Explanatory note

This Order, which applies in relation to Wales, regulates scallop fishing in “Welsh waters”. For the purposes of the Order “Welsh waters” are defined as being those sea areas falling within “Wales” as defined by section 155(1) of the Government of Wales Act 1998.

Article 3 of the Order limits the number of scallop dredges which British fishing boats may tow.

Article 4 provides restrictions as to the size of tow bars which may be used by British fishing boats.

Article 5 fixes the specification of scallop dredges which may be carried or towed.

Article 6 fixes the minimum size of scallop which may be carried by a British fishing boat and also provides for a closed season in respect of scallop fishing, being a period commencing on the 30 June in 2005, and on 1 June in each subsequent year thereafter, and ending on the 31 October.

Article 7 provides the means by which scallops are to be measured for the purposes of Article 6.

Article 8 provides for British sea fishery officers to have certain powers to board, search and detain British fishing vessels and to inspect, copy and detain documents.

Article 9 revokes the Undersized sScallops (West Coast) Order 1984, the Scallops (Irish Sea) (Prohibition of Fishing) Order 1984 and the Scallops (Irish Sea) (Prohibition of Fishing) (Variation) Order 1986 insofar as they apply in relation to Wales.

A regulatory appraisal has been undertaken in respect of this Order and is available for inspection at the offices of the National Assembly for Wales, Department for Environment, Planning and Countryside, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ.