The mass slaughter of spawning bass is obscene. The species is extremely slow-growing, therefore stocks will take many years (if ever) to recover from this imbecilic activity. I will not be holidaying in Guernsey
We are commissioned to look after the earth and the seas and not to abuse it. The methods you suggest feed the community whilst maintaining precious stocks and all done in balance with nature.
The harvest of any species during the spawning season is an absolute folly. Sustainable use of a resource is of paramount importance, particularly when the benefits of sportfishing tourism in the long term are factored against any short term gain to the commercial fishing industry.
Sport angling needs a cohesive voice - perhaps this is the catalyst! Sadly commercials think only about today and to hell with tomorrow. We HAVE to put pressure on governments to properly regulate fishing. It pains me to admit it but we should look to the US and see how they manage stocks.
Having been there and seen it first hand, it is just not big or clever. They won't care until there's none left, and then make some lame excuse about them moving on. You'd get arrested if you started slaughtering pregnant cows!!
We must all work together to preserve these fish stocks. The raping of bass stocks in this way is an absolute outrage. THINK ABOUT PRESERVING BASS FOR THE FUTURE
Having previously enjoyed fishing in Guernsey, it is a great disappointment to see heavy exploitation of bass stocks. And this at a time when the UK govenment and fisheries regulators are beginning to see the value of marine sport fishing. Just ask the Americans how valuable and popular it is.
over fishing in the spawning grounds without controls by a quota system or a closed season is a sure way to guarantee reduced future fish stocks, as highlighted with the cod and salmon industry.Bass will go the same way if action is not taken NOW.
Every year I spend about £600 on a weeks bass fishing in Ireland, If there were consistant Bass fishing in the Islands I would come there - but it's the same all over the UK - It could be just as good up here, may even get the tourist angler on the East coast but the commercial sector must realise that the Sea does not owe them a living,which species WILL be next after they decimate the Bass - Wake up!!
Appalling that this shortsighted catching of spawning fish is taking place. The ONLY reason I have ever been to the Channel Islands is to fish. Take this away and there will be no reason.
Close this slaughter down, ban the pair trawlers, or better still sink them as artifical reefs. Lets leave some fish for our children and their children to enjoy!
Anyone who thinks bass stocks will not be put at risk by the current over fishing should take a good look at cod stocks. The Grand Banks have been destroyed.
