D&S IFCA is inviting stakeholders to respond to the formal public consultation on proposed amendments to current Commercial (Category One) Mobile Fishing Permit Conditions.
D&S IFCA is reaching out to stakeholders to inform them about a public consultation on proposed amendments to existing commercial (Category One) Mobile Fishing Permit Conditions. Mobile fishing includes trawling and scallop dredging. The formal public consultation begins today, 9th January 2025, and ends at midnight 2nd February 2025.
D&S IFCA is directly contacting everyone on its mailing list using Mailchimp, email with an attachment, and hard copy information is being sent in the post to permit holders with no email. All stakeholders (for example fishermen with permits, organisations, or anyone with an interest in the marine environment) can respond to the formal public consultation even if they do not conduct commercial mobile fishing within the D&S IFCA’s District.
The Proposed Change
The proposed change to the Permit Conditions relates to access for demersal mobile fishing gear in part of South Devon, east of Start Point. The area (Area C in the Mobile Fishing Permit Conditions – Annex 5a) is also known as “the Corridor.” The proposal is to re-open this area to mobile fishing vessels 1st March to 31st March. Implementation of the proposal will result in an alignment of local and national legislation.
The Detail
The formal public consultation information provides detail about the proposed change, background information, rationale for the change, and how people and organisations can respond by the closing date of 2nd February 2025.
The formal public consultation information can be read in full by visiting the D&S IFCA Active Consultations/Events website page or it can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.
What happens next?
The responses submitted in the formal public consultation will be collated and summarised into a report for the Byelaw and Permitting Sub-Committee (B&PSC). In late February 2025, the B&PSC will discuss the responses and determine if there will be a change to the Mobile Fishing Permit Conditions as proposed. If the change is implemented, amended Mobile Fishing Permit Conditions will be issued free of charge before 1st March 2025.
Keeping you informed
We regularly post information about our work on our website/Facebook. Direct communication is often the best way to help you stay informed about our work and to highlight the opportunities for you to have your say on a range of topics or issues. If you are not already on our mailing list, then you can get yourself added by contacting D&S IFCA. You will then be directly notified of all our formal consultations.