Sussex IFCA Nearshore Trawling Byelaw 2019 and Netting Permit Byelaw 2019 Regulatory Notice;
Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, sections 155 and 156
Notice is hereby given that Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Sussex IFCA) intends to apply to the Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for confirmation of the Nearshore Trawling Byelaw 2019 and the Netting Permit Byelaw 2019.
The Nearshore Trawling Byelaw 2019 establishes a prohibition area along the Sussex coastline of between 1 and 4km (0.54 and 2.16 nautical miles) from mean high water in order to protect nearshore essential fish habitats. The byelaw is intended to improve fishery recruitment through protection of fish/shellfish breeding, feeding and nursery grounds. The byelaw incorporates management requirements for Selsey Bill & the Hounds Marine Conservation zone.
The Netting Permit Byelaw 2019 establishes a new permit system for both commercial and recreational netters. Under permit conditions a prohibition area is established along the Sussex coast of between 0.5 and 1.5km (0.27 and 0.81 nautical miles) from mean high water in order to protect both migratory and juvenile fish stocks. The byelaw also establishes a year-round 1.5m headrope regulation, prohibition boxes around river mouths & harbours, exemptions for the under 7m vessels to net nearshore, controls on drift netting and the buoyage/marking of nets.
The full byelaws, impact assessments and associated guidance information can be found here: www.sussex-ifca.gov.uk
Any person wishing to object or comment on the confirmation of the above byelaws must do so in writing before the 10th October 2019 to:
Marine Conservation and Enforcement Team, Marine Management Organisation, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 7YH, Email ifcabyelaws@marinemanagement.org.uk
And send a copy of this representation marked ‘Byelaw Consultation’ to the Sussex IFCA, 12a Riverside Business Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6RE, Email admin@sussex-ifca.gov.uk
