Minister Boosts Commercial Bass Catch at Expense of the Stock and Anglers

The bass stock crashed in 2015 and has still not recovered to a safe level, so we need to keep fishing pressure low and focus on growing the stock.

But in December, the Fisheries Minister ignored our advice and increased all commercial bass fishing catch limits for 2025, which will shrink the stock.  He has prioritised commercial fishing profits over the health of the stock and the quality of the bass fishery.  So much for claims of “sustainable fisheries management” and “World Class fisheries” – actions speak louder than words.

And to add insult to injury, this is the 5^th year in a row that commercial fishing catch limits have been increased, without any increase in our bag limit.  It’s a slap in the face for anglers. Not only is this unfair, it may well be illegal, since the law says recreational fishing limits must be “non-discriminatory”.

And it doesn’t stop there, the law also says that “all appropriate remedial measures shall be adopted to ensure rapid return of the stock” to a safe level.  So how can shrinking the stock be legal?

If this makes you angry, please send an email to your MP asking him or her to meet the Fisheries Minister to discuss these points (not just fob you off with a standard letter written by Defra).  We’ve made it super-easy for you to do this, just click on this link to our website.