Marine Fisheries in Wales

The commercial sea fishing sector is a diverse industry based all around the Welsh coast. The fleet is comprised of a range of different vessel types which include the larger offshore vessels targeting prime fish species such as bass, turbot, brill and sole. The smaller inshore vessels (<10m) operate within coastal waters (out to 6nm), and target a wide range of fish and shellfish species of high commercial value. These boats work out of 33 recognised ports across Wales.

In the past, the management of Welsh sea fisheries was coordinated by two Sea Fisheries Committees; one covering North Wales, and the other South. In April 2010, sea fisheries management was taken in-house by the Welsh Government Fisheries Unit, which now has full responsibility for management and enforcement.

Marine fisheries in Welsh waters are governed by European and national legislation, with the Welsh Government introducing legislation necessary to enforce these commitments within Wales, such as regulations on net sizes, vessel licenses and limits on the number of days at sea.

As part of the reform of fisheries management in Wales, a new partnership approach has been established consisting of the national Wales Marine Fisheries Advisory Group, and three new regional Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFGs) around Wales. This offers an opportunity for a stakeholder-led approach to fisheries management. It is vital that Wales has well-managed, sustainable fisheries, not only to deliver conservation outcomes, but also to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

A comprehensive policy briefing document on Marine Fisheries is available on the Resources page. WEL is calling for sustainable ecosystem-based fisheries management to be delivered through this partnership approach, which should support livelihoods, while promoting the delivery of conservation outcomes. Management should be based on a clear ecosystem-scale approach. WEL is engaged with the current reform on fisheries management, with representatives on the stakeholder groups, to ensure there is a strong voice for the environment.

Case Study: From boom to bust

Up until the early 20^th Century herring were an important part of the diet of the people of Wales and were abundant in Welsh waters; with ports and harbours all along the coast providing homes and shelter for the local herring fishing fleets. Reports dating back to 1206 provide evidence of how important these fish were to the local economy and how abundant shoals of herring once were. Such abundance is now a thing of the past. The modernisation of fishing methods, harbours, equipment and vessels led to the collapse of the herring fishery in Wales and catches of this once abundant fish are now a shadow of what they once were. This highlights the importance of sustainable management for our marine fisheries, to ensure a future for this important industry in Wales.