KING’S LYNN: Talks to be held on Wash future
County councillors are being asked to endorse a report which calls for better consultation with fishermen before a Marine Conservation Zone in the Wash is established.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is consulting on proposals for three North Sea Marine Conservation Zones off Northumberland, but two areas off Norfolk – the Cromer Shoal Beds and the Wash Approach – may be taken forward at a later date.
A paper to Norfolk’s environment, transport and development overview and scrutiny panel supports the thinking behind the zones.
But the report is critical of the inadequate consultation with the local fishermen.
Bill Borrett, council leader and cabinet member for Environment, said: “I am very frustrated by the handling of this.
“The principles behind the designation of Marine Conservation Zones, to create a network of marine protected areas to ensure that fisheries are sustainable, I support – but it is hugely frustrating that little consideration has been given to the impact on our local fishing communities.
“Inshore fishing is the most sustainable type of commercial fishing, but could suffer very badly both from the loss of traditional fishing grounds, and the increased pressure on those that remain.”
The committee meeting is being held tomorrow morning at County Hall.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North west
