1.1 In 2005 the Committee authorised a limited trial of fishing for razor fish in Liverpool Bay using a water-jet dredge. Unfortunately, the trial never took place because the designated vessel sank off Bardsey Island whilst on passage to Liverpool Bay.

1.2 The same company now wishes to proceed with a trial using another vessel. The 2005 proposal was for a single episode of dredging over a 48 hour period. A maximum of 20 45minute tows were to be permitted during this period. This summer, the company wishes to dredge over a 3-month period in order to get the area classified as a bivalve production area. The effort will be the same however, with an upper limit of 20 tows being retained.

1.3 The trial area is within the Liverpool Bay proposed Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This is designated for scoter duck and red-throated diver. Because scoter feed on bivalve molluscs there are clear implications for the favourable status of this site.

1.4 In 2005 English Nature agreed hat the limited trial would have no likely significant effect on the site, and it is understood that they will continue to hold this view. A meeting has been arranged with English Nature and the applicants to discuss their proposal in more detail.

1.5 If the outcome of this meeting is successful, then Officers will issue an authorisation so that the trial can take place. Progress on this will be reported verbally to the meeting.

1.6 Even if the trial is successful, there are serious concerns for any future razor shell fishery in this area. Any such fishery would have to be carried out in a way that would safeguard the SPA, and the Committee’s inability to restrict the numbers of authorisations issued under Byelaw 12 is a significant impediment to a tightly controlled fishery. It may well prove that the only possible way forward will be through a Fishery Order. The possibilities for a way forward will be explored at the meeting with English Nature, and the outcome will be reported verbally to the meeting.