The MMO is proposing to introduce byelaws that will protect:
- bedrock reefs in the Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone Site of Community Importance (SCI) and in the Land's End and Cape Bank SCI
- Sabellaria spinulosa reef in the Inner Dowsing, Race Bank and North Ridge SCI and in the Haisborough, Hammond and Winterton SCI
The proposed byelaws have been informed by key stakeholders through pre-consultation engagement and through the Fisheries in European Marine Sites Implementation Group.
The consultation will run between 10 September and 22 October 2013. More information about the consultation, draft documents and how to reply.
The government is revising the approach to managing commercial fisheries in EMSs to ensure these sites have the right level of protection and that we comply with legal obligations under EU directives.
Further details on the revised approach to management of commercial fisheries in European marine sites in England.
IFCAs are also carrying out consultation for management measures to protect high risk features of EMSs from commercial fishing within six nautical miles.