A ban on fishing in one of the Westcountry's finest marine sites is to be introduced to protect its threatened sea life.
About 10 per cent of Lyme Bay, from West Bay to Beer Head, will be permanently closed to scallop-dredging and bottom trawling from July, Defra announced on Thursday.
According to Defra, the measure will "safeguard the area's rich marine life and habitats".
Lyme Bay is home to world-renowned reefs as well as rare and endangered species such as pink sea fans, sunset cup corals and several rare sponges.
"After public consultation and a full assessment of the impacts, the Government has ordered that the area be closed from early July," Defra said in a statement.
Fishing using nets nearer the surface or static nets and lines will still be allowed, as will diving for scallops, scuba diving and sea angling.
The fishing…
