Written - Scallop dredging in Wales

Further to my Cabinet written statement of the 9th October 2009 in which I announced my decision to extend the closed season for scallop dredging until the 28th February 2010, I am pleased to announce that, in line with the requirements of the Technical Standards Directive, the draft Scallop Fishing (Wales) Order 2010 has now been submitted to the European Commission.

The extension to the closed season has allowed time for specific and detailed technical measures to be implemented which will enable the Welsh Assembly Government 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, whilst protecting vulnerable species and habitats within the Welsh marine area.,

The new draft Order contains proposals from within the consultation document including; a prohibition on scallop dredging in the 0 – 1 nautical mile (“nm”) area all around the Welsh coast; a limit on the numbers of dredges allowed in the 1-3nm, 3-6nm and 6-12nm areas; a limit on the maximum permitted vessel power of 221kW (300 hp) within 1-12 nm area; certain dredge specifications and, from 2011, a shortening of the length of the open season by one month (i.e. fishing for, taking or killing scallops will be prohibited during the period 1 May to 31 October in each year).

It is anticipated that spatial restrictions will also be incorporated into the Order prior to it being signed and it is intended that the Scallop Fishing (Wales) Order 2010 will come into force on 1st March 2010. Survey work is due to commence shortly that will provide robust evidence identifying the geographic locations where the scallop fishery should be restricted and where scallop fishing can be permitted without endangering important and vulnerable marine species and habitats.