Whelk Summit II: Stakeholder Engagement Meeting

Invitation to Stakeholders in the Whelk Industry

We are seeking your input and advice on how best to manage the Sussex inshore whelk fishery and you are cordially invited to join my officers and attend a meeting on Thursday 15th December 2011 at 14:00 at the Ropetackle Centre, Little High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5EG. At the meeting guest speakers from Cefas (the government’s advisors on marine science) will join fishermen and the Members of the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority to hear about aspects of the biology of whelks off Sussex and discuss practicalities of the industry from those engaged in the fishery.

This meeting follows on from a similar meeting held in December 2008. The outcome of the engagement with the community, at this meeting, will be reported to Sussex IFCA members. In light of the stakeholder input and the scientific information the IFCA members will consider what opportunities exist to better manage the sustainable exploitation of whelks off the Sussex Coast.


Agenda

14:00 Introductions

14:15 Overview of Whelk Summit I held in December 2008

14:30 Results of the Fisheries Science Partnership Sussex Whelk project; Andy Lawler, Cefas

14:45 Q&A time with Tea & Coffee

15:00 Breakout groups to consider;

    What do participants consider to be the issues in the fishery?
    Are current regulations sufficient to develop the Sussex whelk fishery?
    Are there other practical options to better manage the fishery?
    What are the likely impacts of further regulation?

16:00 Feedback and group Q&A

Your contribution to this process is important and we would very much like for you input. If you can confirm your attendance we would be very grateful.

If you require any further information please contact us. We look forward to seeing you on the 15th of December.

Yours sincerely,
 
Roger Thomas
Chairman, Sussex IFCA.