Ahead of the Bluefin Tuna Catch and Release Competition from September 4 to 6, PETA sent a letter to Bluefin Tuna Association chief executive Steve Murphy.
It urged him to uphold his commitments to fish welfare and conservation by evolving the event into something kinder for animals and the planet: leave marine life in peace and get competitors to fish for discarded fishing gear and other rubbish dumped in the sea.
Tuna Comp boats head off from Falmouth in 2024 (Image: Tim Macpherson)
"Hooking fish in their mouths, yanking them from their homes and letting them suffocate slowly is abuse dressed up as 'sport,'" said PETA Vice President of Vegan Corporate Projects Dawn Carr.
"Catch and release fishing is as cruel as kicking a puppy, and PETA encourages the competition to do right by tuna and all marine life by cleaning up the ocean instead."
The organisation says Tuna enjoy complex communication, cooperate with one another, and can swim more than 100 miles a day.
"Tuna suffer immensely when yanked from the water, and those who swallow baited hooks deeply can sustain painful internal injuries, said the organisation.
"Up to 43 per cent of fish don't survive after the trauma of being impaled on a hook and hoisted out of their natural environment."
Hannah Rudd with her fish in 2024 (Image: Tim Macpherson)
"Fish feel pain, share knowledge, and have long memories and cultural traditions. Some woo potential partners by creating intricate works of art in the sand on the ocean floor. Yet billions of fish die every year in nets and on hooks -- some are destined for human consumption, many are tormented just for "sport," and others are non-target species who are caught or become entangled in fishing gear meant to ensnare other sea life."
In May, PETA wrote to the Cromer Crab and Lobster Festival asking organisers to fish for crab apples instead of crabs at the World Pier Crabbing Championships.
In response to the letter Tim Macpherson from the event organising committee told the Packet: "The UK Bluefin Tuna Championships is a 100% catch and release angling competition conducted under strict regulations where only skippers with a recreational bluefin tuna permit (issued by the Marine Management Organisation) can take part.
"It is run to recognised best practice standards with participants adhering to a strict Defra approved Code of Conduct centred on the welfare of the fish and designed to maximise recovery after capture.
"Any data gathered contributes to scientific understanding and long-term sustainability of marine species. Everyone involved, from organisers to sponsors, and partners are fully committed to respecting the fish, the marine environment and to showcase responsible angling practices."