Natural England

Government has today (Thursday 19 June) answered Natural England’s call to safeguard marine life in Lyme Bay.

Damaging fishing practices using trawls and dredges will be banned in 60 sq nautical miles of Lyme Bay from early July. Recreational sea angling and diving, as well as traditional methods of harvesting scallops by hand and collecting lobsters and crabs in pots will remain - and could thrive as a result.

Speaking in response to the announcement, Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England said: “The proposed conservation measures in Lyme Bay will provide important protection for sensitive marine wildlife including sponges and corals, while allowing sustainable fisheries to benefit.”

Natural England is working with the fishing industry to deliver a sustainable future for the marine environment and fishing communities.

“We must ensure our fish stocks and sensitive marine life are conserved for the long term and Government’s proposed new measures in Lyme Bay mark a step towards this,” concluded Sir Martin.

Notes to editors

Government announcement to ban damaging types of fishing in Lyme Bay - http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080619a.htm

For more information please contact the Natural England press office on 0845 603 9953, press@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.