Protecting sea bass spawning grounds in the Bay of Biscay

1.2.2018

Question for written answer E-000609-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sylvie Goddyn (ENF)

On 13 December 2017, to protect declining stocks off France’s Atlantic coast, the Commission decided to ban recreational anglers from keeping any sea bass they catch.

They must now release all sea bass back into the water or face severe fines, although last year they were allowed to catch one fish a day outside breeding season.

Some small-scale fishermen, such as trollers, are also concerned about the possibility that they will also be hit by restrictions.

Recreational and small-scale fishermen point out, however, that the spawning grounds in the Bay of Biscay will not be restored for as long as large trawlers are allowed to fish there. These grounds are essential if we wish to repopulate the Atlantic coast, both above and below the 48th parallel, with sea bass.

Given that the sea bass spawning season in the Bay of Biscay runs from December to February, will the Commission prohibit sea bass fishing in spawning grounds in this period?