14.4.13
UK Vessels, Gears and Operating Practices
177. The current pattern of fishing by UK vessels in the area of the proposed East Anglia THREE project reflects that generally observed in UK fishing over the past two decades. This is typified by declining vessel numbers, effort, particularly in the over- 15m fleet, and a shift toward smaller less powerful vessels. In grounds outside the 12nm limit, a significant proportion of UK activity has been supplanted by that of the Dutch fleet. As described previously this has been facilitated by the purchase of UK vessels (particularly beam trawlers) and associated licences and quota by Dutch interests. In ports such as Lowestoft, which once supported a fleet of larger category vessels including both stern and beam trawlers, active vessels are now almost entirely in the under-10m category and tend to target inshore grounds.
178. Consultation and analysis of the available data has shown that vessels fishing in the area of the proposed East Anglia THREE project deploy a range of mobile and static gear methods.
179. Within the over-15m fleet, the majority of activity has been by beam trawlers with lower levels by midwater pair trawlers and demersal otter trawlers. Previous analysis of landings values by port suggests a significant number of these vessels are from the Anglo-Dutch fleet. Activity by UK owned and registered beam trawlers based at ports such as Plymouth and Brixham is significantly lower. Most beam trawlers from the South West fleet are of the ‘Eurocutter’ type, a number of which have been purchased second hand from Dutch owners. The gear used by these vessels is not described further here as it is essentially the same as traditional beam gear detailed below for Dutch and Belgian fleets.
180. The over-15m UK owned and registered demersal otter trawlers which occasionally operate in the area of the proposed East Anglia THREE project are understood to be vessels of between 20m to 24m in length with main engines between 350hp and 500hp. These vessels are based mainly at the east coast ports of Grimsby and Scarborough (Plate 14.5). These vessels operate either single or twin rig trawls with combined weights, including trawl doors, of approximately 2.5 to 4 tonnes.
Preliminary Environmental Information May 2014
East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm
Chapter 14 Commercial Fisheries Page 76
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