EXEMPT SEA ANGLERS FROM EU CATCH LIMITS - HUHNE (Eastleigh Liberal Democrats)

Eastleigh Liberal Democrats <enquiries@eastleighlibdems.org.uk>

EXEMPT SEA ANGLERS FROM EU CATCH LIMITS - HUHNE

February 16, 2009 1:00 PM

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has backed a campaign to ensure that new EU rules do not restrict recreational sea anglers from pursuing their sport from the Solent's harbours.

Mr Huhne, who represents Hamble, Bursledon and Netley all of which have sea anglers, said that the new EU rules must make it clear that recreational fishing is excluded from the catch limits.

"I understand the need to protect fish stocks and allow them to recover" said Mr Huhne, "but the impact of recreational fishing is minimal compared with professional fishing.

"Hundreds of local residents enjoy going out on the Solent and further afield to fish, and they will be put off a harmless and pleasurable activity if they have to fill in forms to register their boat or every time they catch a fish" said Mr Huhne.

The EU fisheries commissioner, Dr Joe Borg, has said that people who land a few kilos of fish will be excluded but the Angling Trust says that they remain on "red alert" because of lack of clarity in the remarks.