Whilst the personal response is appreciated it hasn't really answered the question
Apart from anything the Minister that was is no longer the Minister in question.
The answer given is too vague by far and too full of polititalk and still leaves open the insinuation that it's something that is still being considered.
So what is the answer?
a) Revolt - lets face it the Governments about face to even consider reopening a commerical fishery is REVOLTING. But the amateur angling fraternity is too disjointed and apolitical to make a significant stand
b) Declaration of the Sea Bass in Ireland a designated game fish - clearly the best and only long term viable solution. If the sea bass was afforded the same protection and status as salmon and sea trout its long term future would be assured. For a possible modest annual fee (even only €5) the money could be channelled into a protection and implemenatation plan. Unlike the salmon licence however, there is already legislation in place which prevents the sale of Irish wild caught sea bass (although the government has been typically lax about enforcing and prosecuting this). Also the Irish sea bass is found on public waters around the coastline, unlike salmon and sea trout which are largely targetted on private fee paying waters, which leads to them being branded with an elitist tag. The Sea bass could (and should!) be managed in a similar way the the striped bass fishery in the US where that species is now accessible to everyone from shore based to kayaker to boat owner.
Nick
