The majority of European marine sites which have been put forward lie close inshore. Fishing is one of the most common and widespread uses within these sites.

A summary table shows the fishing methods that take place within the candidate and proposed SACs. It is clear that most types of inshore fishing practised around the UK take place in at least one European marine site. Using this information the potential effects of these fishing methods on the marine habitats and species listed in Annex I and II of the Habitats Directive and Annex I of the Birds Directive were investigated within the literature review. (A brief description of the fishing techniques is given in the Annex to this report.)

Marine habitats

Estuaries, mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide

Fisheries associated with estuaries, mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide

Large shallow inlets and bays, and sandbanks slightly covered by seawater all the time

Fisheries associated with large shallow inlets and bays, and sandbanks slightly covered by seawater all the time

Reefs

Fisheries associated with reefs

Lagoons

Submerged and partly submerged sea caves

References