A meeting between the Jersey Fishermen’s Association and Environment Ministers has resulted in a short term relaxation of the current local bass fishing restrictions as part of scientific research work.
The ministers have recognized the importance of local commercial fisherman whilst maintaining the need to protect bass stocks. It has been agreed to introduce a limited amount of commercial fishing, for a small number of inshore boats for a short period. This is to allow for data to be collected which will assist future stock management.
The relaxation will be strictly controlled by the fisheries officers. Fishermen will be required to provide information to the Department for Growth, Housing and Environment on the number and size of bass they catch, as well as work within the agreed fishing methods.
Environment Minister, Deputy John Young said: “We are working to further develop the options we have discussed to help increase our knowledge of this valuable fish population which will help develop more targeted measures in the future”.
“We have considered the fisherman whose livelihoods depend on bass fishing and are confident that the information we gain will help future decisions for conserving local stock.”
Bass have been subject to a range of measures over recent years to manage declining stocks. These measures have covered both commercial and recreational fishermen across the UK and Europe.
At a European level some amendment to the existing measures will be considered at the Fisheries Council in December.
States of Jersey Press Release.