07/03/08 - West Country News report
A minister is being forced by the MCS (Marine Conservation Society) to put a ban on Scallop fishing in the Fal Bay and Helford River. Although the ban was originally to concentrate on dredging, it has been suggested that the only way to really bring it into force would be to ban all types of scallop fishing; including diving and collecting scallops by hand. The MCS say they are hoping to replenish the scallop stocks, letting them breed and get back to a healthy number. Although in theory this is a positive move for fishermen, more scallops means more stock, there are fears among the fishermen that if the replenishment is successful, it could mean more bans across the country and put many, temporarily or possibly even permanently, out of work. The only way the ban could be lifted is if the fishermen can prove their methods of fishing are not damaging, to either the stocks or the sea bed; an impossible task.
This brings about a debate which has long plagued the marine industry; is there ever a way to comprimise? The replenishment of fish stocks and their health is essential but constant bans and rules is causing negative press for fishing and putting many fishermen and their jobs in jeopardy. So is sustainable fishing the answer? And if so, how can we encourage fishermen to stick to sustainable methods? Also, will these methods be enough for them to maintain decent lifestyles? One thing that should be considered is, if this is a step in the right direction, how come the government won't step in and bring in better measures for all concerned? Banning unsustainable methods of fishing and educating all fishermen would surely help to bring about a happier medium, but sustainable methods often mean more work for the fishmermen. This would likely lead to a more expensive market - is this the right price to pay? How would consumers react? And could this mean fishermen being put out of jobs anyway?
In a time where we are constantly being told our seas are in crisis, long term plans need to be devised to ensure all parties involved will benefit and that quick-fix botch jobs are not made to try and simply plaster over the cracks.
For more information on the Falmouth Scallop ban - An article from the telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/03/07/eadredge107.xml
