Consultation on marine minerals screening in St Ives bay

Posted on: 22nd February 2013

The head of the local Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority has confirmed to local MP, Andrew George, that the application to screen to extract marine minerals from the north coast of Cornwall could have an adverse effect on commercial fishermen operating in the area.

The Authority also noted that the licensing authority, the Marine Management Organisation, had undertaken “little, if any, directed consultation…with the people most likely to be affected, the fishermen”.

A copy of the letter from the Chief Officer of the Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, Eddy Derriman, is attached.

Mr George said, “I don’t think anyone would want to stand in the way of a commercial enterprise has the potential to generate many jobs and contribute to the local economy, but I also know that the company itself would want all of those who may be affected to be both consulted and considered in its future plans.

“I will contact the Marine Management Organisation again to ask that it makes sure that local interests are properly consulted and taken into consideration in any future plans for the kind of mineral extraction which I understand is under consideration. Marine conservation bodies and inshore fishermen who place fixed gear in the area have a right to have their concerns taken fully into account.”

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