Sea Fishing Atlas of Wales

The Sea Fishing Atlas for Wales has been compiled by CCW from information collected over the years from various sources. It includes maps of general fishing patterns, regulations and competent authorities around Wales, which is a timely marker as the management of fisheries in Wales is undergoing a complete overhaul from 1 April 2010.

While some of the maps are more detailed than others, specifics relating to individual operators are only shown for Several Order sites. A general description is provided alongside each activity map.

The fisheries regulations are split according to whether they are general to Welsh waters (including relevant EU and UK regulations), Sea Fisheries Committee (SFC) districts or relate to specific locations around the coast. While most of this information is available, primarily within SFC byelaws, it has not previously been mapped. The relevant sections of the byelaws are quoted and correct to the end of 2008. Those fishing activities currently unregulated are also identified.

Since the advent of the ‘Habitats Directive’, a number of marine Natura 2000 sites (Special Areas of Conservation under the Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora 1992, and Special Protection Areas under the Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds) have been designated in Welsh waters. Apart from in Skomer Marine Nature Reserve and various coastal Sites of Special Scientific Interest, designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the regulations governing these marine Natura 2000 sites transposed into UK law through the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) regulations 1994 heralded a new era of statutory consultation and assessment of interactions between fishing activity and marine nature conservation interests.

Those regulatory bodies with current competence for managing fisheries within each site are identified – they are known as the ‘competent authorities’. The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 heralds major changes and opportunities for marine fisheries management in Wales, especially with the Sea Fisheries Committee being taken into the Welsh Government on 1st April 2010. It is hoped this Fishing Atlas of Wales will provide a useful reference to set against future arrangements.