1.1 A renewal of the proposal to experimentally dredge for razor fish in Liverpool Bay was reported to the Committee in September 2006, when it was resolved that authorisation should be issued to enable the trial to proceed. The proposed area was between Formby Spit and the R. Ribble, within Liverpool Bay candidate Special Protection Area (SPA). Agreement was reached with English Nature (now Natural England) that the survey could take place without the likelihood of significant effect to the SPA.

1.2 It proved impossible for the applicants to carry out the survey in the autumn of 2006, and they now wish to commence the work in the spring of 2007. However, it has recently come to light that the RSPB would be likely to oppose any fishery dredging for razor fish in this area. The applicants intend to use the survey results to define the best area for razor fish, to support an application for a Several Fishery for razors. It is believed that a Several Fishery is the only mechanism under which commercial exploitation would be acceptable. Such a fishery would take place under a management plan, which would constrain the pattern of exploitation and the fishing effort to levels that would safeguard the SPA, in particular scoter duck.

1.3 The likelihood of RSPB objecting to such a Several Fishery has caused the applicants to consider an alternative site between the Wirral and the dredged channel leading into the R. Mersey (see Annex A). It is believed that scoter do not frequent this area, and that there would be no likely environmental objections to a fishery in this location. However, it is not known whether the area would support a commercial operation. The applicants have therefore proposed a survey concentrating on this new area, but with some effort directed at the original area.

1.4 It is now proposed to use a commercial vessel to carry out 30 tows each 200m in length. There will be 20 tows in the new area off the Wirral, and 10 tows in the original area south of the Ribble. It is intended that the survey will be monitored by scientists from Liverpool University to provide an independent assessment of the results. Samples of the catch will also be tested for bacterial contamination. The results of the survey will be used by the applicants to define the most suitable area for a commercial fishery, and this will be the basis of an application to DEFRA for a Several Fishery.

1.5 It has not been possible to discuss this new survey strategy with Natural England, but a meeting will be arranged as soon as possible to consider the implications of the proposal for the SPA. Officers believe that it would be appropriate to grant authorisation for the survey work to take place, provided that Natural England are in agreement.