Minister fudges bass stocks issue

[Greenheart]

The Countryside Alliance has accused Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw of fudging the issue of bass landing sizes. From 6th April 2007, fishermen will not be allowed to land bass that are smaller than 40cm. The current landing size is 36cm.

The Alliance backed the recommendation that landing sizes should be increased to 45cm, which is more than the average spawning size of bass (42cm). It was a view shared by the Bass Anglers Sportfish Society and the National Federation of Sea Anglers. The minister eventually intends to increase the landing size to 45cm but not until 2010 - for many this is far too late.

This is a political fudge of the worst kind where no-one is happy. The commercial fishermen are unhappy about the increase whilst the rest of us feel that the recommendation does not go far enough. Worse, it doesn't even apply to foreign fishing vessels pursuing bass in the UK fishery.

The Alliance is a ferocious protector of rural livelihoods but if there are no fish to catch, there are no livelihoods. The rape of juvenile fish stocks shows an incredible lack of long-term thinking. Bold moves now will secure a longer-term future for both commercial and recreational fishers. Sadly, we did not see such a move from the minister.

[upnorth1]

...It's all well and good increasing landing sizes - but that has to be the daftest law ever made!!

All fish UNDER size get chucked over board - DEAD! What's the point of that? May as well keep 'em, at least they will be eaten!

MESH sizes on nets must be INCREASED! also ban gill nets! Increased mesh sizes allow small fish to pass through, and anything sized can be caught...unlike the dreaded gill net - that's just slaughter.

Oh, before I forget, nets should also not be allowed within TWENTY MILES of the shore...(just my own little opinion there)

Paul

[BaggieRich]

Here here Paul.



Rich.

[Fishing Forum Admin]

MESH sizes on nets must be INCREASED! also ban gill nets! Increased mesh sizes allow small fish to pass through, and anything sized can be caught...unlike the dreaded gill net - that's just slaughter.

The nail on the head me thinks

[Fisherdan]

ive seen fish smaller than 36cm in ASDA.

[upnorth1]

Originally Posted by Fisherdan

ive seen fish smaller than 36cm in ASDA.

They are farmed fish mate - only wild bass etc have to be a minimum limit

[codhead]

Originally Posted by Fisherdan

ive seen fish smaller than 36cm in ASDA.

Farmed in Greece or Turkey, there are no MLSs in the Eastern Med

[pingu]

think pauls hit this spot on

gill nets are a real prob arround here

and boats seriously come in too close

[meolsman]

Well I am going to say it regardless,get out of the E.U.,then we can sort ourselves out,to much meddling for my liking.