ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Draft (Sea Fisheries)(Licensing of Fishing Boats)
(Amendment No 4)(Jersey) Regulations 200-
(Public)
Purpose of the Report
For the Minister to rescind MD-E-2009-0030 and to approve the draft (Sea Fisheries)(Licensing of Fishing Boats)(Amendment No 4)(Jersey) Regulations 200- for lodging.
Background
The Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) and the Joint Management Committee (JMC) established under the terms of the Agreement relating to fishing in the Bay of Granville met on 18 and 19 September 2008 respectively. Both Committees approved the introduction of a new measure to introduce a licensing scheme for pelagic trawlers operating to the south east of Jersey.
The Fisheries and Marine Resources Panel agreed the regulations on 5 November 2008.
On 12 November 2008 Senator P Ozouf authorised that drafting of the proposed regulations should commence.
In error MD-E-2009-0030 was signed by the Assistant Minister on 4 March 2009.
Discussion
At specific times of the year, French boats towing special trawls target Bream stocks off the south east corner of the Island. This type of trawling is called “pelagic” and includes pair trawling, where one or more nets are towed between two or more trawlers.
This form of activity is very damaging to shellfish pots and for many years Jersey and French fishermen have struggled to put in place a meaningful code of practice to prevent such damage. In 2008 a code of practice existed, but some trawlers ignored it, causing significant damage to Jersey owned pots.
Both French and Jersey fishermen have agreed that such behaviour is unacceptable and should be controlled. The JAC have recommended that in the most vulnerable area to the south east of the Island, such trawling should not be permitted unless under the authority of a licence. Conditions should be attached to the issue and use of such a licence. The JMC have endorsed this recommendation and will determine the details of any conditions at their next meeting in early April 2009.
Draft regulations have been prepared and ideally need to be in place by 01 May 2009, as the fishing activity commences during that month. As with other similar licences already in place, the French authorities will issue licences to French vessels and Jersey will issue licences to any local vessels.
The draft regulations also restrict the passage through the area of any vessel carrying pelagic trawls unless those trawls are secure and not ready for use.
Recommendation
The Minister rescinds MD-E-2009-0030 and approves the draft Sea Fisheries (Licensing of Fishing Boats) (Amendment No 4)(Jersey)Regulations 200- and instructs the Greffe to lodge them for debate at the earliest opportunity.
Written by: | Senior Fisheries Inspector |
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Approved by: | Chris Newton, Director of Environment |
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Attachments:
Draft Sea Fisheries (Licensing of Fishing Boats) (Amendment No 4) (Jersey) Regulations 200-
Ministerial Decision ref: MD-E-2009 -0041
06/03/09