Tag Archives: Cromer Shoal Chalk Bed

Fishermen fear for future of industry in Cromer crab row

The Cromer Shoal Chalk Bed is the world’s longest chalk reef, stretching more than 20 miles along the coast from Weybourne to Happisburgh, and has provided a living for generations of fishermen. But there are now fears for the future of this centuries-old industry. This is because three sections of the reef have now become ‘no fishing zones’ as part of a study to compare the damage being caused to the chalk bed by natural causes and potting – the traditional method of using pots to catch crabs and lobsters. The ‘natural disturbance study’ is being carried out by the Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (EIFCA) and comes after a report by Natural England found fishermen dropping pots on the seabed was damaging the chalk. photos, more, >>click to read<< 10:21

Report raises concerns over crabbing in Cromer – ‘Fishermen are seriously worried’

The Cromer Shoal Chalk Bed, located off the coast between Weybourne and Happisborough was designated a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in 2016. Since the MCZ was created, Natural England has been investigating the health of the chalk bed and effect of potting -the method of using pots to fishing for crabs and lobsters- on it. John Davies, head of the North Norfolk Fisherman’s society,, “Right from the beginning of the MCZ project, they have said potting does no damage to the chalk and how important it is and we were happy doing what we were doing. “[The advice] has come as a bit of a shock and there’s an awful lot of fishermen seriously worried about where we go from here.” >click to read< 16:13