The conservationists successfully threatened to take the Government to the European Court if it not takes steps immediately to protect marine wildlife in Fal Bay. The area was designated an EU protected reserve 12 years ago but a voluntary agreement among fishermen to avoid dredging for scallops failed. The conservationists then accused the government of allowing the destruction of protected maerl beds, ancient species-rich plant communities which are particularly vulnerable to any form of physical impact.
After much discussion the government agreed to prohibit beam trawling, trawling and scallop dredging permanently from November this year, after which only fishing with hook and line will be permitted. According to conservationists the steps sets a precedent for delicate habitats in protected areas all round the coast. It is said that until the ban comes in, the area remains under a voluntary protection agreement.
Dr Jean-Luc Solandt of the Marine Conservation Society told that the discussion with the local fishermen, conservationists, fisheries managers and Defra over the past 15 months have largely led to this conclusion. He added that the benefits of closing off areas of the sea to damaging fisheries have been proven to be beneficial to plants, animals and shellfish stocks.
