Written - Scallop Dredging in Cardigan Bay

In February this year, as a result of increased concerns about scallop dredging in Cardigan Bay, I made a statement that explained that I had asked my officials to work with the Countryside Council for Wales, the Welsh Federation of Fishermen’s Associations and other fisheries managers to review the current management arrangement for the Scallop Fishery.  The Groups findings have been presented to me and officials will now be meeting stakeholders in July for informal consultation prior to the issuing of a formal consultation over the Summer on the package of measures that I hope to put in place in time for the coming season as well as consideration of the longer-term management of the scallop fishery.

My aim is that these measures will be the first stage in securing the sustainable management of the scallop fishery as part of a healthy marine ecosystem.