Division 6.1

Fishing industry: The main vessels affected are beam trawlers which primarily include vessels landing into Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. It was indicated from dialogue with stakeholders during the pre-consultation that the proposed management measure will have a small impact on the bottom towed fishing industry. Belgium vessels have access rights to fish for demersal fish in this area up to the 1983 6nm limit however, the majority of this catch is not landed in the UK. From dialogue with Belgian authorities and fishing industry representatives, during the pre-consultation for this proposed management measure, it was confirmed that bottom towed fishing activity is limited. As a result of the formal consultation the Belgian fishing industry representatives have highlighted the importance of the fishing grounds within the whole EMS but have not specifically identified if fishing activity occurs in the proposed prohibited areas. It is not expected that the intervention will have an impact on non fisheries sectors.