Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) welcomes new proposals for prohibiting damaging fishing methods in high risk and sensitive seabed areas.
The Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Southern IFCA) who manage the Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight coastline, have proposed a Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw to protect sensitive reef and seagrass habitats in European Marine Sites from potentially damaging bottom towed fishing gear.
In Dorset this includes Lyme Bay and Torbay, Studland to Portland, Chesil and the Fleet and Poole Harbour. If the proposed byelaw is successful, this will mean nearly 25% of the total Southern IFCA district area will be permanently closed to this highly damaging fishing from 2014.
Emma Rance, Marine Conservation officer from DWT said, “This proposal represents a great step forward in conservation. Some rocky reef habitats that support the slow growing pink sea fan and various coral species are irreversibly damaged when dredged or trawled. This byelaw will prevent any further damage and in doing so, maintain the health, productivity and economic value of the marine environment for future generations.”
There are over 40 different commercial species caught in Dorset using a variety of fishing methods, many of which are low impact such as rod and line, pots, traps and gill nets. A small number of fishers operate in the county using trawls and dredges which are unselective and have the potential to cause considerable damage to the habitats this byelaw seeks to protect.
Low impact traditional fishery is recommended through Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Great Dorset Seafood campaign (www.greatdorsetseafood.org.uk) which links fishers, retailers and consumers through choices, sourcing and information. Visitors to the website can search recommendations on retailers, restaurants, Dorset fishers and seafood choices.
DWT is calling for all Dorset residents who enjoy or rely on the Dorset coast to get active in marine conservation. Anyone can comment NOW on the Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw consultation. Closing date is 1st November. For more information or to comment, visit the Southern IFCA website at www.southern-ifca.gov.uk, email [email protected] or write to Southern IFCA 64 Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole Dorset BH14 9BN.
