4. Will the Minister make a statement on scallop fishing in Cardigan Bay? OAQ(5)0029(ERA) [W]

Thank you. The recent scallop fishery consultation saw a significant level of responses. My officials have analysed all of the responses together with the latest scientific evidence. I am currently considering advice and will issue a written statement once I have made a decision on the proposed fishery in Cardigan bay.

Thank you. Many people are awaiting this decision on both sides of the argument, as it were. May I just place on record that I have met with petitioners, although some people think that I haven’t, but that you, as Minister, haven’t met with those petitioners? I think that is the case. Are you now willing, now that the consultation is over, to meet those petitioners who want a ban on scallop fishing in Cardigan bay, to see what their arguments are? Do you think that the problem that we have here in finding solutions to complex issues stems from the fact that the Government doesn’t yet have a national marine plan and, therefore, we don’t yet have the tools to tackle the problems that emerge when people disagree on the best way to maintain habitats and maintain fishing too?

I was asked literally by tens and tens of people to meet to discuss this and, as you are aware, my diary just wouldn’t allow it. I’d be very happy to meet with you if you wanted to come along and bring some of the concerns forward, because it just was not possible to meet with everybody. However, we have taken each one of the responses into consideration. It is a very complex issue, and I’m very keen to have a marine plan. I’ve already met this week with officials, and you will be aware that it’s currently being drafted. The result of the European referendum has caused a bit of a hiatus in bringing forward the marine plan, but I do hope to consult on the draft plan probably in the middle of next year.

Cabinet Secretary, in June, I was honoured to be appointed Wales Environment Link’s species champion for the bottle-nosed dolphin. On Friday, weather permitting—who knows—I will visit Cardigan bay’s special area of conservation. You will know that that bay is home to semi-resident populations and it’s a particularly important nursery ground for females and their calves. So, my question to you before my visit on Friday is: what message can I send back to the people who are concerned about protecting both the iconic species and that special area of conservation, that should the Government decide to allow scallop fishing further within that special area of conservation we won’t return to the damage that was clearly evident in 2010 that actually reduced scallop fishing within that area?

Well, I wasn’t offered the blue-nosed dolphin. I’m looking at my colleague, Lee Waters, just in case: he was the hedgehog. But, I think the point you raise is a very important one and it’s about getting that balance and I am aware there were difficulties back in 2009-10 with scallop fishing. I think the message you can take back is that we are considering all responses and we want to get that balance right. It’s not just about one species: it’s about all our species.

Cabinet Secretary, as part of the consultation there was some discussion about the establishment of a management advisory board to assist the Welsh Government in the oversight of the fishery. Can you, therefore, confirm that it is still the Welsh Government’s intention to create this board and, if so, can you confirm and update Members on where we are in terms of its development, if that is the case?

As I say, I will be issuing a written statement and that detail will be within the statement.