European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax, aka Bass, Sea Bass, Common Bass, White Perch, Loupe de Mer) are one of the more contentious fish in British angling circles. While it is popular amongst foodie circles it is a species which is seen as being at risk.
There are strict (and enforced) rules for fishing for Bass in British waters, and all recreational anglers should take the time to look up the rules and guidance for their region.
A Species at Risk
A 2013 study by ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) revealed the parlous state of the stocks of European seabass. At their lowest levels for 20 years, calls were made for stricter rules on catch limits, minimum sizes and even closed seasons during breeding months.
European seabass are currently listed as being of ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species – although it seems the last assessment was way back in 2008. You won’t find many conservation organisations promoting wild-caught seabass as being a good choice though – both the Marine Conservation Society and the Wildlife Trusts urge caution in eating European seabass from the wild.
Seabass sustainability varies depending on whether it was caught or farmed and where. Wild stocks are very low, so you’re most likely to find farmed options. The Best Choice is farmed bass certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), or GLOBALG.A.P.. Most wild options are OK but need improvement. Avoid wild bass from the West of Scotland.Marine Conservation Society
Choose sustainably sourced seabass – the best option is farmed seabass grown in a recirculating system. If this is not available, any farmed seabass is a better choice than wild caught fish. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of ‘Living Seas’, where marine wildlife thrives.The Wildlife Trusts
Rules for Recreational Bass Fishing in 2024
For much of the water around England and Wales the following rules apply for recreational anglers on shore or on a boat:
- There is a closed season from 01 February 2024 to 31 March 2024
- 2 fish per day limit outside of that period (i.e. you can only keep 2 fish per person)
- A minimum size of 42cm for any fish that are kept – anything smaller must be released
The above applies for rod and handline only, and no bass can be taken by fixed or drift nets.
There are additional rules for bass nursery areas that must also be observed.
It can be difficult to find definitive information, especially when online searches can bring up results from previous years, when the
As we are are nothing more than a group of islands masquerading as a landmass it is a little tricky to align marine conservation rules to national boundaries. Cooperation between nations is vital, and in the links above you will find rules referring to ‘7a’ or ‘4b’ etc. These are zones of water around the UK and Europe, and the map below shows those different areas.
Should we be allowed to catch and cook wild bass?
That’s a big questions, and it is difficult to answer in a short paragraph – that’s why we have an entire blog post dedicated to it HERE.
Every year Wild Food People run a calendar of foraging and wild food courses in North Wales.
From forests and meadows to seashore and coastal – all of our courses are focused on food, ecology and giving participants the confidence to go and find these foods for themselves.
We work with nature.
We deliver expert foraging and wild food training as part of our wider work managing habitats in North Wales.
Every single one of our courses and events feeds back into improving those habitats, helping to provide healthy ecosystems for our local wildlife and communities.