Explanatory note

These Regulations amend sea fisheries legislation concerning the minimum conservation reference sizes for king scallop and queen scallop that apply within the Welsh zone.

Regulation 2 makes minor amendments to Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation of fisheries resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures (EUR 2019/1241). It amends the minimum conservation reference size for king scallop (Pecten maximus) to apply a consistent minimum conservation reference size of 110mm throughout the Welsh zone. It also increases the minimum conservation reference size for queen scallop (Chlamys spp. (formerly Aequipecten opercularis)) in the Welsh zone from 40mm to 55mm.

Regulation 3 makes a consequential amendment to byelaw 19 of the Byelaws of the former North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee to bring the specified minimum size for queen scallop under those byelaws into line with Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 (as that instrument is amended by these Regulations).

The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to these Regulations. As a result, a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with these Regulations. A copy can be obtained from the Welsh Government, Fisheries Division, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ and is published on www.gov.wales.