Tope are a protected species in UK waters, with retention prohibited and best-practice guidelines in place for catch and release.

Tope Regulations (UK Recreational Angling)

Legal Protection and Retention Restrictions

The Tope is a fully protected species under UK law. Retention of Tope in UK waters is strictly prohibited for recreational anglers with a small bycatch allowance for commercial fisheries.

• Tope is listed under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, limiting the fishing for tope to rod and line only with strict retention rules.

• In addition to national legislation, Tope are considered a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan due to their vulnerable status.

Important: Any Tope caught must be immediately released back into the water with minimal handling.

Size Limits and Handling Requirements

Given Tope are fully protected, anglers should follow best practice to ensure their survival upon release.

• Handle with care: Wet hands or gloves should be used to handle the Tope, avoiding damage to their skin.

• Avoid gill handling: Never hold a Tope by its gills, instead, support the body from beneath, taking care not to apply pressure to vital organs.

• Ensure quick release: Tope are powerful fish and may require additional assistance to regain strength after release. Support the fish in the water until it swims away strongly.

Best Practices for Catch and Release

Tope are known for their fierce fight when hooked, but they are also vulnerable to stress and injury. Anglers should follow these guidelines to maximise their chances of survival:

• Use barbless/Circle hooks to help with faster, easier hook removal and minimise damage to the fish.

• Release as quickly as possible: While it’s important to take care when handling, aim to return the fish to the water within 30 seconds to avoid excessive stress.

• Do not remove the fish from the water unless absolutely necessary for a quick photo. Extended exposure to air can lead to a rapid decline in health.

Where to Encounter Tope in UK Waters

Tope are found throughout UK waters, but they are particularly common in:

• Southwest England (Devon and Cornwall) off the Cornish coast and Bristol Channel.

• Southern Wales, especially around Pembrokeshire.

• Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands.

• North Sea and Scotland (less common but still present in certain areas).

Tope are migratory, and their movements are influenced by water temperatures and the abundance of prey. While they can be found in deep offshore waters, they also inhabit inshore waters during summer months.

Conservation Context

Tope are considered a vulnerable species due to their slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive output. They have historically been targeted by both recreational and commercial fisheries, but with the implementation of protection measures, their numbers have shown signs of stabilising.

However, their conservation status remains of concern, and there is ongoing monitoring and advocacy for further protections. A number of organisations continue to push for stronger safeguards for Tope, including limiting angling pressure in certain areas and encouraging anglers to participate in data collection (such as tagging and reporting).