Deadline: 8 February 2006 to support the Bass Management Plan

A 'consultation' by DEFRA and the Welsh Assembly Government concerning
the first phase of the bass management plan - the proposal to increase
the minimum landing size (mls) of bass, together with an appropriate
increase in licensed commercial net mesh size - is currently underway.
DEFRA has now announced details of the consultation, covering the
raising of the bass minimum landing size (MLS) from 36 cms to 45 cms,
together with an appropriate rise in the commercial net mesh sizes. If
successful, this will be the first phase in the implementation of the
proposals outlined in the Bass Management Plan, others should follow in
2006.

Now is the time for the recreational sea angler to participate in
determining UK Government policy and law on the management of the UK
inshore bass fishery and if successful, we hope will lead to other
species sought by recreational sea anglers receiving similar protection.
Please do not waste this opportunity, write a letter to DEFRA in support
NOW. We are aware that there will be tremendous opposition from the
commercial sector, so it is VERY IMPORTANT that there is an overwhelming
response of support from the recreational sea angling sector for these
proposals.

Have you sent in your response yet?

EFFTA has written a letter to DEFRA in support of the proposal on behalf
of all its UK members. We urge you to do the same. Please do not miss
this rare opportunity to partake in the management of the UK inshore
fishery, helping to ensure that the seas around our shores will enjoy a
sustainable bass fishery for you and future generations to come.

The closing date for responses to the DEFRA consultation is 8 FEBRUARY
2006 and for responses to the Welsh Assembly Government, the closing
date is, 14 FEBRUARY 2006.


_____

For full details of the DEFRA consultation, including the consultation
letter and accompanying documentation, please visit:

http://ukbass.com/bassmanagementplan/consultation_mls.html.

For full details on the Bass Management plan, please visit:

http://ukbass.com/bassmanagementplan/index.html.

Suggested action to take:

* Write a letter to DEFRA , supporting the proposals. Address your
response to:

Nicola Clarke
Coastal Waters Policy Branch
Defra
Area 7E
3-8 Whitehall Place
London SW1A 2HH
email: bassmls@DEFRA.GSI.GOV.UK> bassmls@DEFRA.GSI.GOV.UK


* Write a letter to, or visit your local MP/Welsh Assembly Member,
asking him/her to support the proposals by making representations to the
Rt Hon Ben Bradshaw MP, Fisheries Minister, on your behalf .

Mrs Hannah Hess
Welsh Assembly Government
ECM Fisheries
Government Buildings CP2
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
email: Fisheries@Wales.GSI.GOV.UK> Fisheries@Wales.GSI.GOV.UK