[KWM]

Hi all, i have just spoken to DEFRA and the MFA ( Marine fisheries Agency) they have both informed me that as it stands if after the consultation this were to become law, spearfishing would be banned in the north Atlantic, thus banning spearfishing in the UK, Ireland, and effecting Spain, Portugal and France. Both agencies explained that this process was part of 'tidying up regulations' and linked in with greater control of all recreational fishing activities. It seems that this process could take between 18months and 2 years and that during this time it is 'up to us' to put our points across and try and have this proposed legislation altered. I was informed by Mr Benin at DEFRA that proposals such as these were based on 'scientific evidence and advice from industry' and advised to look at the EU webpages (Fisheries), but not that the evidence would be there.

I asked the MFA if they had a view at this time with regard to the banning of spearfishing, I was informed that the MFA did not.

No more at this time have got to go to work.

Kev