The fishing industry and conservation groups consult with Government who form the rules and regulations for fishing of inshore waters.  The interests and desired outcomes of each of these groups is not always mutually exclusive and common ground can be found amongst us all which is why SWIFA strive to work positively with Government and Conservation Groups for the long-term benefit of the Inshore waters environment and the local fishing industry. 

Here’s a brief summary of how we are working and listening to all parties involved to create sustainable, voluntary Rules and Regulations:

Fishing Industry work proactively  with Devon Wildlife Trust

September 2001

South West Fish Producers Organisation (SWFPO) and local fishermen agreed to protect nationally important reefs in Lyme Bay.  Devon Wildlife Trust hailed the voluntary agreement as a "Landmark" and thanked the industry for its positive attitude and support.

January 2006

SWFPO receive letter from Devon Wildlife Trust indicating that the protection of reefs in Lyme Bay had been successful and that pink sea fan numbers had been increasing.  However, scallop dredging vessels in Lyme Bay had increased in recent years.  This concern was echoed by a Devon SeaFisheries Committee (DSFC) Report  in April 2006 that suggested the some fishing vessels, unaware of the voluntary agreement, were fishing in protected areas.  The report recommended that trawling of all reef areas in Lyme Bay should be prohibited.  Conservation Groups backed the call for complete prohibition.

Fishing Industry police and  uphold standards 

May 2006

An emergency meeting of fishermen in East Devon was held to consider their response to the DSFC report.  It was agreed to form the South West Inshore Scallopers Association (later to become South West Inshore Fishermen’s Association), and to immediately reinforce to all relevant fishermen the need to adhere to the Voluntary Agreement of 2001 to protect designated reef beds.

Working with DEFRA and Marine Institute to find a way forward

July 2006

Engaged Marine Institute, Plymouth to conduct an Independent Scoping Study of Options for the future Spatial Management of Scallop Dredging Impacts on hard substrates in Lyme Bay. 

(Click here to view final report)

August 2006

An agreement was reached with Defra and SWIFA  called the “2006 Lyme Bay Agreement” which created protection from towed gear (dredging and trawling) to 4 reefs known as Beer Home Grounds, Lane’s Ground, Saw Tooth Ledges, and East Tennants.

DEFRA Minister, Ben Bradshaw said “An agreement has been reached which provides the necessary protection on a voluntary basis.

SWIFA waste no time in enforcing Lyme Bay Agreement

September 2006

Special General Meeting of SWIFA confirmed unanimously the Lyme Bay Agreement and agreed a Code of Conduct for fishing operations in the vicinity of Lyme Bay reefs. 

(click  here to view Code of Conduct)

(Click here to view Voluntary Agreement Chart)

SWIFA putting words into action

Since the implementation of the 2006 Lyme Bay Agreement, SWIFA is working hard to build confidence with Conservation Groups by demonstrating 100% adherance by all SWIFA members to 2006 Lyme Bay Agreement.