Ports calls for responsible fishing around harbour

Islanders are being asked to use the harbour responsibly after a spate of incidents involving fishing equipment, property damage and wildlife.

Guernsey Ports and local angling clubs said while most anglers used the harbour responsibly, several recent incidents had raised "concerns".

Incidents include young people climbing harbour ladders at the Fish Quay, young gulls becoming entangled in discarded fishing line and hooks, fishing tackle getting caught on vessels, masts and aerials and fishing lures being found in rigging.

Assistant harbour master Mike Harris said he had seen an "increasing number of incidents over recent months".

A window at the control hut was shattered after being struck by a sinker weight and while Guernsey Ports said the circumstances remained under investigation, the incident highlighted the operational disruption and repair costs that could result from "careless or irresponsible behaviour".

Harris said the harbour had long been a place where people could enjoy recreational fishing and in the vast majority of cases, anglers used these areas responsibly and respectfully.

"[It's] creating unnecessary risks to other people, wildlife, vessels and harbour infrastructure," he said.

"Almost all these issues can be avoided through a little extra care and consideration."

"We want recreational angling to remain a part of harbour life," Harris said.

"However, if these incidents continue, we will have to consider whether additional measures or restrictions are required in some locations to protect public safety and harbour operations."

Guernsey Ports are asking anglers to dispose of fishing line, hooks, bait and other waste responsibly, use the bins and waste facilities provided around the harbour area and avoid casting in ways that could affect vessels, harbour equipment or other users.

Speaking on behalf of local angling clubs Tim Froome said the clubs condemned the actions of a small minority whose behaviour had resulted in criminal damage and threatened the "reputation of the wider angling community".

He said: "We recognise the importance of safeguarding harbour infrastructure and public safety and encourage all anglers to report vandalism, respect local rules and help promote responsible fishing practices."

Parents and guardians are also being encouraged to remind young people about the dangers associated with climbing harbour structures, particularly around ladders and quaysides at low water.

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