SGS Product & Process Certification - Marine Stewardship Council

APPENDIX D: STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS
(includes all written and verbal communication)
Received from: Jan Willem Wijnstroom, Sportvisserij Nederland, Royal Dutch Angling
Association
May 18 th 2010
Bass is a prime target species for recreational anglers in the Netherlands, UK, Belgium and
France. Bassfishing has gained a lot of popularity during the last 20 years. Due to the decline of
flatfish, cod and eel stocks the range of fishing possibilities also declined: the increase in bass
fishing possibilities provides the Dutch recreational angling sector with new opportunities.
Estimated number of bass anglers in the Netherlands in 2006 was 91.000 (TNS NIPO 2006). More
than 50 % of Dutch bass anglers advocate improved bass stock management. Commercial
fishermen need to take part in this management.
Recreational bass angling in Holland has a calculated socio economic value of 15,8 bilj euro on a
yearly basis.
Recreational bass anglers and commercial anglers (VBHL) fish for the same species and thus
there is common interest in a management system that benefits better management of bass and
other marine resources and in which the interests of both stakeholders are being taken care of.
PI Comment
1.1.1 There are very little scientific research data available on
eastern North sea bass populations. General perception
amongst recreational anglers as well as members of VBHL
is that mature and bigger bass are getting scarcer. There is
a steady decline in the stamp of bass available to
recreational anglers and other metiers like commercial rod
and line fishermen.
1.1.2 Explicit (formal) reference points have not yet been defined
for the bass stocks in ICES Area IV. A main assessment
using the default assessment tree would very likely result in
a score below the unconditional level but above the minimal
level. It is likely that this performance indicator will attract a
condition that requires the client to liaise with Research
Bodies (IMARES, CEFAS) and have a part in the further
development of appropriate reference points for the North
Sea stock.
1.2.2 The mls for sea bass (36 cm) is considered to be too low.
Sportvisserij Nederland advocates an mls increase to 42
cm , to give bass the opportunity to grow and to spawn.
Although occasionally mature bass are found at 36 cm, we
advocate that the whole fishery is subject to measures that
protect undersized bass. VBHL fishermen apply a bigger
mls which is the right step in the direction.
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