NIFCA Trawling (2020) Byelaw

SECTION 155 & 156
MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS ACT 2009

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the above legislation, Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) intends to apply to the Minister for the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs for confirmation of the “Trawling” (2020) byelaw which was made by NIFCA on 27th July 2020. The byelaw confirms an extension to the area where a permit is required to include the 3 – 6 nm area of the district; makes the permit fee into a permit condition to make it more flexible to change in line with changes to administrative costs; brings in a gear restriction within a “specified area” (namely, Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ) for light otter trawl gear only and therefore no scallop dredging or heavy otter trawl activity will be permitted within the MCZ; makes provision for trawlers with a trawling permit to be able to apply in writing to the authority for an exemption to fish using light otter trawls in the “specified area”; and makes provision to revoke the exemption to trawl within the “specified area” if effort levels within the Coquet to St Marys MCZ increase significantly above current levels.

Upon the said Trawling (2020) byelaw being confirmed by the Minister and coming into legal effect, the current Byelaw 1 Trawling will be revoked.

A full text of the byelaw and associated Impact Assessment can be viewed below or obtained from Northumberland IFCA offices: 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RT or call 01670 797 676 and leave a message.

Any person wishing to object to or comment on the confirmation of the above byelaw must make representations in writing before 2nd October 2020 to the Marine Conservation & Enforcement Team, Marine Management Organisation, Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 7YH or: ifcabyelaws@marinemanagement.org.uk and must send a copy of such written representation to the Chief Executive at Northumberland Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority at 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RT or nifca@nifca.gov.uk.

Documentation
1. Revised Byelaw 1 Trawling
2. Impact Assessment