Fishers Face New Rules in Lyme Bay Sole Fishery Shake-Up
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is calling on fishers and stakeholders to weigh in on potential new rules for the sole fishery in Lyme Bay. An eight-week consultation kicked off on 29 March, running until 28 May, to gather opinions on fresh management measures aimed at tackling rising concerns.
Why the U-Turn? Quotas Up, But So Are Worries
Since 2015, the sole quota for ICES area 7e, which includes Lyme Bay, has more than doubled. This boost let the MMO raise monthly catch limits for non-sector fleets, increasing fishers’ earnings. But it’s not all good news. Reports show more fishing activity, competition for space, gear clashes, fewer sole caught, and smaller fish overall.
“There’s enough evidence now to consider potential management measures,” says the MMO, which teamed up with fishers, scientists, policy makers, and fisheries managers to gather data and hear concerns.
What’s on the Table? Proposed Measures Explained
- Keep things as they are – no changes
- Introduce a bespoke catch limit specifically for Lyme Bay
- Separate fishing gear types by area or season to reduce conflicts
- Require better visibility of net markers, like colour-coded buoys and flags
- Impose gear restrictions such as:
- Limits on the quantity or length of fixed nets
- Larger mesh sizes for trawls and fixed nets
- Restrictions on scallop dredge specifications or use
The MMO wants fishers and stakeholders to speak up during the consultation. It’s a chance to shape the future of Lyme Bay’s sole fishery before any rules are fixed. Don’t miss your shot to have a say!
Have your say here: Lyme Bay Sole Fishery Management Consultation
