Bass Measures

We have received the following update from DEFRA:

Overview

Further to the measures applied so far
in 2015 – and following the latest discussions at EU level – the European
Commission will propose monthly vessel catch limits for bass, seasonal closures
on targeting activity for the commercial sector and an increase in the minimum
conservation reference size (MCRS) for bass to 42cm for both recreational and
commercial sectors.

Details

Following the emergency measures this
year, which closed the mid-water trawl spring fishery on spawning aggregations,
and the new 3 fish bag limit for recreational anglers, the European Commission
intend:

• To propose
  a second in-year amendment to the fishing opportunities Regulation for
  2015 with monthly bass catch limits by fishing gear groups and some specific
  area provisions. This proposal could be made in late April – which suggests
  new monthly vessel catch limits for bass could be in place as soon as
  June.

• In
  parallel, to use implementing powers for immediate action to conserve
  stocks to propose amendments to the EU Technical Conservation Regulation
  (EU 850/98) to: increase the bass MCRS
  to 42cm for both recreational and commercial sectors; apply seasonal
  closures for targeting activity by commercial fishing gear vessel groups;
  and make a mesh size adjustment to 110mm+ for fixed gears to target bass,
  in line with the MCRS increase. Timing is uncertain at this stage but
  this is likely to be agreed before the end of the year.

• The
  Commission are also looking at the potential to ask for advice from the EU
  Scientific,
  Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries(STECF) on the elements of the interim bass package, for
  example, the monthly catch limits and possible seasonal closures by
  fishing gear group, as well as the earlier emergency measures, though the
  timing of such advice need not delay implementation of the catch limits
  and other provisions.

It is clear that the view of the scientists
in STECF and in the annual ICES assessment will now be pivotal. The new ICES
advice should be available in late May or early June.

The Federation accepts that some remedial measures
are inevitable, although we do not agree that the 80% reduction in fishing
mortality, suggested by an MSY approach, would be deliverable, necessary or appropriate.
We support a balanced package of measures, including all fisheries which impact
the bass stocks, applied in a fair and proportionate way. We reject
opportunistic moves by some in the recreational sector (clothed in conservationist
disguise) to reserve the whole bass fishery for recreational use.