Category Archives: Conservation

New Bass Angling Regulations Aim To Improve Bass Stocks

Press release, 7 January 2016 – Inland Fisheries Ireland

The EU Commission recently agreed Council Regulation 559 that sets out fishing opportunities and fish quotas for EU fishing fleets, and also sets out new rules for recreational bass fishing throughout northern Europe, including Ireland. Implementation of this regulation will require new legislation in Ireland. 

In the interim period, pending legislation, Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) is requesting anglers to recognise the need for conservation and to fish according to the regulations that are expected to be introduced shortly i.e. to fish on a catch-and-release basis  up to and including June 30th, 2016. A one fish bag limit will apply from July 1 to December 31. It is envisaged that the introduction of new legislation for Ireland will incorporate elements of the National Bass Policy and will be introduced in advance of the close season for bass angling.  

The new EU regulation on bass fishing was introduced as an emergency measure to address declining bass stocks, as scientific advice indicates that stocks in northern Europe are in a perilous state.

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of IFI stated ‘ Bass is a valuable and important sport angling  species  which  has  been  managed  as  an  angling  species  since  1990. It is a valuable resource,contributing €71 million to the Irish economy annually and supporting over 1,200 jobs. The new measures here and restrictions on commercial fishing outside Irish waters will help improve bass stocks and ensure they continue to provide quality angling for local and tourist anglers alike into the future, sustaining and growing the important economic and social benefits’.

While there is no commercial fishing for bass in Ireland, commercial fishing elsewhere has been severely curtailed, particularly on spawning stocks, which should help Irish stocks. New measures for recreational angling are also being imposed on an international level.

http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Press-releases/new-bass-angling-regulations-aim-to-improve-bass-stocks.html

IFI National policies for the management of Trout, Pike and Bass

 

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Press Release from Inland Fisheries Ireland

National policies for the management of trout, pike and Bass, were today (22.08.14) launched by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the state agency responsible for the protection, conservation, management and promotion of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.
Speaking at the launch, IFI chairman, Mr Brendan O’Mahony, commented, “These policies are the first national species policies to be issued from IFI and in this regard represent a new era for fisheries management in Ireland. The policies will provide for the better conservation and management of Bass, pike and trout in Ireland and will help ensure sustainability of stocks into the future. In addition, they will allow for improved angling, economic impacts and help to sustain and improve the many jobs that are supported by recreational angling in Ireland.”
The three policy documents have been formulated, through a rigorous consultation process, by groups comprising: fisheries scientists; angling federations; and industry representatives.

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Bass Fishing Reality

Crevan

From a Wexford perspective the Bass fishing has been absolutely terrible. The stark decline of the past few years has culminated into a complete slump in 2014. It annoys me when I hear the Bass fishing here in South Ireland as being incredible. 

I’m lucky to be in a position where I can fish everyday. I take advantage of every opportunity which arises to fish. This year fishing for me and the group I fish with has been disastrous. I gave up recording blank after blank just after the ban. Of late I’ve had little interest in rising with the sun or staying late into the evening searching for any fish. Its that bad its depressing.

Here is the reality.
I have had 7 fish since the ban lifted on the 16th June. 7. That’s fishing an average of 4/5 sessions a week with the exception of the first week in July. Id be fairly confident that I’m fishing my marks correctly. I and my fishing buddies have a very good idea of where and when to go. …

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