Scallop Dredging Consultation

About this Scallop dredging consultation .  I operated a commercial vessel out of Aberystwyth for 30+ years taking people out on angling & wildlife trips.  There is no doubt in my mind this method of Scallop fishing is very desrtuctive to the sea bed & should not be allowed to expand in anyway.   To my mind the direct links of dredging affecting Dolphin populations in the very short term is probably open to debate - BUT in the long term it will.  The direct results from trashing the sea bed are upon all species that live on it, especially  Rays.   I saw a dramatic decline in ray catches over only about 15 years- this could also be due to the increase in use of fixed nets as well. So if you 'see' a species in decline you do not help it by wrecking it's home. 
As far as this consultation goes- if you scroll down to the 20 odd questions that they ask you-  the fact IS the questions asked do NOT give any oppurtunity to challenge the premise that Scallop dredging should be allowed.  I refused to answer any of the questions & just put in a comment in the 'other comment' box at the bottom.
Dave Taylor

Posted by Bob Relph