Rural Affairs Minster Elin Jones has today announced that the scallop dredging season will remain closed until the 28 February 2010.
The decision follows a dramatic 15 fold increase in scallop dredging activity within Cardigan Bay over recent years. This resulted in the Minister calling for a review of the scallop fishery and subsequently launching a consultation to seek views on a proposed Scallop Fishing Order and on proposals for the future management of the scallop fishery to ensure its longer term sustainability.
Speaking about the announcement, the Minister said:
“I have taken the very difficult decision to extend the closed season until the 28th February 2010 under the Prohibition of Fishing for Scallops (Wales) Order 2009.
“Due to legal requirements under the EU Technical Standards Directive , the measures proposed in this year’s consultation will take 3 – 4 months to implement. Scallop fishermen will also need time to adjust their gear to meet the new requirements. This means that it is not possible to introduce a detailed technical regulation before the beginning of the scallop season on 1st November.
“I hope to shortly announce the details of a new Welsh Scallop Order to be introduced from 1 March 2010. The purpose of the new technical Order will be to manage the scallop fishery in Wales in such a way as to secure the long term sustainability of the fishery as part of a healthy marine ecosystem.
“This regulation will include proposals on technical measures to regulate the fishery and identify geographic locations where the fishery will not be permitted to take place in order to protect important marine species and habitats.”
