Fishing ban brings seas to life

[WD-40]

Five years without fishing around the UK's Lundy Island have led to revival of its lobsters and other sea life.

Five years without fishing around Lundy Island off the coast of Devon have brought a significant revival in sea life, scientists report.

Lobsters are seven times more abundant within the protected zone than outside.

The eastern coast of Lundy is the UK's only "no-take" zone, where fishing is completely prohibited.

Conservation groups say UK seas need more of them, but the government's recent Marine Bill promises much vaguer "marine conservation zones".

It is not clear what levels of protection these areas would have.

The site wasn't only set up to protect lobsters - it's to protect the whole environment
Chris Davis, Natural England

The Lundy zone was set up five years ago by Natural England and the Devon Sea Fisheries Committee, which administers fishing along the county's coasts, in partnership with local fishermen.

Natural England scientists believe the zone should help Devon's lobster-potters by providing a refuge where young lobsters can grow to maturity, then migrate into areas where commercial fishing is permitted.

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[rolf]

Saw the programme about this, was impressive how the environment and fish stocks had recovered in a relatively short period of time.

[Chocky]

Yes. I seam to remember that program .