PLANS being floated to turn vast areas of the South Devon coastline and seabed into Euro-marine conservation areas are concerning the Brixham fishing industry.

National wildlife guardian Natural England is informally consulting until October with key players on proposals for 'marine special areas of conservation' which would include almost all of the Tor Bay and much of the South Hams coastline.

The plan part of a Euro conservation drive to provide increased protection to marine wildlife species which are a 'vital part of global efforts to conserve the world's bio-diversity'.

Natural England says some areas will need to be protected from damaging fishing, 'particularly those activities that have the ability to alter the seabed' with management to ensure the seabeds are in good condition.

Fishing chiefs say the plans could be detrimental to the industry, while they are welcomed by conservationists.

Keith Bower, chief officer at South Devon fisheries, said there is some concern at the accuracy of charting of reefs around Hopes Nose, Berry Head, and Dartmouth, and it is conducting its own surveys.

He said: "It is probably a good move to preserve what is there but it has been fished over for many years and it is still there so why do we need such Draconian measures?"

He said only 30 per cent of the South Hams zone is reef and so 70 per cent of otherwise fishable area would be denied to the industry.

"I don't know what the implications will be and what constraints there will be because we have not been consulted officially on this yet."

He said the 60 square mile scallop protection zone of northern Lyme Bay seems to have been substantially increased.

"This seems to be a sledgehammer to crack a nut. We are edging towards to shutting down all the scalloping areas which would be detrimental to the fishing industry.

"What we are forgetting is fishing is food and not all that is landed at Brixham is luxury items like scallops and lobsters, but basic species which help feed the nation."

Natural England says it does not know what management measures there will be and adds: "We intend to work with the fishing industry to inform the possible management measures required to protect the features for which the sites have been selected."

It says it needs industry input to understand the intensity of fishing and the effects of any restrictions.

"In order to be able to completely evaluate the effect on the fishing industry we need information from the industry itself on where it fishes.

"It is likely that some fishermen will benefit from the designation of the areas, while others may need to adapt their operations in order to ensure their operations do not damage the interest features for which the sites have been designated.

"Natural England would like to work with the fishing industry to look at ways of potentially mitigating and adapting operations to fit in with any management measures that are required to protect the sites.

"There are potential gains for fishermen from the designations."

There may also be controls on recreational activities like sailing, water-skiing and diving said Natural England: "This could include timing the activity or project to avoid the season in which the species being protected is most vulnerable or making changes in the location of the proposed activity in order to avoid the most sensitive habitat.

"For recreational activities, the chances to encounter and enjoy the natural environment may be improved by designation of the sites and may be complemented by public information."

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust is being consulted, and marine ranger Alex Scholefield said: "An area of Tor Bay has been put forward as a draft special area of conservation due to the importance of our sea caves and reefs.

"The new draft special areas of conservation recognise the importance of Tor Bay's marine life, especially our sea caves and the marine life that lives within them, and getting them protected under European designation will be good news.

"We are really pleased that Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust are among the key stakeholders asked to engage with this informal consultation."

Nigel Mortimer, marine officer at South Hams Council, said little trawling or scalloping takes place in the proposed zone, while shell-fish potting and sport angling have little impact.

"Where this could have a benefit is showing this is a pretty site and there is the potential for some tourism growth for divers.

"Most of the local divers are already aware of how beautiful these areas are and what they have to offer their sport."

Devon Wildlife Trust marine advisor Richard White welcomed details of the new special areas of conservation protecting more of the county's rich reefs.

He said: "Together with marine conservation zones, which will allow protection of a wider range of wildlife features, they will make up a network of areas which will play an important role in the recovery of our marine environment."

Community councillor Dave Butt said he was delighted that Natural England has recognised Torbay as being eligible as a special area of conservation and special area of protection.

He said: "We have always known that our dramatic coastline and rich marine habitats are worthy of international acclaim, and I hope that this positive publicity will attract even more walkers, bird-watchers and nature lovers to come and enjoy Torbay's unique attractions.

"As chairman of Torbay's bio-diversity partnership, I welcome the inclusion of Torbay in Natural England's report; it complements our designation as a Global Geopark and is further proof that Torbay is a fascinating and diverse holiday destination."

Tourism councillor Beryl McPhail said: "We have always known that our dramatic coastline and rich marine habitats are worthy of international acclaim, and I hope that this positive publicity will attract even more walkers, bird-watchers and nature lovers to come and enjoy Tor Bay's unique attractions."