Zonation and Code of Conduct Review. Angler & Bait Digger Meeting. Minutes. 7pm Friday 10 th March 2017 Location: The Beach pub, Exmouth

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1 Zonation and Code of Conduct Review Minutes 7pm Friday 10 th March 2017 Location: The Beach pub, Exmouth Attendees Stephanie Clark, (EEMP) Mike Spiller, Honiton Sea Angling Club, Wyvern Region / Seaton Kevin Rouse, Torbay & Babbacombe Association of Sea Anglers / Starcross Fishing & Cruising Club John Dixon, Exmouth Angler Rob Santucci, Exmouth Angler Sama Euridge, Habitat Mitigation Officer, SEDHRP Other Invitees Tim Clotworthy, Exmouth Sea Angling Association Andy Browning Shauna / Andy James Trevett, Honiton Sea Angling Association Adrian Jones Gary Bowden, Exmouth Sea Angling Association Nik Chandlet David Mitchell Tim McPhereson SC welcome and thanks. Overview of EEMP & South East Devon Habitat Regulations Partnership (SEDHRP), explaining the partners in both organisations hold balanced views and are un-biased. Conservation designations of Exe Estuary explained. Reasons given for proposed Voluntary Exclusion Zones (VEZs). Consultation with user groups currently underway with everyone invited to give views on proposed areas of VEZs. Update on crab tilers at Cockwood: all agreed to adhere to code of conduct and offering to act as voluntary wardens preventing damage to habitat and disturbance to wildlife. Proposal currently suggests continued use by crab tilers. Concern raised by JD: Exmouth VEZ frequented by dog walkers, cause greater disturbance and damage than diggers / anglers. SE explained have been wardening this area during sensitive time to reroute dog walkers away from VEZ. Have not met with any opposition from this user group. Concern raised by JD: Introducing VEZs is first step in preventing all activity on the estuary. SC explained VEZs chosen because of importance of these areas to feeding and roosting birds, also location of Zostera (eelgrass) beds. Explained location of zones on estuary so all users have space to enjoy river. 1

2 RS: Importance of area on shore adjacent to Exmouth VEZ, The Gate / Field where fishing competitions held frequently. Marked on map. This is a popular spot as often sheltered in bad weather. Flounder fished from here. Flounder season coincides with that of VEZ (Sept Jan). Could cause conflict. SE: Fishing from the shore not inside VEZ not a problem, especially as this location is adjacent to busy cycle path. KR: Occasionally accesses this area by boat from Starcross and would cut across VEZ. Could alter route? If furthest extent of VEZ marked with similar marker buoy to those present in Duck Pond, would observe this. Doesn t often come across during proposed months. KR: Exmouth VEZ with regards to bait digging why this area proposed? Map of eelgrass beds shown to group with explanation of importance to feeding wildfowl / wading birds. All present agree this is now obvious choice for VEZ location and extent. No commercial diggers in Exmouth or Dawlish Warren areas. Those who dig for bait agree to observe Exmouth VEZ and will not dig the eelgrass bed. Concern raised difficult when on the ground be sure of boundaries. Solution proposed, if eelgrass present, don t dig. Area will be marked at Duck Pond with buoys. ALL AGREED. ACTION: Include in Code of Conduct Please don t dig where the eelgrass is. 2

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4 KR: Dawlish Warren VEZ northern boundary questioned. Reason: this is the extent of the NNR. Proposed VEZ would prevent anglers from fishing the wreck, this is unpopular, wreck is a great spot to fish. Map of eel grass examined, not as extensive in this area. Proposed to move northern boundary to run from Cockwood Steps to wreck, with agreement that could go left as you exit the steps, but not right. This would enable fishing of the wreck. As both the steps and the wreck as easily identifiable landmarks is an easy boundary to identify. KR draws on map suggested boundary. Not much bait digging in Dawlish Warren NNR, too sticky. SC: Will take suggestion back to SEDHRP. SE should be aware many local dog walkers run their dogs off the lead in this area during low tide, despite the current exclusion through byelaw. SE will patrol here more frequently and put information concerning VEZ on local notice boards. ACTION: Request for maps of proposed VEZ, eelgrass beds, and reasons for proposal to be sent to each attendee so can share with clubs and other users of these areas. 4

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6 Summary of Proposed Suggestions from Angling & Bait Digging Meeting Continued angling from area on shore adjacent to Exmouth VEZ, The Gate / Field where fishing competitions held frequently (marked on map). A popular spot as often sheltered in bad weather and used for younger anglers. Avoid entering Exmouth VEZ by boat, extent of VEZ to be marked with buoys. No bait digging within both VEZs. Promote within Code of Conduct: Please don t dig where the eelgrass is. Move northern boundary of Dawlish Warren VEZ to run from Cockwood Steps to wreck, to allow angling at wreck, with agreement to go left as you exit the steps, but not right. Both the steps and the wreck are easily identifiable landmarks for boundary. All in attendance satisfied with proposals above and in support. 6