Stuie

Here's the reply I had from DEFRA after signing the petition - Interesting to read that the Govt. was disappointed they couldn't get a better deal for RSA's!!!! Dear Stuart Cooper, The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Save our Bass: do not water down the proposal to ban nets.”. Government responded: The UK secured emergency measures to conserve bass in 2015. For 2017 we sought a package to reduce commercial catches, minimise discards and argued for proportionate allowance for recreational angling At this year’s December Council negotiation the UK sought a balanced package on sea bass that further protected the stock, while respecting the need to account for discards and allow some continued recreational angling. We pressed for a better deal for angling, recognising its importance to local economies. In particular, we agreed that there should be a 1 or 2 fish bag limit for 10 months of the year and argued for lower commercial catch limits. We were disappointed we could not move beyond the current scheme and agree a fairer package for anglers. Bass measures agreed at December Council included: • The limit tightened for bass catches by fixed gill nets from 1.3 tonnes to 250kg per vessel per month, with a closed season of February-March, representing an 80% cut from this year's provision, and for all forms of netting at UK level an estimated 88% cut from the former 2011-2013 baseline annual average; • No provision for other forms of netting than fixed gill net; • Setting the limit for hook and line fisheries at 10 tonnes per annum (spread across ten months of the year), reducing the catch potential by 23%; • Setting the by-catch provision for trawlers and seines at 3% per day. This is an increase from 1% per trip for this year to minimise bass discards, but with a new cap introduced of 400kg per month. At UK level the provision is estimated to result in a 57% decrease from the former 2011-13 baseline average. • The provision for recreational angling remains unchanged, with only catch and release allowed in the first six months, followed by a daily limit of one fish per fisher. We are making progress in reducing bass catches at EU level and are heading in the right direction in terms of stock recovery. We will continue to seek the right balance between the legitimate interests of the recreational and commercial sectors while achieving sustainable fisheries for bass. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-38368204

Two bites Jerry - you were bagging up..................

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-38265395

Have a good day Neal, wherever you are and whatever you're doing.

Neal's away until next week Brian....

Hope you're having a good one - all well I trust?

A polte reminder to members who agree with this issue to please sign the above petition - under SOS entry - and please also send your MP's an e-mail...

Was planning to go out today but central heating problem meant I was housebound waiting for an engineer. All now sorted and the house is much warmer than it must have been afloat today.

Intentionally ambiguous?

Well done to all club members who caught fish and everyone who took part.

Here's the earlier BBC release Derek. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-38010160

The Save our Seabass petition here is the same one as in the Bass - Commercial Fishing 2017 thread. Theres more sea angling news as well... well worth a look. In particular the article - 'no support for sea angling 2017 data collection' is very informative. http://emarketing.blue-leaf.co.uk/t/ViewEmail/r/93703BA692C86FF22540EF23F30FEDED/1EC4CD058373EEA0F7E8006BBCB98688

Done and petition signed too

Best wishes Gary - enjoy.

I Don't fancy the current forecast either Alun.

Best wishes Terry - enjoy the day

Best wishes Duncan - have a good day.

Have a great day Oli - away from the keyboard????

http://emarketing.blue-leaf.co.uk/t/ViewEmail/r/600C79004CA7DF622540EF23F30FEDED/A564A180950935EAF7E8006BBCB98688

Best wishes old man - time for your annual haircut???

Thanks Oli

Thanks Oli

October First place Fred Smith Bull Huss 12lb 14oz 129% specimen Second place Steve Scott Bass 11b 13oz 124% specimen Third place Fred Smith Spotted Ray 6lb 12oz 123% specimen

September First place Mal Thomas Bull Huss 11lb 8oz 115% specimen Second place Dave Lynes Undulate Ray 15lb 2oz 108% specimen Third place Stuart Cooper Undulate Ray 13lb 8oz 96% specimen