Bass & the Countryside alliance

[Greenheart]

Just got this info from the Countryside Alliance newsletter. Bit worried about the 55cm Minimum Size Limit, Don't get to see many that big off the beach!!!

Bass fishing consultation


Time is running out for getting submissions into DEFRA’s consultation on bass fishing, which closes on 8th February. It you feel passionately about bass fishing, please support the Bass Anglers' Sportfishing Society (BASS) Restoration & National Federation of Sea Anglers’ (NFSA) Conservation Team’s proposal to increase the bass minimum landing size (MLS) to 45cm, with corresponding mesh sizes for nets. Supporting this proposal will mean protection for the long-term future of bass and acknowledges the economic benefits of recreational bass fishing.

The consultation runs until 8th February 2006, and DEFRA has put forward five proposals. The Countryside Alliance joins BASS and the NFSA in supporting option two.

1. Do Nothing
2. Increase the MLS to 45cm, with corresponding mesh sizes for nets.
3. Increase the MLS to 45cm in stages over the next 3 years
4. Increase the MLS for bass on a regional basis
5. A staged increase to a 55cm MLS (no timescale has been suggested or g/teed)

BASS and the NFSA say “On balance and in order to afford protection for the fast-growing 2002 year-class, which will be approaching the current MLS of 36cm by next summer you are asked to vote in favour of option 2 (increase the MLS to 45cm in April 06). We therefore urge you to write a letter to DEFRA, supporting this proposal and an increase in corresponding mesh sizes to 110cm as this will allow the greatest numbers of bass below 45cm to slip through.”

Raising the profile of recreational angling in terms of its obvious economic benefits will also have huge environmental benefits if we can eventually ensure increased bass stocks through protection from commercial over fishing. The larger the minimum landing size, the more fish, the more anglers and the more environmental and economic benefits for all.

If this consultation is a success, then these measures will spread to other species of importance to sea anglers. Read more about taking part in this consultation here or write to:

Nicola Clarke
Coastal Waters Policy Branch
Defra
Area 7E
3-8 Whitehall Place
London SW1A 2HH

[tommy a]

Ill be sending my letter to support Option 2 but it seems that nobody else on here is going to do the same ?

Surely if people have read this thread and I guess most would agree with it then please just state you are going to send a letter and then do it ! Any new fisherman / women reading this site are then likely to help as well.

Surely this in everyones interest and therefore do yourselves and our sport a massive favour and support this so the commercial boys can be stopped in wiping this species out.

DONT JUST READ IT, SAY IT AND DO IT WITH A LETTER.

[big guy]

the club that i fish with have been using a 41 cm limit for years now and everyone seems more than happy with that. i would be in favour of the limit increase as would many knowledgeable anglers.

all NFSA afiliated clubs have already been asked to give a vote on behalf of the club for the increase. it maybe easier for anglers to express there view through any afiliated club they are a member of.

if NFSA and DEFRA are in favour of it i can't see any reason why it shouldn't be enforced.