Questions
1. What is your view on the proposed Total Allowable Catch (TAC) level for Clyde herring in 2024?
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Sir/ Madam,
The consultation paper on the Clyde herring fishery is most interesting and detailed.
It is a disaster that the anual catch has declined from between 10,000 and 20,000 tonnes in the 1950s to a mere 583 tonnes today. This says much about the inadequate protection afforded to these fish.
For one thing, the tackle used could be said to be so large that it can indiscriminately wipe out whole shoals in a single cast. Not only that but the sonar available makes this even more deadly. For the wellbeing of the Clyde herring, I suggest that there be greater restriction on the catching volume (or length) of the nets used. Obviously there will be no acceptable restriction of the sonar equipment. When the catches were at their best, the boats were smaller, less sophisticated and with smaller tackle - and NO sonar.
Furthermore, It is noted that the minimum allowable size of fish taken is a mere 20 cms. this is clearly too small and will kill most fish before they reach breeding size. Again, this is not good for the stock. We suggest that this be gradually increased to, first 22 cms and then 24 cms, possibly 26 cms and consider whether this improves the breeding stock and thence the population numbers, from the data gathered.
It needs a definite (and properly enforced) change in management if the Clyde herring are to return.
Regards,
Redacted text
The consultation paper on the Clyde herring fishery is most interesting and detailed.
It is a disaster that the anual catch has declined from between 10,000 and 20,000 tonnes in the 1950s to a mere 583 tonnes today. This says much about the inadequate protection afforded to these fish.
For one thing, the tackle used could be said to be so large that it can indiscriminately wipe out whole shoals in a single cast. Not only that but the sonar available makes this even more deadly. For the wellbeing of the Clyde herring, I suggest that there be greater restriction on the catching volume (or length) of the nets used. Obviously there will be no acceptable restriction of the sonar equipment. When the catches were at their best, the boats were smaller, less sophisticated and with smaller tackle - and NO sonar.
Furthermore, It is noted that the minimum allowable size of fish taken is a mere 20 cms. this is clearly too small and will kill most fish before they reach breeding size. Again, this is not good for the stock. We suggest that this be gradually increased to, first 22 cms and then 24 cms, possibly 26 cms and consider whether this improves the breeding stock and thence the population numbers, from the data gathered.
It needs a definite (and properly enforced) change in management if the Clyde herring are to return.
Regards,
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