[SeaUrchin]

Hi all,

I see that there is to be a marine conservation area enforced from Prawle point to Plymouth sound and the Eddystone Reef system. Does anyone know when this is to come into force and how it will effect shore and small boat fishing? Commercials wont be able to fish there but what of the rest of us?

Cheers,

Chris

 

[SeaUrchin]

Hi Chris,

The area includes much more than just the eddystone reef. The hand deeps, Brentons and Hatt rock are all within the designated area.

Where did you hear that commercial fishermen will not be able to fish in these areas ?
Ive been to most of the local meetings but it sounds like you know more about it.
I was under the impression no decisions had been announced yet as the consultation is still underway....

Hi mate,

I must admit the commercial bit was 80% guess work and i meant trawlers - but i saw the story in the Herald the other day and there was a website (will try and find link) that both said that it is deffinately going ahead and that they are only now consulting people to see about Extending the area. I just presumed that commercials wouldnt be able to fish there (with nets that is - NOT hook and line) because else there is no point in having the conservation area at all (in my opinion). Just wandered if/how it would effect the pleasure angler.

Cheers,

Chris

 

[Ruff Ground]

Hi mate,

I must admit the commercial bit was 80% guess work and i meant trawlers - but i saw the story in the Herald the other day and there was a website (will try and find link) that both said that it is deffinately going ahead and that they are only now consulting people to see about Extending the area. I just presumed that commercials wouldnt be able to fish there (with nets that is - NOT hook and line) because else there is no point in having the conservation area at all (in my opinion). Just wandered if/how it would effect the pleasure angler.

Cheers,

Chris

Best not to make such assumptions until we know for sure what control measures are planned - too many people are jumping the gun and assuming the worst with these protected areas.

All MCAs/MCZs are designated for specific and detailed reasons, and therefore will have specific control measures, unique to that individual area. This may or may not include some restrictions on certain forms of fishing/angling, and possibly even complete bans where deemed necessary. Equally, some areas may get no additional restrictions on fishing or angling whatsoever!

 

[cfish]

Phew- you had me worried then

Eveyone I speak to is really none the wiser - just like myself.
We were told scallopers would not be allowed inside the designated areas - then the next meeting they said scallopers could work inside so long as they have position monitoring equipment fitted.

We have been told that "X" area is definatly a no take zone - then we are told there will be no no take zones here.

Whatever happens I take a little comfort knowing that i'll be one of the least effected commercial boats - along with the other H&L'ers, but could still stand to loose 50%+ of our working area.

Hope it doesnt effect you too badly Ed!!!! It would put alot of extra pressure on grounds that are outside the zone:thumbdown

 

[rockhopper 1956]

iv been on to the mca there making the butts at deal and shakespere beach no go areas absolutly no fishing ie comms or leisure told them straight im going to fish them they have to drag me off they hung up should have known cant take a bit of stick

 

[SeaUrchin]

No panic or gun jumping intended Ruff Ground merely was wandering if anyone had heard anything other than what was in the paper etc. especially about pleasure fishing in those areas

I must admit though in my own opinion i would like to see trawlers stopped from working those areas, lets give the fish some safe havens from trawllers - We all know that they dont want to catch the smaller fish or rip up the coral and sea fans etc, but alas they quite often do, in search of their hard earnt living. Maybe if they are prevented from working these areas it will go someway to helping the fish stocks (?). I am ready for the torrent of trawller men saying thats all rubbish and it wont help but it wasnt meant to stir up peoples emotions or cause arguements - merely my personal opinion. Its plain to see to any leisure fisherman out there that fish stocks are lets face it, crap, certainly around this part of the country. Can anyone here honestly say the fishing is as good as it was say 20 years ago? I think the reduced quotas have helped and no doubt fish stocks are starting to recover with lots more smaller fish around, so these MCA's will hopefully provide that extra bit of haven to allow these smaller fish to grow and in turn earn the trawllermen (and handliners) more money and give us all good sport.

Sorry for any panic Sharpshooter didnt mean to cause any. I too hope it doesnt effect your work. I also hope it doesnt put the trawllers out of business for that matter, but i think these areas can only serve to help the fish stocks.

Cheers all,

Chris