Commercial Bass fishing

Hey guys I recently emailed Dr. Ian lawler of BIM and asked him about the rumours of the Irish fishing fleet resuming commercial bass fishing. I got a reply from him I could put the reply up on the site I just dont know if theres rules about doing so?

Stick it up mate

BIM is not aware of any formal proposal to reopen the commercial bass fishery however we have heard of industry discussions with DAMF with a view to opening a line fishery for small vessels. BIM view the current regulations as deeply unsatisfactory as they result in the farcical and frustrating situation of Irish vessels having to watch French midwater trawlers fish and catch bass between the 6 and 12 mile Irish limits (which is completely legal) while they are precluded in doing so by Irish legislation. The Irish bass stock is just part of the wider St. Georges Channel stock which is now governed by quota under the CFP. BIM would strongly support the introduction of an appropriately regulated line caught bass fishery.
Should you wish to find out more about the current status of the proposal I would suggest you contact DAMF.