48 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding stocks of bass; the allowed catch for net fishermen and rod fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9872/02]

Current legislation prohibits catches of bass by net fishermen and imposes a bag limit on anglers of two bass in any one period of 24 hours. In addition, there is a ban on angling for bass during the spawning season – 15 May-15 June 2002. In light of updated scientific advice on the state of the bass stock which is expected shortly, a decision on the current bass fishing conservation provisions, which have been renewed annually since 1990, will be taken before their expiry on 30 June 2002.