To appraise Members on the status of Byelaw 5 (permit scheme), Byelaw 30 (Hobby Potting Restrictions) and of a request from DEFRA and WAG for a new Byelaw for a bag limit on landing Bass.

1.1 Byelaw 5 restricts commercial fishing for mussels and cockles to those persons who hold a valid permit issued by the Committee. It has finally been confirmed by both DEFRA and WAG, and is therefore now active. New permits for the 2007 season have been issued to those holding a 2006 permit and safety training certificate.

1.2 Byelaw 30 prohibits those potting for pleasure from using more than 5 pots, and sets up a registration scheme. This Byelaw has been confirmed by WAG, but is awaiting confirmation by DEFRA. I understand that confirmation is imminent. Full details of this Byelaw will be widely publicised during the spring.

2.1 Requests that the Committee make a Byelaw to set a bag limit for the landing of Bass have been received by both DEFRA and WAG. These requests were discussed at the December 2006 meeting of the Joint Committee where it was resolved to support such a Byelaw in tandem with revisions to existing Bass legislation.

2.2 Officers are currently having great difficulty in preparing any recommendations as the conservation rationale from DEFRA and WAG conflicts on a number of points.

2.3 DEFRA require a Byelaw that sets a Bass bag limit for all non-commercial fishermen. A Statutory Instrument will set a minimum landing size of 40cm, and minimum mesh size of 100mm.

2.4 WAG requires a Byelaw that sets a Bass bag limit for only those non-commercial fisherman using a boat. A Statutory Instrument will set a minimum landing size of 37.5cm, and a minimum mesh size of 100mm. A letter from WAG concerning Bass bag limits is attached at Annex A.

2.5 Officers have been in frequent dialogue with WAG officers and lawyers, and with our colleagues in South Wales, and have yet to find a satisfactory way forward. It is therefore suggested that the Committee continues to indicate support for a bag limit Byelaw applicable to that part of the District in Wales, and await a model Byelaw which could be adopted by the Environment Agency, SWSFC and ourselves.

2.6 In England, DEFRA has yet to achieve unanimous support from some SFCs. Again Officers would suggest that the Committee continues to indicate support for a bag limit, and await a model Byelaw which could be brought to a Scientific and Byelaws Sub Committee.