New restrictions on the fishing of sea bass, including the introduction of a minimum catch size, will come into effect from as early as 1 September. This is following action by UK government to protect this iconic and threatened species, Fisheries Minister George Eustice announced today. The new controls are the result of continued lobbying in Europe to introduce new commercial and recreational fishing restrictions for bass. These measures will address the long-term decline in bass stocks due to overfishing and support British fishermen for the future by ensuring sustainable bass fishing and angling.

From next month fishermen and anglers will be prevented from catching juvenile bass under 42cm in size, giving female bass the chance to grow to an age where they can spawn. This will strengthen our stocks by creating a new generation of fish for us to catch more sustainably.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-protections-for-sea-bass