June 04 - Fishing Report Released
The Government is today publishing the independent expert report on The Management of Marine Living Resources in the Waters around Gibraltar, which has been produced by the working group set up last year to consider and report on these matters.
The report analyses the international context of marine protection, assesses in depth the range of fisheries data and other information available and identifies the gaps that exist. The report reflects the views of the authors, who are experts in this field and has not in any way been influenced by Government.
Its main conclusions are that:
- the basis for Gibraltar's environmental protection laws are sound;
- information currently available is insufficient to provide clear results on the state of fish stocks;
- HMGoG should therefore continue to act in keeping with established precautionary principles of conservation and pursue active management of the marine environment; and
- future changes to environmental management must be dependent on these issues.
Since receipt of the report, the Government has been considering its recommendations and preparing a marine strategy for Gibraltar.
The full effect of this strategy will be seen in months to come, and will include:
1. Regulations to control marine recreational activities that will allow these while providing safeguards for the local environment and support for Gibraltar sea users. These regulations will in particular affect diving activities and rod-fishing and will be published very shortly;
2. Increased resources for environmental protection and enforcement;
3. Measures to increase the populations of all marine species;
4. Increased monitoring and collection of data to allow for the ability to respond quickly to changes ;
5. A review of current management based on the success and predicted success of the above initiatives.
The planned strategy will make allowance for changes to laws to allow sustainable fishing practices with sustainable fishing methods where all the relevant local stakeholders consider it would be appropriate.
Details of each specific action and revised legislation, all of which are currently being worked on, will be published in the coming weeks and months, with the whole process being completed in the autumn.
The forthcoming legislation, which has been discussed with all the relevant major local stakeholders, including the Nature Conservancy Council, nature conservation NGOs, angling, spearfishing and diving groups and commercial operators, will be published and will introduce the essential principle of active management of our marine resources. This will include the ability to respond quickly to changes in the status of said resources as detected by improved monitoring systems whilst nurturing – and enabling the sustainable use of – the habitats naturally surrounding us.
The report is now available on the Government website.
Printed copies can be obtained from the Department of the Environment at Duke of Kent House.
