The increasing number of year-round sea swimmers has been linked to an increased number of safety concerns being raised about fishing gear along the shore line.
The States said “Sea Fisheries officers and elected representatives” are receiving more complaints about the placing of set nets and trot lines.
Economic Development President, Deputy Neil Inder said sea swimmers are among those lodging the complaints.
“Usage of the shoreline by various groups, but particularly sea swimmers, has increased over recent years. And that’s a good thing,” he said.
“However, this has meant that there is increasing crossover between the winter beach set gear operators and other user groups. It has become apparent that there is potential of risk to life in some areas of the shoreline and it’s our job to ensure public safety for all beach users at all times of the year.
“The main public beaches along the West Coast from Vazon up to L’Ancresse are leisure areas for islanders all year round, and that needs to be recognised.”
Deputy Andy Cameron said he’s among those concerned about the safety risk and also wants fishermen to act more responsibly.
“As a regular open water swimmer, I’m deeply concerned about the risks posed by set nets to swimmers, especially during the colder months when visibility is lower, and sea conditions can change quickly,” he said.
“I recognise that for a handful of local fishermen, this gear is part of their livelihood. But when hundreds of islanders now swim all year round there’s a very real risk to life if someone becomes entangled. Fishermen must set these nets responsibly, and we need to ensure that the regulations protect all beach users.”
To try and combat the problem, Sea Fisheries has written to all registered fishermen reminding them of the risks to public safety with increased activities on and around the foreshore, and reminding them of their obligations under the legislation.
“During the winter months from 1 October to 30 April the setting of nets and trot lines is permitted under ‘The Fishing (Restrictions on the use of Trot Line and Set Net) Order, 1997,” the letters explain.
“The requirements under the regulations state that any gear must be clearly marked with an identifying number provided by Sea Fisheries and can only be placed on the foreshore as regulated by the Trot Line and Set Net Order.”
Sea Fisheries has also said it’s going to review all future fishing activities taking place and will check beaches to ensure that nets are being set “appropriately and safely”.
But, it also added that swimmers must also keep an eye out for any nets and lines being used by fishermen.
“We would like to remind people that between now and the end of April there may be set nets or trot lines found on the foreshore,” they said.