Illegal fishing damage to conservation site
A diver is seen removing a rare Ballan Wrasse from nets at the Scylla Reef. Photo: Rich Stevenson at Diving and Marine Solutions.
The UK’s National Marine Aquarium has confirmed that the Scylla Reef, an artificial reef close to Whitsand Bay in Cornwall, has suffered significant damage following what could be an illegal fishing net caught upon it.
A team of professional divers began the process of removing the net and helping to free a number of marine animals which remained tangled.
However, marine experts’ worst fears were confirmed when various species, including numerous crabs and fish were found trapped in the net, alongside a cormorant which had perished after becoming stuck and was unable to free itself.
It is thought that the 100m fishing net may have been illegally set close to the reef by unlicensed fishermen, before drifting onto the renowned conservation site, destroying a large section of the reef. Home to more than 250 species of marine life, many of which have not been found on other dive sights around the UK, the reef had recently been nominated as a marine protected area.
The Plymouth based National Marine Aquarium, which has been involved with managing the reef since it was first sunk in 2004, is concerned that some of these uncommon species have now been destroyed, and may take many years to return.
Dr David Gibson, the Aquarium’s managing director said, “We are horrified by the extent of the damage which has been caused on the reef, and by the lack of care and attention as a result of irresponsible fishing practices. It has taken eight years to establish such a diverse community of marine life on the reef, something that is likely to take just as long, if not longer, to recover and return.
“We know that licensed fishermen are not to blame for the net, but we are working closely with our colleagues at Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Association (IFCA), the Marine Management Organisation and the Queen’s Harbour Master Plymouth to try to establish why this has happened and who is responsible.
“In the meantime, the dive team is working hard to remove the net, helping to release trapped animals and making the reef safe, so once again it can be enjoyed by diverse marine life and recreational divers.”
Tim Robbins, chief officer at Devon and Severn IFCA added, “Following this unfortunate and dangerous event, we are working closely with National Marine Aquarium to raise awareness of the site and the dangers of shooting gill nets within the area.
“We are now planning a joint education programme with the team at the Aquarium to highlight the significance of the site, the dangers of the actions to help prevent similar issues in the future.”
The National Marine Aquarium strongly advises against any dives over the reef, until further information is available.
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