August was a troubled month for recreational fishermen from Brest to Dunkirk, particularly in Haute-Normandie and Hauts-de-France.
Summer visitors and anglers penalized
In north-western France, holidaymakers were forced to release any sea bass caught from the shore, while boat fishermen were allowed to continue catching the fish up to a limit of 2 sea bass per day per angler.
However, the text published by the DIRM-MEMN was clear and simply prohibited fishing for sea bass from the shore. Subsequently, a protest movement by fishermen, the trade union and the federation led the authorities to soften the text by tolerating fishing, but prohibiting the taking of sea bass from the shore. At the request of the Administrator of Maritime Affairs, educational controls were set up, without sanctions, certainly pending clarification of the legislation.
Text annulled, sea bass fishing and fish harvesting authorized once again
Earlier this afternoon, the Administrator of Maritime Affairs, Mr Alexandre LARROQUE, went a step further, asking the field control units to take account only of European law. Shore fishermen can now fish for sea bass and keep catches over 42 cm (the legal size) up to a maximum of 2 fish per fisherman per day.
Here is the letter from the Administrator of Maritime Affairs:
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
The DGAMPA has just indicated that the current situation is a source of definite incomprehension for recreational anglers and, insofar as European regulation 2023/194 explicitly provides for arrangements relating to the recreational fishing of sea bass from the coast, the application of article R. 921-84 of the Rural Code is not relevant. Detailed work will shortly be undertaken with representatives of the recreational fishing industry to amend this article.
Pending clarification of these regulations, there will be no fines for sea bass fishing on the grounds that it is prohibited from the shore.
Under these conditions, it is necessary to enforce compliance with European regulations and the limit of 2 bass/fisherman/day. This instruction has been passed on to the control units involved in fisheries policing.
As part of your duties and commitments, please ensure that this information is widely circulated.
Sincerely yours"
A relief for anglers
Shore anglers are extremely relieved. The off-season from September to the end of October in particular is ideal for sea bass fishing. The easing of regulations is a highly commendable gesture on the part of the authorities, who are anticipating any formal changes to the Rural Code. An in-depth study has now been launched to avoid comparing leisure fishing and professional fishing, which have nothing in common: one is a leisure activity, the other a profession with health standards.
We will keep you informed of any further developments.
