End of the line for bass

Saturday 24 December 2016

Fears over the dwindling numbers of bass have prompted the Environment minister to introduce further fishing restrictions.

The new measures will come into force as early in 2017 as possible.

Under the regulations recreational anglers will have to adhere to a ‘catch and release’ policy – any bass they hook they have to put back in the sea – and there’s to be a total ban on trot lines – a string of baited hooks laid out on the beach.

For commercial fishermen targeted bass fishing is to be outlawed completely. If they do accidentally catch any there will be a monthly allowance of 250kg for vessels deploying fixed gillnets and traps, and a bass by-catch allowance of 3% for demersal trawlers – boats that tow a cone shaped net along the seabed to target demersal fish species, so-called bottom feeders, those that live on the seabed.

Commenting on the new laws Environment Minister Deputy Steve Luce says: “I completely understand the impact measures like these have on all our fishermen. These decisions will affect both livelihoods and leisure time, but it is vital for all concerned that we are committed to protecting these iconic fish. We must introduce measures that ensure the survival of the bass stock for the benefit of future generations.”