Ireland publishes updated information notice on European sea bass fishery in EEZ waters

The Irish Government, through the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), recently published an updated fishery information notice (FIN) titled European Sea Bass Fishery in the Irish EEZ.

This updated FIN outlines the current regulations in force within the Irish exclusive economic zone regarding commercial fishery control measures for sea bass, along with associated derogations.

Sea bass is a specifically protected species under Irish legislation.

Additionally, certain stocks in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) divisions 6a and seven are subject to specific protections under the European Union multiannual plan and landing obligation legislation.

For example, it is prohibited for the master or a person on board of an Irish sea-fishing boat in either of the two indicated ICES divisions to target sea bass using nets and to retain, land or transship sea bass.

If caught, sea bass must not be harmed and must be returned to the sea immediately. All sea bass discards greater than 50 kg must also be logged.

SFPA said that overall, the FIN provides details on sea bass commercial fishery control measures for Irish sea-fishing vessels and EU fishing vessels and associated derogations.

The updated FIN can be accessed on the SFPA website under the "Fishery Information Notices" section or via this link.