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SFCs will be given new powers through the Marine Bill in line with the Government's ongoing commitment to improve the way the country's fisheries and marine environment are managed.

They will be given a more clearly defined purpose and duties, and will be tasked with achieving sustainable development of fisheries within their jurisdiction. They will also work to reduce the impact of fishing on the marine environment, while having regard for the economic development of the fisheries sector.

SFCs will continue to be responsible for management up to six nautical miles offshore, but their jurisdiction will be extended inland to assist in the enforcement of landed stocks.

They will be given powers to introduce quicker, more effective management measures, and will work more closely with the Government's Marine Fisheries Agency.

Mr Bradshaw said: "It's vital we improve the way the marine environment is managed, and modernised Sea Fisheries Committees will play a vital role in this.

"My decision follows an extensive review of inshore fisheries management. I believe the approach I've adopted is the best, most effective way to achieve healthy fish stocks and sustainable seas, while retaining necessary local input in the day-to-day running of these waters. It is important that we now work closely with SFCs and others in drawing up the detailed provisions needed through the Marine Bill to deliver these changes."

The Minister's decision follows extensive stakeholder engagement and a working group review of the recommendations on inshore management reform made in the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit report Net Benefits and Defra's own Review of Marine Fisheries and Environmental Enforcement .

1. There are currently 12 Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) in England and Wales established under the Sea Fisheries (Regulation) Act 1966. SFCs are local authority committees wholly funded by levy on their constituent local Councils (except for some EC grants for fisheries enforcement).

2. The 12 SFCs cover most of the coast in England and Wales except certain estuaries such as the Dee and Severn where the Environment Agency acts as an SFC. The seaward limit of SFC districts is six nautical miles from baselines; the landward limit is generally the high water mark.

3. SFCs regulate sea fisheries in their districts by means of byelaws. Byelaws can regulate fishing methods and fishing gear, restrict fishing seasons, set minimum sizes for fish and shellfish, manage and protect shellfish beds or control fishing for environmental purposes. Byelaws come into force when confirmed by the Secretary of State and/or the Welsh Assembly Government, after advertisement for objections, in accordance with the Sea Fisheries (Byelaws) Regulations 1985 (Statutory Instrument 1985 No; 1785). The byelaw making powers of SFCs are laid down in Section 5 of the Sea Fisheries (Regulation) Act 1966 (as amended). SFC byelaws cannot be less restrictive, but may be more restrictive, than national or EC fisheries legislation, Some SFCs are also grantees of Regulating Orders for molluscan shellfish made under Section 1 of the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967.

4. SFCs appoint their own fishery officers for the purpose of enforcing their byelaws. SFC fishery officers may also be involved with the enforcement of a range of national and Community fisheries legislation in coastal waters either independently or, as British Sea Fisheries Officers, in conjunction with the Government's Marine Fisheries Agency.

5. Half the members on each SFC are appointed by its constituent Councils. The other half consists of members appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and/or the Welsh Assembly Government and one member appointed by the Environment Agency (except for the Isles of Scilly SFC).

6.   Legislative changes required to modernise SFCs will be pursued through the Government's planned Marine Bill. A consultation on the Marine Bill closes on 23 June 2006.

7. More information on the Marine Bill can be found at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/marine/uk/policy/marine-bill/index.htm