Local representatives have declared a victory for common sense after potentially damaging byelaws proposed by Cornwall’s Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (CIFCA) were scrapped at today’s meeting.
The byelaw, which was recommended by CIFCA to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and DEFRA for approval earlier this year, would have restricted the inshore fishing grounds off Mevagissey. The Mevagissey fishing fleet which is predominately made of small inshore boats, were threatened with not being able to fish in the areas that make up their traditional fishing grounds.
Local MP Steve Double and Cornwall Councillor for Mevagissey James Mustoe led calls for the proposals to be scrapped, based on a lack of evidence that they needed to be implemented in the first place, as well as the impact implementing them would have on the Mevagissey fishing fleet.
The MMO subsequently responded with significant concerns about the byelaw, with CIFCA’s Chief Officer noting that:
‘The level of political interest and engagement in this byelaw both locally and at a national level has shown that there are considerable obstacles to its progress which are beyond the confines of the byelaw making process. Given the current economic and political situation and considering the comments made by the MMO in relation to the risks associated with the byelaw and its likely lack of support unless all these risks can be addressed, it is the Chief Officer’s opinion that this byelaw will not reach confirmation. As a result, it should not be submitted to Defra, leaving the current Fixed Engines Byelaw 2010 in place.’
CIFCA subsequently voted to scrap the proposals today.
Commenting, Steve Double MP said:
“I am pleased that CIFCA saw sense following our campaign to stop the implementation of this byelaw that could have really damaged Mevagissey’s fishing fleet. I would like to thank the Mevagissey fishermen for taking the time to engage with us throughout, and provide the clear evidence that was needed to help us make our case to DEFRA and the MMO that CIFCA’s original proposals were simply not acceptable.”
Commenting, Cllr James Mustoe said:
“CIFCA’s decision today to scrap their dubious byelaw proposals is good news for Mevagissey’s fishermen.”
“Thanks to Steve for your support in this matter and for allowing us to take the case against this byelaw to the very top of Westminster, in our meetings with Ministers and the Secretary of State for the Environment, as well as the CEO of the MMO. It was good to see them listen, even when CIFCA initially would not, and today’s outcome is the right one for Mevagissey’s fishing fleet, whose livelihoods depend on being able to fish their traditional grounds, now and in the future.”