A CATCH allowance scheme for sports anglers is being considered. Commerce and Employment has conceived the idea in response to concerns about illegal fish sales from charter vessels, while acknowledging that charter angling makes an important contribution to the economy.

‘Recreational angling is entirely legal – and to be encouraged – from such vessels, but as they are not in possession of a sea fisheries licence, they may not sell fish that are excess to the angler’s personal requirements,’ said a Sea Fisheries spokesman.

‘The department would not wish to curtail such fishing, but is considering a practical catch allowance system which aims to enable sport angling to continue.’

The department will soon start consultation about management of the currently unregulated fishery.

A UK charter skipper is disputing claims that fish stocks are being decimated. Paul Whittall, who is also the angling representative of the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Skippers’ Association, hit back at accusations by Guernsey Fishermen’s Association president Peter Munro that charter boats were ‘black fishing’ and selling their catches illegally.

He said that officials at Southern Sea Fisheries in the UK had told him that Guernsey had raised concerns about charter boats last year.

‘Despite frequent searches of the vessels and appropriate follow up, Southern Sea Fisheries have told me that there is no evidence whatsoever that any selling of fish is talking place and that they have reported this back to Guernsey Sea Fisheries,’ said Mr Whittall.

He wants to know if anyone has anything other than anecdotal evidence for the allegations, or else a retraction from the local industry. ‘Black fishing’ can attract a fine of up to £50,000.

Mr Whittall said UK associations were taking the allegations seriously. He understood the concerns of local anglers, but visiting ones caught only a small percentage of the local fleet’s catch.

He brings 25 charter trips annually into Alderney – each one injects £3,000 into the island’s economy, he said.

‘This means my customers have injected well over £1m. into the economy during the 20 years I have been bringing anglers to the Channel Islands.

‘Many recent studies have shown how much more a fish is worth to a local economy if caught by an angler, as opposed to it landing on the fish market.

‘Surely, then, it is in the interests of many businesses in the Channel Islands to promote angling as an excellent way to boost tourist income over a lengthy period, April to October.

‘It is appreciated that there is much discussion yet to take place over these issues, but let us hope that they may be resolved amicably. If there are problems, please be assured that the UK charters skippers are very happy to discuss them.’

Sea Fisheries said it welcomed the stance over illegal sales and the offer to work together on the issue.