Skomer - Marine Reserve - Proposed No Take Zone

[Brian Oxenham]

This week (4 February) the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee will be discussing a draft byelaw proposed by the Country Side Council for Wales that, if approved, would make Skomer a full No Take Zone. This would follow on from Lundy's successful designation last year but is potentially of even more benefit to the diving community since Skomer is far more accessible than Lundy. If you or your club think this is a good thing then take the trouble to write to the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee expressing in writing your approval of the proposal.....or you may be out shouted by those that object.

South Wales SFC
Queens Buildings
Cambrian Place
Swansea SA1 1TW
Tel (01792) 654466
Fax (01792) 645987
Email <a href="mailto:swsfc@aol.com">swsfc@aol.com</a>
www.swsfc.org.uk


For more info also see;

<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/4223687.stm" >http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/4223687.stm</a>

[sharkbait]

[sharkbait]

Interestingly I got a reply within the hour. Very very nice man.
Apparently the current marine reserve designation simply means you can't dredge for scollops or do certain types of trawling. Not much of a reserve at present eh?
PS Dive pembrokeshire did us a very nice w/e down there if you fancy visiting.

[Brian Oxenham]

Yep, you are right, legislation probably needs beefing up to the level that would be normal in other countries. This NTZ was being talked about when I was learning to dive in Pembs aged 14, if it comes off this time around, after the 10 yr run down period it will finally achieve full NTZ status when I am 53 ! I don't think anyone could be accused of being hasty. Importantly the proposals do go some way to accomodate the wishes of local fisherman so to me it seems there should be no real losers and a big potential upside.

[sharkbait]

Yep, you are right, legislation probably needs beefing up to the level that would be normal in other countries. This NTZ was being talked about when I was learning to dive in Pembs aged 14, if it comes off this time around, after the 10 yr run down period it will finally achieve full NTZ status when I am 53 ! I don't think anyone could be accused of being hasty. Importantly the proposals do go some way to accomodate the wishes of local fisherman so to me it seems there should be no real losers and a big potential upside.
Oh Dear.....
At this rate there probably won't be any fish left worth fishing for.

[Andy Wade]

:=Yep, you are right, legislation probably needs beefing up to the level that would be normal in other countries. This NTZ was being talked about when I was learning to dive in Pembs aged 14, if it comes off this time around, after the 10 yr run down period it will finally achieve full NTZ status when I am 53 ! I don't think anyone could be accused of being hasty. Importantly the proposals do go some way to accomodate the wishes of local fisherman so to me it seems there should be no real losers and a big potential upside.
Oh Dear.....
At this rate there probably won't be any fish left worth fishing for.

Don't be too disappointed. The St. Abbs Marine reserve had a similar policy which started quite a few years back and last time I dived there I was really pleasantly surprised by the amount of regeneration, the local fishermen (and there weren't many) still operated out of the harbour and dropped their pots in, divers took nothing and the whole place is better for it. There was a voluntary no take policy there for years before the marine reserve proper was set up.
You might be surprised to see how an apparently barren sea bed can regenerate itself in just a few seasons.


.

[brian oxenham]

GOOD NEWS - SWSFC have in fact agreed at their meeting to formally take this to the next step which will be a full public consulation during the spring assuming they have the blessing of the Welsh Assembly Government to proceed (which is most likely).

Both SWSFC and Country Side Council for Wales personnel deserve credit for working hard to find a solution that is sympathetic to all stake holders. In summary there is definite indication of something twinkling at the end of the tunnel but it will still require sustained and sensitive support from the diving community to make it happen.