In NEFs working paper on bass we recommend seven key steps to recovery: http://www.neweconomics.org/blog/entry/seven-key-steps-to-bass-stock-recovery

Chris Williams  NEF ‘Before Christmas I wrote about the need for urgent action to protect dwindling numbers of bass in European seas. Some good news came last week – the European Commission has agreed Emergency Measures to prevent a total collapse of bass stocks (EC press release – 26/01/2015) which are effective immediately.

The most significant of these measures is a ban on pelagic trawling – a method of fishing in mid-water– in areas where the bass spawn. In force until the end of April, it will allow damaged stocks much-needed time to recover.

While an important step, it does not mean that the wider problem of unsustainable fishing for bass in EU waters has been solved. Recent public pressure and action from concerned citizens around Europe means that politicians are finally turning their attention to the management plan that scientists have demanded for years.