An 18-year-old trainee with the Whitby Fishing School has helped land a colossal 53-stone (338kg) bluefin tuna off the coast of Whitby, North Yorkshire, the first such catch in the North Sea in 90 years.
Ada Peake was part of a five-person crew aboard the 12-metre inshore fishing vessel Dominator A, commanded by skipper Ben Shutt, 35. The team spent approximately one hour and 50 minutes bringing the 9.3-foot (112-inch) specimen aboard on Sunday.
Peake, who is currently undertaking her Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies – Seafishing pathway with 54 North Maritime Training, recalled that upon first glimpsing the tuna, "it didn't look real".
A historic catch for Whitby
She commented: "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."
"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."
Peake added: "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."
The fish tipped the scales at 338kg when hauled aboard, reducing to 302kg upon reaching shore.
Return of the bluefin tuna
Ben noted that Ada's opportunity to witness such a momentous fishing event so early in her maritime career "provides a remarkable insight into where a career in the fishing industry can potentially lead".
He added: "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."
"For a young person considering a career at sea, however, seeing one of these magnificent fish brought aboard is something altogether different."
A second catch was made the following day (Monday) by vessel owner Clive Easton, with a live weight estimate of 310kg (705lbs).
Bluefin tuna, traditionally referred to as "tunny" along the Yorkshire coastline, were once a familiar presence in these waters. During the 1930s, the imposing fish drew "big-game" anglers flocking to the Yorkshire coast. Whitby retains strong ties to some of the most celebrated catches of that period, including a colossal 850lb-plus tuna landed in 1933.
However, they began vanishing from the North Sea during the 1960s, largely due to the overfishing of herring, their primary food source. In recent years, the tuna has been staging a comeback in UK waters, driven by a resurgence in herring populations.
Strict regulations and future prospects
Commercial fishing for the species remains strictly regulated. The Dominator is amongst just 30 UK vessels permitted to target bluefin tuna during the 2026 season, using rod and reel. It currently stands as the only vessel operating along the North East coastline.
Ben revealed the group had spent the past four years attempting to secure a licence to fish for tuna, and expressed gratitude towards those who assisted in obtaining it. He said: "We would like to thank the local companies that came together in support of our licence application, working with Clive – the vessel owner – to bring such a huge opportunity to Whitby, which has had a history of landing big Tuna in the past."
The skipper also disclosed that the tuna has since been sold to seafood merchant Hook and Plate. Ben expressed his hope that local restaurants would "take the opportunity to buy from the merchants", giving residents the chance to sample the fish.
The catch has since been portioned, including into bluefin tuna Sharing Steaks now available for £17.95 for a regular piece and £24.95 for a large piece, according to the merchant's website.
Ben noted the catch held additional significance, as the skipper and crew of the Dominator are former students themselves. He said: "It is a powerful example of how knowledge within the fishing industry is passed down. Not simply through textbooks or formal lessons, but from one generation of fishermen to the next, on the water and in real working environments."
The University of Exeter has been monitoring bluefin tuna stocks in the North Sea since 2018. Dr Lucy Hawkes, of the University of Exeter, who is leading the research, said their return is down to "careful and judicious management of fisheries".
