Irish waters between summer and autumn - especially off the northwest and south coasts.
"While storms prevented some angling trips in 2025, high numbers of bluefin tuna were tagged and released on trips that did take place - particularly in September and October.
"The data from this programme is incorporated into international stock assessment models for Atlantic bluefin tuna to understand the status of this tightly managed and formerly endangered species."
Despite challenging weather conditions that curtailed some trips in 2025, the programme recorded 288 bluefin tuna tagged and released across 193 angling trips.
The most successful week saw an average of four tuna caught per outing.
Donegal Bay has emerged as a hotspot, accounting for 90% of all bluefin tuna tagged, with additional activity recorded along the south and west coasts.
Unauthorised vessels are not permitted to target or catch bluefin tuna, and unauthorised anglers found to be targeting bluefin tuna are liable to prosecution.
However, under the catch and release programme, authorised charter vessel skippers can catch, tag, and release bluefin during the open season, with the help of anglers on board.
Skippers must use high specification rods, reels and lines to bring bluefin tuna alongside the vessel for tagging in a timely manner, prior to their subsequent release.
This year, a maximum of 25 licenses will be granted to charter skippers. And the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery will open on 1 July and it will close on 12 November.
Experienced charter skippers can apply to join the 2026 Tuna CHART programme up until 3 March by completing an application on the IFI website.
