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Print versionIrish Bass Stocks in Danger
When in Ireland last year I became aware that commercial pressure was coming to bear for the bass protection legislation to be lifted. Currently no angler may take more than two bass per day immaterial of whether you’re a sports fisherman, and all commercial bass fishing is prohibited, as I understand it.
This originally innovative legislation, brought in in 1990, has been a massive contributor to the re-establishment of Irish bass stocks and a major player in the large numbers of UK anglers visiting Ireland to enjoy the bass and general sea fishing the country offers.
I understand from Irish anglers that the proposed legislation is already on the Minister’s desk and could be implemented at any time. They also tell me that the information is said to be somewhat based on UK scientific reports on the supposed improved stocks of bass in the Irish Sea. Well I live on the shores of the Irish Sea in Wales and if our bass stocks are on the up, then I’d like to see some proper proof because anglers will tell you this is not the case judging by our overall catch returns! In fact during 2009 bass catches were generally rubbish in the Irish Sea!
Irish Bass Fishing
News is also reaching me that UK and European anglers are appalled at this possible change in attitude and wish to do what they can to support fellow Irish anglers in their quest to get this inevitably highly damaging legislation binned.
Such is the strength of feeling that many say they will not visit Ireland for any form of sea angling if this legislation is introduced as a form of boycott. Strong words, but I feel heartfelt and not to be underestimated. Given the sheer numbers of sea anglers visiting Ireland, you can also see why hotels, guesthouses and particularly Bed and Breakfast businesses are extremely worried that this legislation, if confirmed, will severely damage business incomes, not to mention the pubs, restaurants, charter boats, tackle shops and small boat hire businesses.
It will also hit the ferry companies who enjoy massive trade from anglers travelling over to Ireland. This comes just at the wrong time for the Swansea/Cork ferry which is scheduled to be reintroduced this summer. It makes you think that if anglers do boycott Ireland in numbers this once highly popular ferry service for those looking to fish the south and southwest of Ireland will be massively handicapped even before it gets to set sail.
Speaking to anglers who regularly travel to Ireland they are hurt and aggrieved that a few commercial fishermen, who will contribute little overall to the Irish economy in the long term, can take precedence over sea anglers who have proven spending power within the Irish economy and tourism industry. A minority of commercial fisherman will gain for a short period of time, but the majority with a long term contribution to make financially will be overlooked. How can that be logic?
Frankly, as someone who’s been travelling to fish and work in Ireland for nearly 30-years and with over a hundred magazine articles published on Irish angling, I’m amazed that after such innovative work previously done and achieved in Ireland regarding fisheries policies over the past two decades, and it is considerable, they consider taking a gargantuan step backwards putting in danger the massive achievements and reputation they’ve worked hard to earn.
It would make slightly more sense if long term fact finding surveys on bass to assess their current stock levels, the interchange between UK and Irish bass stocks which is highly important given the poor bass stocks currently off the Welsh coast, and their migration and feeding patterns were conducted, documented and understood before any legislation in any shape of form be even considered. You only get the one chance to cock it up or get it right when it comes to fish stocks, and fisheries policies over the years have a poor record when it comes to long term protection and sustainability!
Typical Irish Bass Law Sign
I would implore the Irish government to first think carefully, then to fully reconsider the real implications of this potential bureaucratic disaster before it’s too late!
If any anglers would like to add their signature to support Irish anglers and get their point over, then you can do so on the following link. I have!
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