Source: Angling Trust
Local fishing clubs, tackle shops, charter skippers and anglers have been consulted over the simple nine point code, drawn up by the Angling Trust’s representative on the project’s working group. The code will help anglers to understand how to fish responsibly and sustainably within the Lyme Bay box. Fishermen, conservationists and fisheries managers working together through the project have agreed a number of codes for different fishing activities.
Mike Spiller, who represents the Angling Trust on the project’s working group said:
“I believe today’s recreational sea anglers are much more interested in what is going on and happening around them. Hopefully the Lyme Bay Reserve through this very simple code of conduct for angling can help and perhaps spread to areas being set up in other parts of the country.”
In 2008 the area was closed to trawling following extensive damage to the reef habitat but was subsequently threatened to be overfished by a sharp increase in the use of static fishing gear. Anglers in the area have credited the trawling ban with an increase in the diversity of species, such as rays, in the area over recent years.
For more info on the Lyme Bay project click HERE
