BLUEFIN TUNA MAKES HISTORIC RETURN TO WHITBY

Bluefin tuna makes historic return to Whitby as trainee fisher lands 302kg catch

A 302kg bluefin tuna has been landed commercially off the coast of Whitby for the first time in more than 90 years – with an 18-year-old trainee fisher playing a central role in the historic catch.

Ada Peake was part of the five-strong crew aboard the 12-metre inshore fishing vessel Dominator A, skippered by Ben Shutt, when the enormous tuna was brought aboard after a gruelling battle lasting almost three hours.

The fish, which measured 112 inches (9.3ft) and initially weighed 338kg aboard the vessel, was landed on Sunday and recorded at 302kg on reaching shore.

The catch is believed to be the first bluefin tuna commercially landed in the North East since the 1930s, marking a remarkable moment for Whitby’s fishing community and highlighting the return of Atlantic bluefin tuna to UK waters.

For Ada, who is studying for a Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies – Seafishing pathway through 54 North Maritime Training, the experience provided an extraordinary introduction to life at sea.

“What a big fish. Finally, we actually got one – after hours of trying with rod and line. I have only ever heard stories of them being in the sea, so to catch one felt incredible,” she said.

“I feel very privileged to be part of the crew that has commercially landed a fish that hasn’t been to market in Whitby for well over 70 years.”

Ada added that she hoped the experience would encourage others to consider a career in fishing.

“I’m grateful to the Whitby Fishing School, Clive and Ben the Skipper, for this wonderful opportunity to experience such a fantastic start to my career in fishing. I hope my experience will inspire other people to consider a career at sea in fishing.”

A remarkable return

Bluefin tuna were once a familiar sight in the North Sea and have a strong place in Whitby’s fishing history. The town was associated with some spectacular tuna catches, including a fish weighing more than 850lb landed in 1933.

However, bluefin numbers declined dramatically during the 20th century, with overfishing of herring – an important food source for the tuna – contributing to their disappearance from the North Sea.

In recent years, Atlantic bluefin tuna have made a notable return to UK waters, reflecting wider changes in marine ecosystems and the recovery of key prey species such as herring.

Their resurgence has generated significant interest among fishermen, scientists, conservationists and the wider public. At the same time, the species remains subject to strict management and commercial fishing is tightly regulated.

Dominator A is one of only 30 UK vessels permitted to target bluefin tuna during the 2026 season using rod and reel, and is currently the only vessel operating under the scheme along the North East coastline.

For skipper Ben Shutt, securing that opportunity has been a long-term ambition.

The crew had spent four years working towards obtaining a licence to fish for bluefin tuna before finally being given the opportunity to participate in the fishery.

Ben said Ada’s involvement demonstrated the opportunities that can come from a career in fishing.

“The bluefin tuna has become one of the most talked-about developments in UK fisheries in recent years, with the return of these enormous fish generating considerable interest among fishermen, scientists, conservationists and the wider public,” he said.

“For a young person considering a career at sea, however, seeing one of these magnificent fish brought aboard is something altogether different.”

Learning at sea

The catch also has a particularly strong connection with maritime education.

According to 54 North Maritime Training, both the skipper and members of the Dominator A crew are former students who are now passing their knowledge and experience on to the next generation.

The organisation described the catch as an example of “maritime education beyond the classroom”, with Ada able to experience first-hand one of the most exciting developments in UK fisheries.

For a young trainee embarking on a career in commercial fishing, it was certainly an unforgettable lesson.

The bluefin tuna’s return to the North Sea presents an intriguing new chapter for UK fisheries, but the Whitby catch also demonstrates something equally important: the value of creating opportunities for young people to experience the fishing industry at sea.

For Ada, her maritime adventure has certainly lived up to its promise – and it came in the shape of a 302kg bluefin tuna.

Image caption: Trainee fisher Ada Peake with the 302kg bluefin tuna landed aboard Dominator A off the Whitby coast. © 54 North Maritime Training /SWNS