ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Law Drafting Request to implement package of measures to protect bass stock
Purpose of the Report
For the Minister to approve the request for law drafting to put in place a package of measures to protect bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stocks
Background
The management of bass stocks has been the subject of debate both locally and throughout the Europe Union over a number of years. This debate has intensified recently on the back of scientific advice concerning the state of the stock. Since the beginning of 2015 the EU have implemented a number of measures that seek to protect the stock of bass. These measures cover both the commercial and recreational sectors as this species is prosecuted extensively by both.
The EU package of measures consists of a ban of winter pelagic trawling, daily limit on recreational fishermen of 3 bass, monthly limits for commercial vessels and an increase in the minimum size to 42cm. Following this and the detailed discussions at the Marine Resources Panel the Minister is proposing to adopt the following measures:-
1. Ban of Winter Pelagic Trawling
2. Limit of 3 fish per recreational fishermen
3. Monthly limits on commercial vessels.
4. Increase in minimum size to 42cm.
5. Max limit of 50 hooks set on the beach (trots) per person
6. Max limit of 100m of net set on the beach per person
It is the view that the management of this stock requires a package to be put in place rather than the sequential implementation of regulations for a number of reasons. Firstly, the most recent advice on the state of the stock from ICES states that “a management plan is urgently needed to develop and implement measures to substantially reduce fishing mortality”. Secondly it is felt that the measures need to cover both commercial and recreational sectors, hence the requirement to include measures that affect those fishermen also. The two measures that relate to the maximum amount of gear that can be set on the beach are specific to Jersey and seek to address a particular issue locally.
A number of these measures apply specifically to commercial fishermen and can be adopted using conditions attached to the fishing licence. These measures are the ban of winter pelagic trawling and the monthly limits on commercial vessels. The remaining measures require amendments to existing regulations and drafting of a new regulation.
Details
Three measures can be address by amendments to existing regulations.
1. Increase in minimum size to 42cm – an amendment is required to part one of the schedule in the Sea Fisheries (Minimum Size Limits)(Jersey) Regulations 2001.
This amendment puts in place a minimum size that is more appropriate given the scientific evidence concerning size at maturity for this species.
2. Max limit of 50 hooks set on the beach (trots) per person – an amendment to the Sea Fisheries (Inshore Waters)(Jersey) Regulations 1998.
This amendment seeks to put in place a limit on the amount of equipment (in this case hooks) that can be set by an individual as a stock protection measure but also to reduce possible discards in light of the bag limits proposals. The inshore area is particularly important as a nursery area and therefore reduction in fishing effort in these zones is important as part of the overall package.
3. Max limit of 100m of net set on the beach per person – an amendment to the Sea Fisheries (Inshore Trawling, Netting and Dredging)(Jersey) Regulations 2001
This amendment seeks to put in place a limit on the amount of equipment (in this case nets) that can be set by an individual as a stock protection measure but also to reduce possible discards in light of the bag limits proposals. The inshore area is particularly important as a nursery area and therefore reduction in fishing effort in these zones is important as part of the overall package.
The final measure requires the drafting of a new regulation to address the issue of bag limits. Currently there is no limit to the number of bass that can be taken by recreational fishermen. This is seen as an anomaly given the many restrictions, including prohibition for some species, in place for commercial fishermen. The use of bag limits is a commonly employed and successful management tool that allows individuals fishing for pleasure to continue to do so but puts in place an upper limit that prevents unreasonable exploitation of the stock. It is proposed that bass have a bag limit that is the same as that put in place on the EU wide basis. This is important as it ensure consistency that assist officers in enforcement.
For a long time a bag limit for ormers (Haliotis tuberculata) has been discussed on Island and has received significant support. There are limits on the number of ormers that can be retained in both Normandy and Brittany. There is also no established commercial fishery (although some ormers are sold). To reduce the law drafting and general administrative burden it is proposed that a bag limit for ormer is included despite this package of measures being implemented for stock management for the bass.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve that law drafting is requested for the package of measures described above.
Written by: | Assistant Director – Marine Resources |
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Approved by: | Director Environmental Management and Rural Economy |
Ministerial Decision Case Ref: MD-E-2015-0070
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