Wales Office Minister Wayne David today visited Aberystwyth and met with a delegation of fishermen, councillors and other interested parties to discuss scallop dredging in Cardigan Bay. Following the meeting Mr David said: "This has been a useful meeting which has given me a chance to hear from all interested parties what their concerns are regarding scallop dredging in Cardigan Bay.

"Both the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly Government take this issue very seriously, and I recognise how important it is to get the balance right to ensure a viable and sustainable scallop fishery and the conservation of the marine environment in Cardigan Bay. "The regulation of scallop dredging in Welsh waters is a devolved matter for the Welsh Assembly Government but I will be feeding the concerns of everyone involved back to Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones. I know she has already asked her officials to review the current Scallop Fishing (Wales) Order in time for the new season starting in November and a consultation will be held prior to any new Order being made.

"I want to see the marine areas around Wales managed effectively and will be taking a keen interest as this work develops."