Fisheries trip held ahead of important changes
Tim Dapling, chief fisheries and conservation officer, welcomed Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Nick Gibb on board the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority’s vessel Watchful, based at Shoreham Harbour.
The trip was ahead of important changes, due to be announced soon, to the Marine Conservation Zones around the coast.
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Hide AdMr Gibb said: “This is an ideal, and may I say first opportunity, for me to learn more about what is currently happening with our fisheries off this import part of the UK coastline.”
At the helm was Charlie Hubbard, marine operations manager and also on board was new IFCA chairman Tony Delahunty, a shellfish fisherman who operates out of Selsey.
Mr Dapling said it was a good opportunity to describe the fisheries and current issues in the area, as well as giving a greater understanding about the work of the authority.
A key area of concern was the Kingmere reef, 10km south-east of Littlehampton, which is important for the spawning of black bream.