Will the Cabinet Secretary provide information on the Assessing Welsh Fisheries Activities Project and its integration with the process to develop a Marine Protected Area Management Priority Action Plan?
The MPA Management Priority Action Plan, which is being developed by the MPA Management Steering Group, is a framework for the management of the MPA network across Wales. When agreed it will:
- Set out the vision and objectives for a well-managed network of MPAs,
- Provide clarity on the roles and responsibilities of management authorities,
- Capture all activities already underway which are contributing to the management and improving the condition of the network, and
- Identify work and activities needed to further improve the management and condition of the network.
The Assessing Welsh Fisheries Activities Project is a comprehensive approach to evaluating all commercial fishing activity in Welsh waters and its interaction with MPA features. Its purpose is to identify where there is a risk the interaction between fishing gear and a MPA feature could have a potential negative affect. This informs policy makers so the activity can, where necessary, be managed. The Assessing Welsh Fishing Activities Project while a project in its own right is making a clear contribution to the management and condition of the MPA network, and as such will be captured within the MPA Management Priority Action Plan.