Division 7.7.3

As a result of introducing the preferred option (a specified prohibited areas byelaw) rather than closing the whole site, the level of displacement from vessels using bottom towed gear will be minimised. From pre-consultation engagement with the fishing industry the main displacement issue raised was the impact of full site closure with preference for corridors between the bedrock reef features. It was stated that bottom towed gear interaction did not take place over the features but does within the proposed buffer zones.