local work
Trawling Management Measures in coquet to st marys MCZ
At a recent public meeting of NIFCA, members voted in favour of introducing new management measures for trawling within the Coquet to St Mary’s Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). The decision to introduce an adaptive management plan aims to ensure that trawling can continue within the MCZ while incorporating additional measures to balance conservation efforts with the needs of the local fishing community. The byelaw requires permit holders to obtain an additional exemption to trawl within the MCZ and restricts gear types, allowing only light otter trawls within the MCZ. It also mandates that permit holders submit monthly reports detailing their fishing activity. Following recommendations from NIFCA’s Technical and Scientific subcommittee, members approved the proposed Coquet to St Mary’s Marine Conservation Zone Trawling Management Plan which establishes clear guidelines for the granting of trawling exemptions for permit holders to trawl in the MCZ.
Management measures include: Exemptions will be granted to fishing vessels with a permit and an active record for trawling in the MCZ during 2022. Exemptions require vessels to be fitted with a GPS tracker and gear sensor, which will be supplied and funded by NIFCA. Maximum annual cap of 1,000 trawling hours, based on 2022 activity levels, will serve as the threshold for 2025. Acknowledging concerns from fishers who do not qualify for exemptions, NIFCA remains committed to ensuring fairness in the transition to these new measures. The management plan will be reviewed annually, incorporating feedback and data to refine future strategies. NIFCA Chief Officer Mark Southerton, commented “This decision reflects our commitment to balancing sustainable fisheries with the protection of marine habitats. By implementing these adaptive management measures, we aim to support the inshore fishing fleet while ensuring the long-term health of the MCZ.”
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