GFSA Calls For Fishing To Be Protected At Rosia Bay

The Gibraltar Federation of Sea Anglers is calling for sport fishing to be considered as part of the proposed Rosia Bay development.

The Federation says Rosia Bay is one of Gibraltar's busiest fishing spots and is urging the Government and the preferred bidder to consult on how the plans could affect access to the area.

A statement from the GFSA follows below:

The Government has announced that they are negotiating with a preferred bidder to develop  Rosia Bay for commercial, tourism and leisure facilities. There is no mention of sport fishing.  This is very disappointing. Fishing is not just a leisure activity and should not simply be seen in  that very simplistic definition. It is a sport that is widely practised in Gibraltar, that is attracting  an increasing interest from young people.  

The significance of Rosia Bay as a fishing venue cannot be understated. All you need to do is  go there every day, mostly in the mornings and evenings, to see how many people are shore  spinning and jigging. You will be amazed by the number of young anglers who go there daily to  participate in this sport. It is very popular and a growing sport in Gibraltar. Any attempt to stop  it or diminish access to this part of the shoreline will be vigorously resisted.  

GFSA counts within its membership, the Gibraltar Shore Spinning and Jigging Club, and Rosia  Bay is their main venue for hosting activities including competitions. No development of this  area can ignore this fact.  

The Federation calls on the Government and the preferred bidder to consult on the eƯect that  any of the proposals will have on access to and the use of the mole for fishing.  

Whilst it is recognised that the area needs improving and that previous attempts to find a  solution have not succeeded, diminishing the use of the mole for fishing would be a mistake.  If the proposals include improved facilities for sport anglers, then these must be looked at by  GFSA and stakeholders to make sure that they enhance rather than diminish fishing at this  venue.