Amateur fishermen say they are being penalised unfairly in Government plans to restrict recreational catches to two bags per day.

The Department of Environmental Protection is proposing a maximum catch of two fish per boat per day for wahoo, yellowfish funa, blackfin tuna, bigeye tuna and albacore tuna.

A restriction of one bluefin tuna a day is also being recommended.

But at least two amateur fishermen say the proposals, which they claim are based on anecdotal evidence alone, will "kill"recreational fishing in Bermuda.

In a letter to the Island's fishing clubs from the Marine Resources Section, Dr. Tammy Trott, Acting Senior Marine Resources Officer, gives the following reasons: "It has been reported that portions of the recreational catch are being sold at various markets around the Island. This undermines the commercial fishing industry.

"The total allowable catch of yellowfin tuna for Bermuda (42 MT) set by the regional management organisation for pelagic fish, ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna), is almost certainly being exceeded when recreational landings are added to commercial landings

"Recreational fishers do not pay an 'economic rent' for harvesting from the marine resource as commercial fishermen do.

"The recommendations have been based on a proposal presented to the Marine Resources Board (MRB) a 'Discussion Paper on Recreational Bag Limits for Pelagic Species', believed to have been written by Government but this was not confirmed on Friday.

Dr. Trott said: "It is believed that recreational pelagic fish landings are quite substantial and are increasing. However, as statistics are not required from this sector, information needed for the better management of these species is not obtained.

" She concluded: "While the importance of recreational fishing to the quality of life of many residents is recognised and appreciated, the Department has the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability of our marine resources. Given the current state and growing size of the recreational fishery, it is felt that the implementation of bag limits on pelagic fish species will assist in fulfilling this objective

"The Discussion Paper says it is "strongly recommended" that Government should limit and control catches by recreational fishermen.

The paper says that Bermuda is likely to be breaching quotas on pelagic fish catches set by international regulator ICCAT, when the commercial catch and the uncounted amateur catch are combined. Government is seeking feedback on the proposals by April 30.

One fisherman has already written to Dr. Trott, saying: "The proposal if implemented, would kill the recreational fishery and have a costly impact on the Government revenue and local business.

"The man, who did not wish to be named, said: "The allegations (in the Discussion Paper) are completely unfounded and off the mark so it will be vital to identify from whence they came

"I would think the general reaction from the public will be that it is not 'good government' to rush a 'bag limit' regulation, that affects everyone, into place on the strength of allegations and 'anecdotal' evidence.

"He called on Government to initiate a study of the Island's recreational catch before implementing any quotas.

"I would think the logical step for the Department in response to these allegations would be to implement a two to three year study of the habits of recreational fishermen and then to see how your data compares with what has been said in the proposal," said the fisherman. "Recreational fishermen only fish a small percentage of the time and catch a small percentage of the fish – and do not use fishing to earn their living.

"They however spend a huge amount of money on their boats, tackle, equipment and fuel. This proposal would have a huge negative economic impact on Bermuda and its business."