In April 2010, the Welsh Assembly Government will repeal the Sea Fisheries Regulation Act 1966 in relation to Wales, amalgamating the Sea Fisheries Committees in Wales with the Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries Unit.

Following a public consultation, and in order to ensure the continued operation of both fisheries following the abolition of the SFC's, the Minister is today announcing that the Environment Agency will become grantee and assume control of the order governing the Burry Inlet fishery, and that a new body will be established to act as grantee and to control the Menai Strait Oyster and Mussel Fishery Order 1962 (Menai Strait (East) Mussel fishery).

Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones said:

"The changes I am announcing today will help us achieve our aim of viable and sustainable fisheries in Wales.

"Following the consultation, I have agreed that the Environment Agency will take over the management of the Burry Inlet cockle fishery. Discussions have taken place to ensure that the Agency will have the resources and support required to effectively mange the fishery."

"I have also agreed to the establishment of a board to become grantee of the Menai Strait (East) Mussel Fishery. This change will help us maintain and develop a sustainable and viable fishery in the Menai Strait for years to come."

The Welsh Assembly Government will work with those involved in the new arrangements for the Menai Strait (East) Fishery, helping them where required to establish a not for profit company limited by guarantee. This company will be tasked with supporting and developing this order to ensure a healthy and viable fishery in line with the Wales Fisheries Strategy. The Minister expects that this board will be made up of fishermen's representatives, the two local councils, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment Agency.

Notes to Editor

Several and Regulating Order are granted by the Welsh Ministers under the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967 c83.

These confer rights on individuals or organisations to fish for or cultivate shellfish in a specific area. They are recognised as valuable fisheries management tools.

The Welsh Assembly Government held a consultation on the future of the Orders held by the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee and the North Western & North Wales Sea Fisheries Committees in Wales between 25/9/09 and 20/11/09. The control of these Orders is due to transfer in April 2010.

Respondents to the public consultation agreed with Assembly Government recommendations (outlined above) on the future of Several and Regulating Orders held by the Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) in Wales, which confer rights on individuals or organisations to fish for or cultivate shellfish in a specific area. 85% of responses were in favour of the Environment Agency becoming the new Grantee for the Burry Inlet Fishery (Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery Order 1965 (SI 1235/1965)), while 77% of respondents were in favour of the establishment of a new committee or board to become grantee for the Menai Strait (East) Mussel Fishery (Menai Strait Oyster and Mussel Fishery Order 1962 (SI 705/1962)).

The Welsh Assembly Government's Fisheries Unit, which will have an extended remit following the changes will continue to provide scientific and enforcement support for the fishery as the Sea Fisheries Committee currently does.