To inform Members of progress with surveying for razor clams.

1.1 At the Joint Committee meeting in September 2006 it was resolved that authorisation should be issued under Byelaw 12 for limited trial fishing for razor fish in Liverpool Bay, provided that agreement could be reached with English Nature. The purpose of the fishing is to improve knowledge of the distribution of razor clams, and associated macrofauna in the area, to support an application for a Several Fishery, and to assist in assessing the impact of any commercial razor fishery in the area.

1.2 A meeting was subsequently held with the applicants and English Nature, at which it was agreed that a limited fishing trial could take place with no likely significant effect on the Liverpool Bay Special Protection Area, subject to conditions.

1.3 However, the applicants have experienced difficulties in finding a suitable vessel for the survey. This, combined with the deteriorating weather to be expected at this time of year, means that they now wish to postpone the survey work until next March or April.

1.4 This could have advantages in terms of monitoring the activity, as CEFAS have an interest in the work and are likely to assist in the setting up of the survey, given enough lead-in time.

1.5 In the meantime, the applicants have written to DEFRA to register their interest in setting up a Several Fishery in part of the area that will be surveyed, depending upon the stock levels indicated by the survey. A chart of the proposed survey area is attached at Annex A.