P3TA at work?

[Larry Ramsell]

Switzerland Bans Catch-And-Release Fishing

Editor’s Note: Today’s story comes to us from the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association.

 

Catch and Release fishing will be banned in Switzerland from next year, it was revealed this week.

 

And anglers in the country will have to demonstrate their expertise by taking a course on humane methods of catching fish, under new legislation outlined by the Bundesrat - the Swiss Federal Parliament.

 

The new legislation states that fish caught should be killed immediately following their capture, with a sharp blow to the head from a blunt instrument. Under the new regulations, the use of livebait and barbed hooks is also prohibited except in certain situations.

 

The laws come into effect in 2009 but while the Swiss government does not mention Catch and Release specifically, it does say that "it is not permitted to go fishing with the 'intention' to release the fish."

 

EFTTA lobbyist Jan Kappel has been in contact with Martin Peter, Vice President of the Swiss Angling Federation, to see whether a joint approach to the Swiss government could persuade them to amend the legislation - which forms part of a much wider animal welfare programme.

 

The law on the protection of animals was passed by the Swiss parliament in 2005 and officials have spent three years refining the details, taking into account the comments of interested parties.

 

Said Jan: "Catch and Release is one of the most difficult issues we have to deal with, and one of the most important in my opinion.

 

“The new Swiss law doesn't make use of the term 'Catch and Release', which is the same as in Germany – but I don't see how governments can enforce legislation which makes 'intent' illegal.

 

“And demanding that people kill the fish they catch gives no thought to the conservation benefits from releasing them."

 

Angling Codes of Conduct with regards to proper handling and releases can be found for practically any fish species caught by anglers in Switzerland and the rest of the world. The new Swiss law makes it obligatory for anglers to take lessons before being granted a fishing license. So there is absolutely no need for an outright ban on the release of fish in Switzerland.”

 

It’s believed that the legislation could affect as many as 275,000 anglers in Switzerland, who generate around 30 million Euros in annual tackle sales.

 

EFTTA acting president, Pierangelo Zanetta, said: "EFTTA does not believe that forcing anglers to kill their catches is either good for nature or for recreational sport fishing - which makes a significant financial contribution to the EU economy.

 

“Making the killing of fish obligatory will simply reduce fish population and, at the same time, run the risk of having a negative impact on sport fishing.

 

"Anglers and the sport of angling invest time and money to improve water quality and create larger and healthier fish populations. We believe is it far better for the fish if the fisherman decides, according to the situation, whether to keep and eat the fish or to release it."

[Musky or Specks]

Switzerland Bans Catch-And-Release Fishing

Editor’s Note: Today’s story comes to us from the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association.

 

Catch and Release fishing will be banned in Switzerland from next year, it was revealed this week.

 

And anglers in the country will have to demonstrate their expertise by taking a course on humane methods of catching fish, under new legislation outlined by the Bundesrat - the Swiss Federal Parliament.

 

The new legislation states that fish caught should be killed immediately following their capture, with a sharp blow to the head from a blunt instrument. Under the new regulations, the use of livebait and barbed hooks is also prohibited except in certain situations.

 

The laws come into effect in 2009 but while the Swiss government does not mention Catch and Release specifically, it does say that "it is not permitted to go fishing with the 'intention' to release the fish."

 

EFTTA lobbyist Jan Kappel has been in contact with Martin Peter, Vice President of the Swiss Angling Federation, to see whether a joint approach to the Swiss government could persuade them to amend the legislation - which forms part of a much wider animal welfare programme.

 

The law on the protection of animals was passed by the Swiss parliament in 2005 and officials have spent three years refining the details, taking into account the comments of interested parties.

 

Said Jan: "Catch and Release is one of the most difficult issues we have to deal with, and one of the most important in my opinion.

 

“The new Swiss law doesn't make use of the term 'Catch and Release', which is the same as in Germany – but I don't see how governments can enforce legislation which makes 'intent' illegal.

 

“And demanding that people kill the fish they catch gives no thought to the conservation benefits from releasing them."

 

Angling Codes of Conduct with regards to proper handling and releases can be found for practically any fish species caught by anglers in Switzerland and the rest of the world. The new Swiss law makes it obligatory for anglers to take lessons before being granted a fishing license. So there is absolutely no need for an outright ban on the release of fish in Switzerland.”

 

It’s believed that the legislation could affect as many as 275,000 anglers in Switzerland, who generate around 30 million Euros in annual tackle sales.

 

EFTTA acting president, Pierangelo Zanetta, said: "EFTTA does not believe that forcing anglers to kill their catches is either good for nature or for recreational sport fishing - which makes a significant financial contribution to the EU economy.

 

“Making the killing of fish obligatory will simply reduce fish population and, at the same time, run the risk of having a negative impact on sport fishing.

 

"Anglers and the sport of angling invest time and money to improve water quality and create larger and healthier fish populations. We believe is it far better for the fish if the fisherman decides, according to the situation, whether to keep and eat the fish or to release it."

Sad thing is I could see it happening here within 30 years. If you dont think so your a fool. Look at the cancellation of the spring bear hunt at the hands of animal rights activist. A feel good not based in science law that was passed just so someone could get elected.

[Stoty]

So instead of releasing a fish, to spawn again...lets just kill it right away......YUP, that makes sense!

 

I agree, wont be too long until something similar to this will be passed here.......sad

[ccmtcanada]

Is the point here that as soon as they catch and keep, it goes towards their limit and they MUST stop fishing once that has reached? I suppose in a round about way if mostl anglers kept their limits and continued to catch and release that fish would be spared.

 

Or did I miss the point?

[pikehunter]

Perhaps a sad sign of things to come. Hopefully enough Swiss fishermen will stand up to the legislators and have this withdrawn.

[Fishnfiend]

What about slot limits? That would make this NOT applicable here...

 

I could just see it:

 

"Oh darn another 9 lb walleye - too bad I have to keep it, too. One more and I'll have to stop fishing and go home."

[Hookset]

Wow,

 

Kind of nice to see that Canada doesn't have a monopoly on moronic political interference and lawmaking.

Like others have already stated, be wary of what we have coming our way in the near future.

 

The "Aw it'll never happen here" mentality is suicidal.

Those same words were probably stated by fishermen from Switzerland who have now learned different.

 

 

Pretty dumb either way.

 

 

Hookset.

[BITEME]

I thought clubbing was what they had against the seal hunt....interesting!!!!

[cranks bait]

What I find really funny with this is that you have to take a course on how to properly land and handle a fish. What does it matter if it's gotta be killed anyways?

[Anton Kanagasuntheri]

I guess in Swiss parliament this would be a big issue? I wonder what else they do? come to think of it.. isn't this the country who said to some folks between 1935-1945 " hey, I'll hold on to your wallet just incase something ever happenes to you"

[holdfast]

I guess hooking a live minnow through the back is out.