Fishing Focus No7

Jul 26,2007 00:00 by SACN

A new issue of DEFRA's newsletter 'Fishing Focus' is available at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/fish/about/index.htm#news

In his Foreward, the new Fisheries Minister (Jonathan Shaw MP) writes:

"I’ve been encouraged to learn of the good work that has been done, in co-operation with fishermen, sea anglers and others with an interest, to help improve matters".

Amongst other items of particular interest to Recreational Sea Anglers are:

Bass

We didn’t increase the minimum landing size for bass from 36 to 40cm in April, following representations from commercial fishermen about the impact the measures would have on stocks of bass and the livelihoods fishermen.

We’re now finishing our evaluation of the information from key stakeholders, as well as other new evidence, and we hope to make an announcement in August.

Sea angling strategy

A Recreational Sea Angling Strategy has been endorsed by Defra’s Inshore Fisheries Working Group.

The Group recommended a consultation later this summer, to get your wider views on the Strategy.

More details soon.

Tope consultation

Thanks for responding to our consultation.

We’re now considering the 362 responses and we plan to announce new tope conservation measures in the autumn.