From July until the end of 2016, they will be limited to keeping one bass per catch. Breaching the ban could trigger a fine of up to £50,000.

Commercial trawlers will also be covered by the ban, although some vessels will be permitted to retain up to 1.3 tons of bass “to cover unavoidable by-catches”.

Brussels officials said the measures – rubber stamped by an EU summit this month – were crucial to protect stocks.