LOST GEAR CODE OF PRACTICE FOR NORFOLK MCZ

Lost gear code of practice for Norfolk MCZ. Fishing gear that is left at sea for extended periods, for example because it is lost, snagged or not tended to can be damaging to the environment, fisheries’ sustainability, and the viability of fishing livelihoods. Whilst the extent of lost gear in the MCZ has yet to be fully understood it is acknowledged that it represents a risk to the conservation objectives of the site due to the increased risk of potentially damaging interactions with the subtidal chalk habitat.

Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA), Natural England, North Norfolk Fishermen’s Society and Norfolk Independent Fishermen’s Association have announced the launch of the Code of Best Practice for potting in Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ).

The intention of the Code is to reduce this risk by building upon and promoting existing best practice in relation to the operation of fishing gear. It is intended to minimise the risk of gear becoming lost and sets out what to do in the event of gear becoming snagged or lost by establishing a reporting system that will be used to help quantify the extent of the issue, monitor the positive effect of the Code over time and facilitate recovery.

The Code of Best Practice has been developed collectively and in consultation with stakeholders as part of the ongoing Adaptive Risk Management (ARM) of the MCZ. It has been endorsed by North Norfolk Fishermen’s Society (NNFS) and Norfolk Independent Fishermen’s Association (NIFA).

Commenting on the Code, NNFS Chairman John Davies has said:

“As an eighth-generation fisherman from Cromer, I want a thriving fishery for future generations. This Code represents a lot of the actions that we already take as part our fishing activities and solidifies them. Losing gear is in no fisherman’s interest and we depend on the chalk for our fishing. We want to work together to resolve the issue for everyone’s benefit.”

NIFA Chairman Dave Chambers has said:

“Losing gear is rare but it does sometimes happen. As fishermen, we don’t want to lose gear. Not only is it a huge financial loss but it can result in tangling with active gear. We need to work together to minimise gear loss happening and to reinforce best practice among all fishermen.”

The Code of Best Practice will be a live document that will be reviewed, refined and adapted over time as we develop our understanding of what works best in practice and as new ideas emerge.

The Code is envisioned to be an integral part of a wider initiative for lost gear management which will seek to bring together regulators, statutory advisers, fishermen, divers and beach cleaners in a unified and coordinated approach.

Natural England Marine Senior Adviser Georgina Roberts said:

“Cromer is an important marine environment, and ensuring it remains healthy and biodiverse is key to supporting a sustainable fishery in the area. We want to work together with Eastern IFCA and fishermen to reduce the risk of gear being lost, for the benefit of fishermen and the marine environment.”

Commenting on the Code, Eastern IFCA CEO Julian Gregory said:

“The Code of Best Practice is an important step towards achieving our aspiration of an environmentally sustainable fishery continuing within the MCZ and has been made possible by the willingness of all parties to work constructively together.”

Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ)

Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ) are a type of Marine Protected Area (MPA) designated by an order under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. MCZs are a national designation for protecting a range of nationally important, rare or threatened habitats and species.

The Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds MCZ was designated in 2016 and extends along the Norfolk coast from just west of Weybourne to Happisburgh, extending around 10km out to sea and covering an area of 321km2. The site is designated for a range of habitats including the rare subtidal chalk feature.

The conservation objectives of the site include maintaining the condition of its features in favourable condition, or bringing its features into favourable condition if they are not already in favourable condition. This includes maintaining or restoring the structure and functioning of the subtidal chalk feature.

A Defra factsheet about Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds MCZ is available here.

Source