UK: DEFRA Bass Consultation 45cm-55cm limits

[Mr. X]

New from the Countryside Alliance - regarding a proposals for new 45cm limit on Bass & another for, eventually, 55cm:

"2. 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 "

[Wanny]

I can see the logic what about a maximum size limit? its the 4 to 8 lbers that do the breeding and they will be the ones you are targeting now with 45 or 55cm minimums.

you don't have bag limits in the uk do you? surely that is an easy first step - to many people here taking 10+ fish a trip (or maybe I'm just jealous!). they seem to work well everywhere else in the world.

[Mr. X]

Originally Posted by Wanny

- too many people here taking 10+ fish a trip...

The chance would be a fine thing!

[foxfish]

Do you know that in Guernsey, at this present time, commercial fishermen are taking tons of breeding bass every day. They come every year. Last year over 100 tons were landed. The average size is 10lb with plenty over 17lb.