Minister seeks views on bag limits

19 January 2018

The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, is seeking views on possible limits on recreational fishing catches to help protect the Island's fish stocks.

The Department of the Environment has produced a discussion document outlining a number of options, including limiting catches for recreational fishermen.

Recreational fishing management discussion document

In recent years, changes to commercial fishing have led to increased regulation to prevent overfishing and environmental damage. However, shore anglers, low water fishermen and recreational boaters have been left comparatively unrestricted in terms of the species and quantities they can land.

The Minister took the discussion document to the Marine Resources Panel earlier this week to seek members’ views and has now published the report.

Deputy Luce said "I want to hear people’s views on the possibility of introducing bag limits for a range of species. At a time when many stocks are under pressure, it’s important that all fisherman play a part in protecting species, including the recreational sector. We need to find a solution that safeguards species for the future while minimising the impact on the traditional practice of catching or gathering sufficient seafood for the family table.

"The idea of recreational bag limits isn’t new – they are already in place for some species in Jersey, and almost all European countries, including France, have bag limits in place for recreational fishers. However, I’m conscious of the importance of fishing to Islanders, so I want to hear what people think before we make any decisions on any management to protect the sustainably of our fish stocks."

The Department of the Environment monitors fish stocks continuously as one aspect of its work to ensure Jersey has a sustainable marine environment for future generations.

Anyone wishing to comment on the possible introduction of bag limits for a range of species should write to the Department of the Environment or email their views to the Marine Resources section at fisheries@gov.je.