Bass being commercially exploited again!?

[bigballs]

been told by a local trawler man that he got a call about buying Bass nets as it is a done deal that they will be aloud target Bass this summer from north wexford to west cork for a 6 week period as a trail to see whats there anybody else hear this

No, haven't heard this from any of our sources in the fisheries board or the department. I don't believe its a done deal at this stage. The argument on our side is too compelling.

Targetting Bass on a trial basis in that way wouldn't make sense to me either because the effect on stocks wouldn't be evident for many years.

I hope your right mate

[James Barry]

Seems the new guy supports the commercials in a big way however we need to get those letters and emails off again lads...its not over yet!!

[teacher]

Seems the new guy supports the commercials in a big way however we need to get those letters and emails off again lads...its not over yet!!

Anyone in Sean Connick's constituency (Wexford, and New Ross in particular) should be writing now.
Tell him how you intend voting next time if this proposal goes through.
Tell him how important Bass fishing is to the Wexford area.
Point him to Sea Angling Ireland and tell him to look at the number of people that travel to Wexford for their Bass fishing.
Remind him that lots of other people take the ferry to Rosslare from the UK and France to go Bass fishing.
Remind him that these people all spend money in Wexford on accommodation, food, petrol, guides and charter boats.
He probably hasn't considered any of this.

Remind him that the recreational Bass fishery is worth 8 million euro to the Irish economy (according to Failte Ireland). Tell him that the EU commercial catch (marine) is worth 6 billion euros while theEU recreational sea angling sector is valued at 8-10 billion euros. (http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/pdf ... 060523.pdf, http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/pdf ... ies_en.pdf). He probably doesn't know this either.

Our new minister needs your help to understand how important recreational angling is to the economy (and to his vote).

[Tanglerat]

Contact details for his constituency office: http://www.seanconnick.ie/index.php?opt ... &Itemid=31

I just had a chat with the nice lady in the office, making a point or two....

[lure fisher]

Hi Teacher/concerned anglers

Would it be an idea to put up a draft letter for amendment and personalisation to allow lads print it off and send it to the minister.

I think lots more guys would send a letter if it was made easier.

I think some one with all the facts should prepare the draft.

Ive had a few people get in touch with me directly looking for a draft letter.




A

[bassbusters]

I've written - make his life a nice misery with all the letters.

and I think a personal letter has FAR more impact than a round robin one. Just get what you think down on paper and show how much you spend each year in Wexford on bass fishing - it may surprise them.

[beachbuddy]

What about using the results from the bass survey thats going on in the background at the moment regarding facts and figures,and sending on to him from us all.This guy sounds like a bit of a numpty if he is considering such actions,surely there would be a handover of sorts on issues outstanding from mr Killen and he would fill him in on the public outcry on reopening to the commercials.

[liamdenn]

May I suggest leaving a message for him on his facebok page? Not only will it get the message across but it is a very public way of doing so.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pag ... 778?ref=ts

[scannerman]

the above is only possible if your a facebook member, you are required to log in

[jd]

What about using the results from the Bass survey thats going on in the background at the moment regarding facts and figures,and sending on to him from us all.

That is the plan, the survey will be closing soon.

[kenf41]

May I suggest leaving a message for him on his facebok page? Not only will it get the message across but it is a very public way of doing so.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pag ... 778?ref=ts

to leave a comment there you have to be a fan!!!
this link leads to a web page with an e mail where i left a letter.
not sure this would make much difference but maybe if enough ordinary voters write as well as the stronger lobbys ,he may take some notice

[liamdenn]

I say become a fan and leave a message as well as writing. Lets not find the problems in things but instead try loads of angles and some are sure to work. My thoughts are that facebook is very visable both to him and the wider public, including the opposition and media etc.

[high low]

After a conversation and a submitted letter.
A Postive Reply from
Conor Lenihan TD
Minister for Natural Resources

12th March 2010


Sea Bass Fishery


Dear Mr. Roe,



I refer to your recent representations regarding the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) proposal that Irish commercial fishing vessels be allowed to target sea Bass and land it when caught in offshore waters.



As you may be aware the making of regulations for the management of the sea Bass fishery is a matter for the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Recently, I expressed a number of concerns I have regarding this proposal, particularly given the status of sea Bass stocks and their importance and contribution to sea angling.



Despite the absence of a commercial sea Bass fishery in Ireland for almost two decades, there is no empirical evidence of any significant or consistent increase in sea Bass abundance based on available indices, and stocks remain depleted. As Ireland's indigenous Bass population is slow-growing and late maturing compared with European stocks, I share the concerns voiced by fisheries managers that any resumption of the commercial sea fishery would adversely impact on stocks.



I support the proposal that the International Council for Exploration of the Sea should be requested to examine the latest data on the status of sea Bass stocks and propose management measures for this species. I expect, however, that the Minister of State responsible will not agree to the FIF proposal in the absence of robust assurances from scientists that it will have no negative impact on Irish Sea Bass stocks.



Yours sincerely,



________________________

Conor Lenihan TD

Minister for Natural Resources

Today I have received the exact same reply from mr Lenihan, dated the 23th of march.

[captain AHAB]

After a conversation and a submitted letter.
A Postive Reply from
Conor Lenihan TD
Minister for Natural Resources

12th March 2010


Sea Bass Fishery


Dear Mr. Roe,



I refer to your recent representations regarding the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) proposal that Irish commercial fishing vessels be allowed to target sea Bass and land it when caught in offshore waters.



As you may be aware the making of regulations for the management of the sea Bass fishery is a matter for the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Recently, I expressed a number of concerns I have regarding this proposal, particularly given the status of sea Bass stocks and their importance and contribution to sea angling.



Despite the absence of a commercial sea Bass fishery in Ireland for almost two decades, there is no empirical evidence of any significant or consistent increase in sea Bass abundance based on available indices, and stocks remain depleted. As Ireland's indigenous Bass population is slow-growing and late maturing compared with European stocks, I share the concerns voiced by fisheries managers that any resumption of the commercial sea fishery would adversely impact on stocks.



I support the proposal that the International Council for Exploration of the Sea should be requested to examine the latest data on the status of sea Bass stocks and propose management measures for this species. I expect, however, that the Minister of State responsible will not agree to the FIF proposal in the absence of robust assurances from scientists that it will have no negative impact on Irish Sea Bass stocks.



Yours sincerely,



________________________

Conor Lenihan TD

Minister for Natural Resources

Today I have received the exact same reply from mr Lenihan, dated the 23th of march.

surprised????

[lure fisher]

Hi
for information purposes

i just became a fan on his page to allow me write on his wall. i wrote on the wall and withing 3 seconds the wall post was automatically removed. . THIS IS A WASTE OF TIME and only gives him another "fan" on his page. He leaves wall posts up that are "nice" and uncontroversial.

Please keep off his flattering facebook page and write or email him (as i have also done btw).

Again i think someone with all the facts should draft maybe 3/4 standard letters for people to adapt. This way the same messages are being covered in the correct tone required to reflect a well thought out position by seriously concerned anglers and not just a rabble bunch.


A

[jd]

Hi
for information purposes

i just became a fan on his page to allow me write on his wall. i wrote on the wall and withing 3 seconds the wall post was automatically removed. . THIS IS A WASTE OF TIME and only gives him another "fan" on his page. He leaves wall posts up that are "nice" and uncontroversial.



A

Hi
I can see plenty of comments re the bass issue on his page. Make sure you have "Sean Connick and Fans" selected on his wall.

[MackDublin]

Lads,

I was on Sean Connicks website and he holds a number of clinics around Wexford on a regular basis.
Has anybody down Wexford way (Jim etc) thought about going to talk to him at a clinic?

The whole topic seems to have gone a bit quiet on here. (maybe there is a lot of activity happening in the background??)Despite what he may have said in the past we still need him to here our voices, Filte Irelands voice, the Central Fisheries voice etc.

Are people still actively campaigning?

Colm

[lure fisher]

Hi JD

Yea i see that under fans only, its not visible to other users.

I still think a letter or email that requires a response is the way to go but every bit helps.


A

[JimH]

Im on home ground now Colm - I've met and worked (and continue to send business to) with a lot of business people with regards to SEAi and the tourism influences etc here in Wexford over the last eight years. I will be meeting and talking to a lot of them over the next few days too......and hoping to meet and chat with Mr Connick

The work has never stopped its just not talked about much -

[Tomaszek]

@lure fisher, I think that these comments are visible to anyone as I can see them and I don't even have a facebook account at all. But yes, I agree completely that letter on the piece of paper is the best way to go.

@Colm, I'm sure that there is a lot going one. If you have some fresh ideas or you have any capacity to help, please do not hesitate to post on this thread.

For the moment every one concerned should write a letter to Mr. Conninck, take the survey and become a friend of Irishbass.org