Bass fishing (FOI)

Request

I would like the following information in respect of the ongoing 'scientific research' that the Marine Resources Department are conducting with regards to the reintroduction of netting for sea bass.

A

Who is funding this scheme?

B

How much has it cost so far?

C

What is the projected cost for 2020 and what is the total budget?

D

Who is the lead scientific officer?

E

How many times since the scheme was introduced in January 2019 have the scientists and/or officers from Marine Resources accompanied commercial fishermen involved to ensure that the data the fishermen are recording is accurate?

F

Who is providing the different sized nets to the fishermen?

G

During 2019 what different mesh sizes and soak times were tested?

H

In 2020 what different mesh sizes and soak times are be tested?

I

Which other, if any, scientific body is involved or contributing to this scheme?

J

When will the scientific paper be published, and by whom, detailing the full extent and findings of the scheme?

K

What are the parameters and timeline of this scheme?

L

Are there any plans to introduce a Sustainable Fisheries Act in order to protect our depleted fish stocks?

Response

A

The Government of Jersey is providing funding.

B

The total cost up to 9 April 2020 is £688. This is for the supply of the fishing equipment necessary to conduct the study.

C

The projected cost for 2020 is currently unknown due to the COVID-19 outbreak delaying the beginning of the study. The total budget is £7000.

D

The Marine Resources Marine Scientist is the Lead Officer.

E

Officers have not accompanied bass permit-holders on a fishing day. However landing checks have been undertaken on vessels and comparisons made with submitted bass recording forms.

F

The nets that will be used in the 2020 study are supplied by Coastal Nets Limited Bridport, UK.

G

In 2019 the mesh sizes used (mm) were: 100, 102, 105, 108, 110 and 120.

The soak times used (hours) were: 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 9.5, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

H

In 2020 the mesh sizes that will be used are 100, 105, 110 and 112.

The methodology on soak times is yet to be finalised but will involve rapid soak times from ‘splashing’ the nets and longer soak times of up to 12 hours.

I

None.

J

A full report will be written once the scheme has finished in 2021. Scientific journal publication will be considered dependent upon whether the results are of sufficient interest to warrant submitting a paper to an academic journal.

K

Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak a timeline is unknown as this has delayed the field work aspect of the study.

L

No. Sea Fisheries (Jersey) Law 1994 provides the legal powers for fisheries management.