Research project maps Lyme Bay biodiversity hotspots, highlights threats

25/01/2007 00:00:00 October 2007. Devon Wildlife Trust has completed intensive research to map the seabed of Lyme Bay to find out what lives there and how the marine resource is being used by the public. The latest research conducted by the University of Plymouth has revealed that:

• New communities of species in offshore Lyme Bay.
• A sensitivity map which clearly shows habitats within the Bay which are considered by marine biologists to be ‘highly sensitive’ to physical damage (e.g. from a scallop trawl).
• A snapshot of the recreation industry in Lyme Bay.

Diving industry
The research has identified that the diving and charter boat industries both rely on the marine resources of Lyme Bay and are mainly focussed around the pockets of marine diversity such as the reefs and the wrecks.

These low-impact activities generate millions of pounds for the local economy and the research has identified that the reefs have suffered in recent years from scallop dredging activities and business has been affected. One local diver commented: ‘A few years ago you’d be out diving, normally in the cobbley areas and you’d find a lobster. Now if you find one you think yourself really lucky because their habitat has been smashed to pieces.’

Siân Rees, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Project Officer said: ‘We now have detailed information on the marine resources in Lyme Bay and a clear idea of how they are used. We also have frightening anecdotal evidence from locals on areas in Lyme Bay which used to be prime fishing or diving grounds but have been flattened by the scallop fleet in recent years.’

Sian added: ‘It is time to start making decisions on the long-term sustainable use of these resources so all sectors can benefit. We have found that there are still plenty of areas left in good condition but they require full protection from damaging activities. It is essential that we apply a system of marine spatial planning so that everyone can continue to enjoy the benefits that a diverse marine environment brings.’

The survey was conducted by the EROCIPS (Emergency Response to Oil, Chemical and Inert Pollution from Shipping) project.

Courtesy of the Devon Wildlife Trust

Scallop dredging is destroying the Lyme Bay Reefs. Sign a petition at www.savelymebayreefs.org
Wildlife Trusts count the victims of scallop dredging

Dorset and Devon Wildlife Trusts is sending a team to Chesil Beach to collect and count dead pink sea fan corals, the vast majority of which have been destroyed by scallop dredging in Lyme Bay.

They will survey at Wyke Regis, where hundreds of the protected coral regularly get washed ashore. A team of volunteers will comb the beach gathering the fans which will then be taken away for counting.

The count has been organised by marine biologist Steve Trewhella who said: ‘It is a scandal that scallop dredging is allowed to continue in an area so rich in rare and protected species. If it is not stopped very soon, the reefs will have no chance to recover.’

Paul Gompertz, Director of Devon Wildlife Trust said: ‘It is ironic that, by picking up the dead pink sea fans, we will be breaking the law, and yet there are no sanctions against scallop dredgers who destroy thousands in a day and wreck the habitat that they thrive on.’

The count has been timed to coincide with the Wildlife Trust’s campaign to save the reefs. A DEFRA consultation is currently running until 7 December 2007 to consider the future of the reefs. It is being seen as the last chance to save the 60 sq mile area of reefs, less than 10% of the Bay.