The Government is aware of concerns relating to wild seabass stocks. In August of this year, Fisheries Minister, George Eustice, announced new measures to help protect seabass. These included imposing a daily 3 bag fish limit per person for recreational anglers; monthly catch limits for commercial vessels; a ban on all EU commercial fishing around Ireland; a minimum conservation reference size of 42cm to allow female fish to grow to spawning age.
While these measures will be vital to improving the health of seabass stocks, George Eustice has stated that he will be continuing to build upon this work to ensure population recovery is sustained.
October 2016