Fishermen discuss fears over trawling ban plan

Chris Ranford said a zonal approach would have less of an impact for the fishing industry

Cornish fishermen would like to meet the new environment secretary to discuss concerns over the future of their industry.

A consultation on extending a ban on bottom-trawler fishing to cover more marine protected areas (MPA) is currently ongoing.

Fishermen fear restricting where they could catch would be economically ruinous - but opponents insisted the practice damaged habitats and underwater species.

The government insisted it was taking action to protect seabeds and it would be beneficial for both nature and the fishing industry.

Bottom trawling involves a large net being scraped across the seabed to catch fish.

But Cornish fisherman insisted the nets they use were less harmful and they often avoided protected areas already.

Chris Ranford, chief executive of the Cornish Fish Producers' Organisation, said he was open to meeting Emma Reynolds following her appointment in a cabinet reshuffle earlier this month.

"The door is always open in Cornwall to help people understand the fishing industry, whoever it is, and we'd certainly welcome a visit," he said.

"Perhaps new people, new faces, a clean slate could be a good thing," Mr Ranford said.

He welcomed the extension of the consultation into bottom trawling and hoped parts of MPAs could still be made accessible to boats.

"There's not a question of being able to go everywhere and do anything," said Mr Ranford.

"It's a case of let's get the best evidence possible - if there's evidence to say that there's no problem then they should be allowed to continue to fish."

Fishermen in Newlyn are among those who currently practise bottom trawling

However, the Blue Marine Foundation, which campaigns to protect the ocean, insisted a so-called zonal approach in MPAs would not work.

Charles Clover, its co-founder, said: "I find it very hard to see how you could ban trawling - which is the most destructive activity in the sea - only in a small area.

"This idea you can go and fish in this bit not that bit because it's not important or scientifically necessary is just wrong.

"You need to protect the area that has been designated. It has been designated after years of consultation for a good reason."

Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said the government had extended the consultation to listen to stakeholders on the matter.

He said: "Bottom trawling is already restricted in around 60% of Marine Protected Areas, what the government's been proposing is looking at restrictions where it affects a seabed infrastructure or seabed monuments... we're listening to the folks, and the decision will be made on the basis of that consultation."

Pollard said the government was trying to find a way of supporting the industry, making sure they "can have a more certain future", while also protecting fish stocks.

A Defra spokesperson said: "Restoring our oceans to good health is essential for both nature and for fishing businesses.

"This government is taking decisive steps to ban bottom trawling when it is damaging protected seabeds and our consultation makes clear how this would be implemented appropriately."