Jill Evans, Plaid Cymru Member of the European Parliament has pledged her support for proposals to limit the taking of commercial species from Skomer Marine Nature Reserve.

The proposed byelaw was drafted by CCW and SWSFC staff following discussions with individual fishermen, fishing organisations, the local community and others with an interest in the area.

The aim is to increase protection for marine wildlife in the reserve, whilst minimising the impact on recreation or the local economy.

Phil Newman (Skomer Marine Nature Reserve), Matt Matthias (Plaid Cymru candidate for Preseli Pembrokeshire) and Jill Evans MEP.

Speaking after a recent visit to Skomer Marine Nature Reserve, Jill Evans MEP said: “I support this initiative which will benefit the environment and help the Pembrokeshire economy. This area is of such importance, not only for us in Wales but to the whole of Europe.”

She added: “It is essential that unique living and working environments such as this are safeguarded to be passed on to future generations.”

The proposed byelaw would prohibit the taking of any "sea fish" from within the MNR by anyone, whether they be divers, anglers or commercial fishermen, but with two exceptions:

One is to allow fishing with hook and line in one area of the reserve. This is a concession to the local community, which not only benefits economically from anglers who come to fish from the shore, but use it widely themselves. The area is the only part of the reserve accessible to shore angling and is also the part used most by anglers in boats, including local charter boats.

The other exception applies to local commercial fishermen who have been regularly using the reserve over the last few years. This small group would be able to apply for permits to use a certain number of lobster pots. Fishermen would not be able to sell or give the permits to anyone else. Therefore, as fishermen retire, the number of permits would decrease until eventually no commercial fishing takes place.

Phil Newman added: “This compromise not only gives the fishermen who most depend on the reserve a chance to carry on fishing for some time but also means that they would not be forced to compete with other fishermen for space outside the Reserve if it was closed immediately to them.”

Details on the proposed byelaw as well as information on how to respond to the consultation are available at www.swsfc.org. The consultation process is open until April 14, 2005.

Editors Notes:

CCW is working for a better Wales where everyone values and cares for our natural environment. More information about our work is available on www.ccw.gov.uk.

Diwedd/Ends.