1.1 A renewal of the 2005 proposal to experimentally dredge for razor fish in Liverpool Bay was reported to the Committee in May. The Committee had given approval for the proposed 2005 trial, which never took place due to the sinking of the dredger on passage to the area.

1.2 The proposed area lies within the Liverpool Bay candidate Special Protection Area. One of the designated species for this SPA is scoter duck. These eat bivalve molluscs, and could therefore be affected by the proposed fishery.

1.3 At a meeting with the applicants and English Nature, it was decided that the only realistic way to progress this proposal was for the applicants to seek a Several Fishery for razor fish. English Nature could not see how a dredge fishery with unrestricted effort could take place in the SPA, whereas a Several Fishery with an appropriate management plan could be acceptable if the scoter were suitably safeguarded.

2.1 The applicants now wish to carry out a limited dredge survey in order to collect detailed stock information to support an application for a Several Fishery. A copy of their application requesting authorisation to dredge is attached at Annex A. It should be noted that the letter appears to be dated incorrectly. It was received at the Lancaster Office on 17^th August.

2.2 The proposal is very similar to that agreed with English Nature in 2005 and authorised by the Committee then. However, it is understood that the area requested for the operation may be modified in the light of a grab-sampling survey carried out by CEFAS. If this is the case, details of the change will be presented to the Committee on the day of the meeting.

2.3 Officers suggest that it would be appropriate to grant authorisation for the survey work to take place, provided that English Nature are in agreement.