SOUTHERN IFCA CONSULTS ON BOTTOM-TOWED GEAR

Southern IFCA consults on bottom-towed gear

Southern IFCA is consulting on potential new closures for Bottom Towed Fishing Gear in the southern District of England.

Bottom towed fishing gears, or mobile demersal gears such as otter trawls or shellfish dredges, have been used by fishers for generations in the coastal waters of Dorset, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight.

These techniques have the potential to impact or adversely affect sensitive seabed habitats in certain areas. Therefore, it is important to consider how management of these activities can be improved, to support a healthy marine environment and sustainable fisheries, promoting positive economic and social benefits for coastal communities. The 2022 Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Consultation, considers amendments to the Southern IFCA 2016 Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw based on updated evidence, including Conservation Advice provided by Natural England.

To achieve Southern IFCA’s duties, new management is necessary following the designation of additional MCZs in the District; and to ensure habitats and species in other MPAs are protected according to the most up to date evidence. This consultation also considers new management to protect well-understood sensitive habitats and species that are found outside of MPAs.

Please find the full consultation document here.

This informal consultation will run for six weeks and closes on 1st August 2022. To respond, please answer the questions within the consultation document. Responsible can be submitted using the editable form. Please make sure you have read the consultation in full before submitting a response.

You can respond in writing by email to: enquiries@southern-ifca.gov.uk
Or by post to: Southern IFCA, Unit 3A Holes Bay Business Park, Sterte Avenue West, Poole, BH15 2AA.
Or by following the link to the online form : https://forms.gle/PDtxz3fuUaAYN8maA

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