Bass Debate

[jerry.shutter]

I have been following all the news regards the legislation regards the poor old Bass, as a recreational angler who would not worry the Bass stocks!,my eyes were opened recently by a commercial skipper of a rod and line boat. He explained,whether right or wrong that a not insignificant number of boats,unregistered(so in theory recreational) caught BIG numbers of Bass and sold them through the back doors of pubs,restaurants etc. This has been going on for years no doubt, as has poaching game birds and venason which is a lucrative business for those with no morals. He basically said it gives the authorities some power to stop those who do abuse the system. It is wrong that genuine recreational anglers are affected by this but if it saves Bass stocks for future generations I am sure we can live with it.

However frustrating we just need to keep our fingers on the pulse and keep signing petitions and hopefully stopping the sea being raped by Europe or others with no conscience.

[plaicemat]

There has always been legislation to stop these buggers, to sell fish, one's boat has to be licenced so they are breaking the law. I wait with baited breath to see if the authorities stop every recreational fishing boat (or even a few of them) going into Christchurch harbour to check how many bass they have. I would imagine that the first person who spots them checking will broadcast this on the marine band so any wrongdoers will just ditch their catch.

[charlieannear]

We spoke about this at the recent Southern IFCA Recreation Angling Sector Group (RASG) meeting, and the view we presented was that no Recreation Sea Anglers sell their catch, and we want that phraseology to stop being used in any documentation BECAUSE, by definition any RSA who sells their catch isn't recreational, they are unlicensed/illegal commercials.

[dicky]

We spoke about this at the recent Southern IFCA Recreation Angling Sector Group (RASG) meeting, and the view we presented was that no Recreation Sea Anglers sell their catch, and we want that phraseology to stop being used in any documentation BECAUSE, by definition any RSA who sells their catch isn't recreational, they are unlicensed/illegal commercials.

absolutely spot on.

do not let anyone get away with calling unlicensed bass anglers as recreational anglers.

by definition if selling their catch they are commercial anglers whether they are registered or not. 

[Ian.Jones]

I am always impressed by the effective simplicity of the fishery laws in New Zealand.

 

Most sea fish and shellfish have both size and bag limits. Recreational anglers who unwittingly break these rules are given advice and direction - and a warning. Repeat offenders are substantially fined.

 

Any angler seen disposing of their catch to avoid detection, or who attempts to hide or secrete their catch, have their fine doubled automatically. Anyone who abuses the rules by retaining about three times their limit will face a heavy fine and have a community service order imposed, as well as probably having their car, boat and equipment confiscated.

 

If the same people are found to be selling fish or shellfish, both the vendor and purchaser face very heavy fines - big enough that they make the national newspapers.

 

Most importantly, these limits are well communicated (eg notice boards at boat ramps, ads in newspapers etc.) and have widespread public support from a knowledgable community that would not hesitate to call the authorities if they believe someone is breaking the rules. There is even an easily remembered hotline 0800 POACHER !!!

 

We could learn a lot........

 

Ian

[plaicemat]

Other countries seem to do more than just make laws, they actually enforce them AND get the public on board. In the U.S, if you speed in roadworks thus endangering the lives of the workers, any fines are automatically doubled. Seems effective. Also in the States, I have many times seen uniformed members of the Fish and Wildlife Service making themselves visible at boat landing stations, beaches, piers and popular hunting areas and they are assisted to a great extent by members of the public raising concerns to which they attend. And not three months later. To be taken seriously, investment must be made to ensure an adequate and mobile force that is ready to act.

 

Hope you're enjoying your winter break Ian and getting some fishing in.

[gjb]

I agree with all said above but they can afford to pay for the men, to do this here we would have a job to understand them

[Coddy]

 

Not sure how old this story is but I don't think it a joke as it was in the Weymouth Echo

 

 

[plaicemat]

With regard to our Minister's published views regarding having received lots of letters from RA's saying they should be allowed to keep what they catch, am I the only one who thinks this is somewhat disingenuous. I'm pretty sure most of the letters are saying that anglers are not against bag limits but are against the inequality of measures that hit the sector that has the least effect on the bass and virtually reward the ones that have the most. I am personally content with one fish per trip until things improve although I think the arbitrary ban for the first six months is OTT but, if it is to be so, it should be necessary for all sectors. It's not even that I find it unfair, it is that I find it unfathomable that things are bad enough to ban one sector and not the other. Come on chaps, get a grip!!