To report a Defra announcement on the future of SFC in England and consider the options for Wales,

1.1 The Bradley, Net Benefits and other Reports reviewed the operation of SFCs and the management of inshore fisheries and found that SFCs have overall advantages which could not be achieved by any other mechanism. They represent good value for money; they are locally accountable and have a long track record in the efficient and sustainable management of fisheries out to 6 nautical miles from the Coast.

1.2 In recent years the Association of SFCs (ASFC) has repeatedly presented this case to Defra Officials and Minister Ben Bradshaw. The Minister’s announcement in June 2006 (Annex A) that SFCs will be continued and modernised through the Marine Bill in 2008 is therefore most welcome.

1.3 It is disappointing that the Minister does not propose to extend the remit of SFC to 12 nautical miles at least for shellfish. This measure would have the support of many regulators and the shellfish sector of the fishing industry because it could give much greater UK control over fisheries throughout Territorial Waters. The Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB), ASFC and Seafish (SFIA) will continue to press the Minister on this.

1.4 The detail of how SFCs will be changed is not yet clear, but the ASFC has prepared a submission (Annex B) of the new powers which would enhance the management of inshore fisheries and assist the SFCs in delivering their remit. The ASFC will work closely with Defra Officials in coming months to determine the detail of how SFC will be modernised.

2.1 There has not yet been an announcement of proposals for how SFCs in Wales might be changed through the Marine Bill or through new Welsh legislation. NAW Officers in the Fisheries Department have stated that the Minister has been briefed on a number of options and an announcement may be made in September 2006.

2.2 NWNWSFC and South Wales SFC Members and Officers have become concerned in recent months that the Welsh SFCs have not had the opportunity to brief NAW Officials or Carwyn Jones on the advantages of SFC. Also SFC Officers of both Committees are concerned about their employment prospects if the arrangements for inshore management of fisheries are altered in Wales.

2.3 To address these concerns, a letter from both Chairmen of the Welsh SFC (Annex C) was sent to Carwyn Jones in the week beginning 21 August, requesting a meeting to discuss the future of inshore fisheries management before any announcement is made. Any reply to these letters will be reported verbally to the Committee on 8 September.