Guernsey Ports and angling clubs call for responsible fishing around harbour areas after recent damage
- Guernsey Ports and local angling clubs are calling for responsible fishing practices following recent incidents involving equipment damage and unsafe behaviour
- Recent problems include fishing tackle caught on vessels, juvenile seagulls entangled in discarded line, and a control hut window shattered by a sinker weight
- Assistant Harbour Master warns that continued incidents could lead to restrictions, though authorities prefer to work with the angling community
- Access to Castle Lighthouse area currently closed during Castle Bridge reconstruction, leading to increased fishing activity at other harbour locations
- Local angling clubs condemn irresponsible behaviour and pledge to work with harbour authorities to maintain access through education and collective responsibility
Guernsey Ports and local angling clubs are encouraging responsible use of harbour areas following recent incidents involving fishing equipment, unsafe conduct and damage to harbour property.
St Peter Port Harbour has a long tradition of recreational angling. Guernsey Ports and local angling representatives are keen to ensure that fishing can continue safely alongside the many commercial, operational and leisure activities that take place across the harbour.
While the overwhelming majority of anglers use the harbour responsibly, a number of recent incidents have raised concerns. These have included fishing tackle becoming caught on vessels, masts and aerials, fishing lures being found in rigging, young people climbing harbour ladders at the Fish Quay, and juvenile seagulls becoming entangled in discarded fishing line and hooks.
Last week, a window at the control hut on No.1 Ramp was shattered after being struck by a sinker weight. While the circumstances remain under investigation, the incident further highlights the operational disruption and repair costs that can result from careless or irresponsible behaviour.
Assistant Harbour Master Mike Harris said: "The harbour has long been a place where people can enjoy recreational fishing. In the vast majority of cases, anglers use these areas responsibly and respectfully. However, we have seen an increasing number of incidents over recent months that are creating unnecessary risks to other people, wildlife, vessels and harbour infrastructure. Almost all these issues can be avoided through a little extra care and consideration."
Mr Harris warned that continued incidents could lead to additional measures or restrictions in some locations to protect public safety and harbour operations. "We want recreational angling to remain a part of harbour life. 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. We would much rather work with anglers and the wider community to prevent that from becoming necessary," he said.
With access to the Castle Lighthouse area currently closed while the Castle Bridge is reconstructed, Guernsey Ports recognises that more anglers may be choosing to fish from other locations around the harbour. With more people sharing these spaces, it is particularly important that users dispose of litter, fishing tackle and bait responsibly and leave areas ready for others to enjoy safely.
Tim Froome, speaking on behalf of the local angling clubs, said: "Local angling clubs fully support the Harbour Authority's efforts to protect critical harbour infrastructure and address anti-social behaviour. The vast majority of anglers fish responsibly, respect harbour facilities, and take pride in maintaining access to the harbour estate for everyone. We condemn the actions of a small minority whose behaviour has resulted in criminal damage and threatens the reputation of the wider angling community."
Mr Froome added: "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. We remain committed to working constructively with the Harbour Authority to ensure that recreational angling can continue to be enjoyed safely and responsibly. We hope that through education, engagement, and collective responsibility, further restrictions can be avoided and access preserved for the many anglers who use the harbour appropriately."
Most of the issues reported in recent months could have been avoided by properly disposing of waste tackle, respecting harbour safety signage and reporting problems when they arise.
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.
Anglers are asked to dispose of fishing line, hooks, bait and other waste responsibly, use the bins and waste facilities provided around harbour areas, avoid casting in ways that could affect vessels, harbour equipment or other users, report damaged equipment, safety concerns or accidental damage if it occurs, and respect any signage, restrictions and safety guidance in place.
Q&A
Q: What types of incidents have been reported at St Peter Port Harbour?
A: Recent incidents include fishing tackle becoming caught on vessels, masts and aerials, fishing lures found in rigging, young people climbing harbour ladders at the Fish Quay, juvenile seagulls entangled in discarded fishing line and hooks, and a control hut window shattered by a sinker weight.
Q: Could fishing restrictions be introduced at the harbour?
A: Assistant Harbour Master Mike Harris warned that if incidents continue, authorities will have to consider whether additional measures or restrictions are required in some locations to protect public safety and harbour operations, though they would prefer to work with anglers to prevent this becoming necessary.
Q: Why might more anglers be using certain harbour areas?
A: Access to the Castle Lighthouse area is currently closed while the Castle Bridge is reconstructed, which Guernsey Ports recognises may mean more anglers are choosing to fish from other locations around the harbour.
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