Protection is sought for reefs in Lyme Bay.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, host of TV's River Cottage series based in West Dorset, is backing a Marine Conservation Society (MCS) campaign.

Diver-caught Lyme Bay scallops feature on the chef's menu, but it is the damaging dredging for the seafood which the MCS want to reduce by 10%.

Dredging across the West Dorset and South Devon bay has doubled in a year.

"We have always believed that wide scale use of scallop dredging in Lyme Bay is an inappropriate way to collect scallops," Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall said.

"We are particularly concerned about the huge collateral damage this practice causes to other species and the interests of other sustainable fishing practices."

Diver-caught Scallops feature on Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's menu

Lyme Bay hosts scallop fishing, including dredging, which scours the seabed each week.

A 'win-win scenario'

The MCS and English Nature say extensive destruction has occurred in the area.

English Nature has proposed a "stop order" to fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw, which, as well as reducing scallop dredging, would prohibit all fishing in the 10% of Lyme Bay where the most important reefs are.

A Marine Bill, currently being drafted by Defra after an extensive public consultation, could also enable the bay to become a Marine Protected Area.

Dr Bryce Beukers-Stewart, fishing policies officer at the MCS, said: "Marine Protected Areas have clear conservation benefits, and there is also increasing evidence that they can offer benefits for shellfisheries such as those that target scallops.

"A carefully designated protected area in Lyme Bay could offer a win-win scenario for fisherman and conservationists alike."