Public Notice (Kent & Essex): Vessel Length and Engine Power Byelaw

MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS ACT 2009

VESSEL LENGTH AND ENGINE POWER BYELAW

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority intends to apply to the Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for confirmation of a Vessel Length and Engine Power Byelaw. The proposed Byelaw prohibits fishing with vessels over 14 metres in length within the Kent and Essex District, as well as prohibiting fishing with towed fishing gear, such as trawls and dredges, from vessels with an engine power exceeding 221 kW, and in the case of derated inboard engines, with an engine power exceeding 243 kW before being derated. The byelaw provides exemptions for vessels which do not meet the requirements of the byelaw provided that they were in use prior to this byelaw being made. This byelaw is intended to reduce the fishing effort capability which the use of larger vessels enables, as well as minimise the impact of bottom towed gear by limiting the weight and size of gear which can be used by fishing vessels.

During the period of 28 days from the date of the publication of this Notice a copy of the Byelaw and Impact Assessment will be deposited at the offices of the applicant, at the address given below and at www.kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk

Objections or representations concerning this notification should be made within 28 days of the date of this notice to both addresses given below:

Marine Conservation and Enforcement Team

Marine Management Organisation

Lancaster House

Hampshire Court

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE4 7YH

or ifcabyelaws@marinemanagement.org.uk

Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

Paragon House

Albert Street

Ramsgate