Irish proposal would ban spear fishing for bass

[Mr. X]

Here we go again...

Forum member Flyflicker just got back from fishing in Ireland and has drawn our attention to proposal that would (probably inadvertantly) ban spear fishing for Bass throughout Ireland & possibly the rest the EU eventually.

http://irishbass.org/item_detail.php?item=18&full=y

This is the problem with the existence of the EU (too much power, too poorly managed) and the way it will happily draft laws that are far too broad -- we need to be constantly vigilant. Notice specially the section that proposed:

Prohibition of fishing for Bass by any means other than rod and line

 

[bobdonny]

I want to be kept up to date on this

 

[Mr. X]

Presumably this would also stop kayak fishermen trolling or otherwise using a hand-line - that's crazy. Surely you are allowed to catch bass with spear and hand-lines in the Republic of Ireland, Eire?

I have just responded to request for comments. I suggest that all EU members do likewise.

FYI I supported the increase in the minimum size to 40cm but objected strongly to suggestion that only rods be used (I fish with rod, spear and hand-line - and see little difference between them).

 

[bobdonny]

Surely you are allowed to catch bass with spear and hand-lines in the Republic of Ireland, Eire?

Yep we are currently, but my worry would this would become EU legislation and would be adopted by by Ireland. Free lining is a great point also!

 

[sunfish]

Here we go again...

Forum member Flyflicker just got back from fishing in Ireland and has drawn our attention to proposal that would (probably inadvertantly) ban spear fishing for Bass throughout Ireland & possibly the rest the EU eventually.

Your Chance To Make A Big Difference

This is the problem with the existence of the EU (too much power, too poorly managed) and the way it will happily draft laws that are far too broad -- we need to be constantly vigilant. Notice specially the section that proposed:

These proposals are a UK/Northern Irish issue and at the moment would only ban spearfishing in Northern Ireland, not in the Republic, though that could follow.
I'm not clear about the origin of the form on the "bass ireland" website. Are these proposals being put forward by "bass ireland", an angling organisation run by a tackle dealer or are they from "DARDNI"?
I've emailed Myrtle Ferguson and hope to find out. In the meantime it would be great if as many people as possible, both from Ireland and the UK would either email or email the form (disagreeing with the proposal of rod and line only of course).

 

[devondave]

Sunfish, what's the consensus on the other questions?
I don't want to endorse something you guys don't agree with or oppose something you do, it's my views but your territory.
Or as Groucho Marx once said "these are my principles, if you don't like them, I have others."

Regards,
Dave.

 

[bobdonny]

Sent the doc off to myrtle.ferguson@dardni.gov.uk

DevonDave, All the measures are very important to Bass stocks and quite reasonable, I don't think you will have any complaints here, only on the rod and reel part.

I don't think there would be any problems to adding a species limit to any anglers accross the board. And we have min landing sizes for most species already. I think the spawning season is a bit touch and go as not all the fish will be kind enough to fit into that window but its good to give them a break from being hunted all the same!

 

[sunfish]

I agree with Bobdonny, the other proposals are law already iin the South. We're happy with the conservation laws. The only other one I commented on was that I'd like to raise the minimum size from 40cm to 45cm. If you look at the fish we're getting you'll see that's no hardship. I rarely take a fish as small as 45cm or weighing less than 3lb.
Oh, and I suggested the breeding season of the Irish stocks be researched so that the closed season could be applied at the appropriate time. Like rob said, I'm not sure that 15/5 to 15/6 gets it exactly right.

 

[devondave]

Righto, will get on with it then.
Wish we had some of those laws over here, fat chance with the power the commercial lobby wields, (proposal for size limit increase from 37cm to 40cm on bass was quashed by them.)
Agree with Sunfish, it should be 45cm, anyway mustn't derail this very important thread.
Please could everyone take the time to reply, this is something that could affect us all.

Regards,
Dave.

 

[fcallagy]

Dave, Huan may have an idea on the closed season issue he is/was in the fishery industry or fish conservation/research industry. Maybe no harm to pm this thread to him as well.

 

[Mr. X]

Good point (although perhaps Huan may wish to stay out of it?).

Also note the website says:

"It doesn’t matter where you live in Europe you are entitled to have your say. If you are involved in the angling business in any way - you absolutely must register your opinion to the Northern Irish Government."

Ireland is renown for its excellent fishing, of all types, it's a significant part of their tourist industry (evidenced by a large, impressive Irish Tourism stall at the CLA Game Fair when last I attended). Sea Angler magazine frequently features Ireland now - probably because it is a favourite destination for contributors, such as Henry Gilbey (and its probably not as fished out as the UK - one trawler takes more fish than several centuries of recreational angling/spear-fishing).

 

[tecdave]

Email sent

 

[Huan]

As it stands, a NI registered <10m trawler can fish Bass in the ROI and land them legally.
Any legislation from NI would not affect ROI legislation.
I doubt they would be able to ban spearing bass in the EU, too many spearos in Spain/France and Italy would be affected.

 

[Mr. X]

...
I doubt they would be able to ban spearing bass in the EU, too many spearos in Spain/France and Italy would be affected.

And spear-fishing equipment manufacturers (Greece too).

The risk with the EU is that they make rules which only effect its Atlantic waters, that's what almost happened last time. The Mediterranean countries aren't too interested in that; hopefully they will eventually recognize us as a market for their spearing equipment though.

Apparently the very dangerous "broad brush" approach that seems commonplace in the EU, caused a few head-lines here this week. In much the same manner as spearing was almost banned when 2 sensible clauses in existing laws were inappropriately combined (even though we managed to stop spearing being banned, we still lost several freedoms as a result of this over-simplistic and ham-fisted approach to "reducing red-tape"), Britain almost lost its right to sell eggs & buns by the dozen (rather than just total packet weight) as well as beer by the pint when our civil servants & MEPs failed to notice that British opt-outs had been removed:naughty until late in the process.

 

[Derekn]

Sent of the document..., I hope this is just an omission on their behalf and not an attempt to ban spearfishing for bass. I've only got into the sport in the last few months and already find it totally absorbing and addictive. The benefits to health, the environment and conservation are tremendous... I know I'm talking to the converted. I noted on the website:

TIME IS SHORT! CONSULTATION ENDS 24TH AUGUST 2010

 

[david1963]

I'am no good with computers using forums and a little shopping is about all I can do. Can some one please tell me how to copy this to my email so I can send it off please. Many thanks for the help , Dave.

 

[bobdonny]

Select the text on the page.
Copy it.
Paste it into your email.
Fill it out and send it on to him would be easiest.

Otherwise you may download a copy here http://www.dardni.gov.uk/sea_bass_consultation_document_may_2010.doc
Complete this, save the file and send it as an attachment
Send either to myrtle.ferguson@dardni.gov.uk

More info from the NI govt body
Consultation on Proposed Regulations for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Bass | Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

 

[david1963]

I must be stupid or something because I am unable to it for some reason. I'll just print it send by snail mail. Thanks for trying to help, Dave.