To report developments in fisheries policy in Wales and the Committee’s response to the consultation on the future of Welsh SFC.

1.1 Following a consultation earlier this year the WAG has announced its intention to establish a Welsh Fisheries Zone. The WFZ will extend to the 12 mile limit of Welsh territorial seas or the median lines with England, Ireland and Isle of Man in the Irish Sea.

1.2 This zone is mostly concerned with areas outside the Committee’s District and for this reason the Committee did not make a formal response to the consultation. However, the Committee is concerned that if SFC are abolished in Wales there will not be adequate capacity in fisheries patrol vessels operating in Welsh waters to properly manage the fisheries within the WFZ. Comments to that effect have been included in the Committee’s response to the SFC consultation. (see paragraph 3 below and background paper).

2.1 The Welsh Fisheries Strategy was published by the Minister in August. The Committee has previously contributed advice to the development of this strategy and commented on drafts.

2.2 The Minister proposes that the strategy will be followed by an Implementation Plan to detail the measures to be taken to secure a viable and sustainable Welsh fishing industry. The implementation plan will be prepared by stakeholder groups representing four sectors namely: Commercial Sea Catching, Recreational Sea Angling, Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries.

2.3 Bound copies of the strategy document are available from WAG and electronic copies or photocopies can be provided by the Clerk.

3.1 Following the Committee’s special meeting on 30 July to consider this consultation its response was finalised and sent to the Minister. The Committee’s response is a background paper to this report available from the Clerk.

3.2 Officers contributed advice to other bodies’ responses including CCW, WCMP and SWSFC.

3.3 WAG is not expected to take a decision on the future of SFC in Wales before Autumn 2008.