Devon and Severn IFCA Officers recommend rejection of Kingsbridge and Salcombe Estuary netting proposals

Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority Officers recommend Byelaws and Permits Sub-Committee members reject Salcombe Estuary netting proposals.

Ahead of the meeting of the Byelaws and Permits Sub-Committee (B&PSC) members on 22nd February, the Devon & Severn IFCA Officers has recommended the committee rejects the netting proposals. 

According to the Angling Trust, a not-for-profit organisation representing anglers, fighting for fish, fishing and the environment, "the proposed fixed net fishery in Salcombe Estuary dominated the responses". There were 360 unique responses to the consultation, more than 100 more than the number of responses to DEFRA’s consultation on the national Bass Fishery Management Plan. 

Among the responses were 43 organisations representing statutory bodies, conservation and recreational angling interests, including Natural England.

Of the 360 responses, only six supported the plans. This included four commercial fishermen. 354 were opposed, which included six commercial fishermen. 

The Officers of the Devon and Severn IFCA have laid out their reasons for the membership to reject the proposals:

• The proposed net fishery in Salcombe is not consistent with the response to the public consultation;
• The proposed net fishery in Salcombe is not consistent with many of the objectives set out in the Fisheries Act 2020;
• The proposed net fishery in Salcombe is not consistent with many of the goals set out in the national Bass Fisheries Management Plan;
• The proposed net fishery in Salcombe is not consistent with the principles of the Bass Nursery Area legislation;
• The proposed net fishery in Salcombe is not consistent with D&S IFCA’s Statutory Duties set out in the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009;
• The proposed net fishery in Salcombe is not consistent with scientific advice;
• The proposed net fishery in Salcombe is not consistent with advice from D&SIFCA Officers.

The B&PSC will hold the casting vote at their meeting on the 22 February. 

You can find the full report here: www.devonandsevernifca.gov.uk/Annex-1-Netting-Review-Formal-Consultation-Report-Feb-2024.pdf and the recommendations can be viewed here: www.devonandsevernifca.gov.uk/Salcombe-Netting-Proposal.pdf