From: Dr Sean Ashworth  Deputy Chief Fisheries and Conservation Officer

www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk

Media Release:  Creating Sustainable Fisheries: Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority approves new Nearshore Trawling Byelaw At a meeting of the Sussex Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority yesterday, members approved a proposed new Nearshore Trawling Byelaw. The new fisheries management measures are specifically intended to help safeguard and develop sustainable inshore fisheries into the future. Those areas protected include an area extending 4km seaward between Shoreham-by-Sea and Selsey Bill. Historically, in the late 1980’s this area was associated with large dense kelp beds that supported abundant marine life, including important commercial fish and shellfish species such as bass, sole, spawning black bream, lobsters and cuttlefish.

Much of the kelp is now absent so the biological productivity of the area is significantly diminished compared with several decades ago. The proposed new trawling restrictions will also encompass the Marine Conservation Zone known as ‘Selsey Bill & the Hounds’ and will protect the conservation features for which it is designated. The Authority’s measures reflect an ecosystem approach toward fisheries management, recognising the importance of healthy marine habitats in supporting long term healthy commercial and recreational fisheries. In addition to the intended fisheries benefits that should to be gained by enabling the kelp to recover to its former state, the Authority recognises that coastal kelp beds have a high value in respect to both carbon storage; so helping reduce climate change, as well as absorbing wave energy to potentially reduce coastal erosion and help flood management. The proposed Byelaw will now be submitted to the Marine Management Organisation and Defra for the final steps of its approval and confirmation by the Secretary of State.

Media release on the decision        Authority committee papers