MP voices concern on future of sea bass

George Hollingbery, the MP for Meon Valley, a keen fisherman was speaking in a meeting with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) in Westminster.

He said that a total commercial ban now would not be workable but that a move to recreational fishing over time could be an option.

‘The MCS and I were of one mind that a total ban on fishing for bass with trawlers is not possible at the moment as we have a common fisheries police with the European Union (EU) and any action beyond the under 42cms catch limit we have already agreed would need approval from 27 other countries,’ Mr Hollingbery said.

‘Post our leaving the EU is something I cannot comment on as no negotiations have yet started on any subject.

‘Commercial fishing for bass is simply too successful and we do the run the risk of stock collapsing in the future.’