Sea bed fear prompts fishing ban

Scallops in their shells (library picture)

Fishing for scallops has grown in the area

Fishing for scallops has been banned in part of Cardigan Bay over fears it could be damaging the sea bed in a special area of conservation.

A three-mile restriction zone has been placed around an area off the Ceredigion coast between New Quay and Cardigan, some 12 miles in length.

The ban will be in place until 1 November when it will be reviewed by the fishing regulator.

It is feared that steel dredges used to net scallops are damaging the sea bed.

There has been a huge increase in scallop fishing between New Quay and Cardigan in recent years.

Martin Boyce, principal fisheries officer with the North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee, said the number of vessels authorised to work the area had increased from three to 34.

We have to look at the environmental impact of fishing

Martin Boyce

"We have to look at the environmental impact of fishing as well as stock levels," said Mr Boyce.

"In order to protect the environment we have imposed this restriction which prevents scallop fishing within three miles of an area of the bay."

He added that fishermen breaching the bylaw could face a �5,000 fine.

"The ban was imposed on Monday and runs until 31 May," said Mr Boyce.

"However, from 1 June until 1 November is closed season for scallop fishing in the Irish Sea so the ban effectively runs until November.

"We will review the situation then."

Scallops are a popular dish in restaurants

Aberystwyth fisherman Rob Gorman said scallop fishing was popular in the bay and attracted fishermen from Ireland, Scotland, Devon, Cornwall and north and south west Wales.

A lobster fisherman, he complained that some of his pots were being damaged by scallop boats, but not necessarily deliberately.

"It's something we have to resolve so we can fish the waters together," he added.

"At the moment Cardigan Bay seems a hotbed for scallop fishing.

"The scallop boats tow heavy steel dredges and this is how lobster pots get damaged."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version