NORTH WESTERN AND NORTH WALES SEA FISHERIES COMMITTEE
OFFICER’S REPORT
REQUEST TO USE A BOX DREDGE IN FISHING FOR CLAMS
Report by the Senior Scientist.
Purpose of Report
To inform Members of an application to fish for clams using a box dredge in the southern part of the District.
Recommendation
That the application should be considered.
1. Background
1.1 An application has been received to fish for clams using a box dredge (copy attached at Annex A). The application gives few details, but it is understood that the target area is in the southern part of the District, in areas fished by scallop dredging off Cardigan. This is within the Cardigan Bay SAC.
1.2 It is understood that the box dredge is a simple device with a toothed blade approximately 3’ wide. No water jet or suction device is fitted, the catch being recovered by hauling to the surface.
1.3 The species of clam to be targeted is not presently known.
1.4 Officers have written to the applicant to seek full details of the proposal. If these details are received before the Meeting, then it is suggested that they should be reported to Members and the possibility of a limited trial fishery should be considered.
BILL COOK
Senior Scientist
4th May 2006
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION) ACT, 1985
List of Background Papers
There are no background papers to this report.