Defra release on Bass Measures

BASS MEASURES - DECISION ANNOUNCED

Defra's Fisheries Minister, Ben Bradshaw, has today announced his decision on proposals to increase the number and size of bass available to commercial and recreational fishermen. The minimum landing size for bass is to be increased from 36cm - 40cm, with an accompanying minimum mesh size increase, when targeting bass, from 90 - 100mm. These measures will come into effect on 6 April 2007, and apply to commercial and recreational fishermen.

The Minister has also announced his intention to increase the landing size further to 45cm, but this will be subject to a review in 2010 of the effectiveness of the measures announced today. For further details, please refer to the Press Release, which can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/060810a.htm

A Summary of Responses and the Regulatory Impact Assessment can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/bass-mls/index.htm

E-mail: bassmls@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Michael Evans

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Marine and Fisheries Directorate

3 - 8 Whitehall Place London SW1A 2HH

Tel: 0207 2708107 Email: Michael.Evans@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Press release from National Assembly for Wales 14 August 2006

MEASURES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF LARGE BASS IN WALES

Minster for Environment, Planning and Countryside, Carwyn Jones, said today [14 August 2006] that he will take a decision on measures aimed at increasing the number of large Bass in Welsh waters after further consultation with the commercial and recreational fishing sectors.

The Minister made the comment following the recent announcement in relation to English waters. Mr Jones said: "I understand the increased interest the English announcement has created among the commercial and recreational sectors in Wales, but I wish to consider further the evidence and possible impacts before I take a decision. I will be meeting representatives of both sectors as soon as possible to discuss the way forward for Wales."

NOTES

An initial consultation, which closed on 14 February 2006, sought views on an increase from 36cm to 45cm in the minimum landing size (MLS) of bass and a corresponding increase in the minimum mesh size (MMS) for fixed gear. Approximately 320 responses were received. A summary of these responses can be obtained by emailing Fisheries@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Mr Jones is to meet with representatives of: Bass Anglers' Sportfishing Society, South West Wales Association of Sea Angling Clubs, Welsh Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers

Defra have announced that in English waters the Minimum Landing Size for Bass will be increased to 40cm with a corresponding increase in the Minimum Mesh Size to 100mm.

Allyn J D Davies

Fisheries Policy Branch

Adran Polisi Pysgodfeydd

Environment, Conservation and Management Division

Yr Amgylchedd Cadwraeth a Rheoli

Department for Environment, Planning and Countryside

Aran yr Amgylchedd, Cynllunio a Chefn Gwlad

Welsh Assembly Government

Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru

Ffon - Tel: 029 20 82 3744 e-bost - email:  Allyn.Davies@Wales.gsi.gov.uk

www.countryside.wales.gov.uk