All-Wales code of conduct for bait collection

In this blog Natural Resources Wales’ Specialist Officer for Intertidal Management Dewi Evans explains the all-Wales Code of Conduct for bait collection.

The code of conduct focuses on five key principles to reduce the impact of live bait collection on protected marine areas in Wales.

Concerns have been raised that the collection of live bait, used for sea angling, may be causing a decline in the health of protected intertidal habitats along parts of the Welsh coastline.

Bait can be collected by overturning boulders to collect the crabs underneath, by digging for worms or by burying objects such as tyres in sediment to attract crabs – a process known as crab tiling.

A partnership led by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) including Bangor University and Angling Cymru Sea Anglers, funded by the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks Bait Collection Project, has drawn up the code which will give affected habitats a better chance at recovery by reducing the impact of collection practices.

The first key principle is ‘only take what you need’, with a focus on sustainable collection.

Additionally, don’t take crabs with eggs, or under any minimum size (velvets, less than 65mm carapace length; edibles less than 140mm).

The second key principle is ‘leave as you find’.

Always leave the area as you find it. This improves the chances that there will be plenty of bait for your next visit. Don’t forget to fill in any holes or trenches you have dug.

Restore rocks as found and replace boulders the right way up, with seaweed on top. If you trap seaweed under rocks, it rots and spoils the habitat for crabs.

The third key principle is ‘be a shoreline guardian’.

Your actions can make a big difference in helping our shores. Bait collectors can help by: Check, Clean, Dry. Check your gear for mud and marine life.

Clean and dry thoroughly before using again. Harmful species can survive up to two weeks if damp. It’s best practice to dispose of natural packing and storage materials away from the shore.

Preserve sensitive habitats and fish nursery areas. Protect sensitive habitats and fish nursery areas by not damaging fragile ecosystems, including seagrass, saltmarsh, muddy gravels and honeycomb tubeworm reef.

Considerate trapping. Set crab traps thoughtfully, and remember to retrieve them. Anything left behind may be mistaken for fly-tipping.

Beach cleaning as you go. Try to take any litter you find home with you, along with your own litter. Backing the birds. Avoid disturbing feeding, resting or nesting birds.

The fourth key principle is ‘be legally aware’.

Research and follow the rules and restrictions that apply. Consider the landowner, getting permission when required. This is necessary if you are collecting commercially, and access restrictions can apply to anybody.

The fifth key principle is ‘be smart, stay safe’.

Make it safe for all: don’t leave hazards such as holes or crab traps with sharp edges. Don’t dig near structures and moorings: let’s make sure everyone can enjoy the beach by being considerate and avoiding digging near their property.

Check the tide. If you don’t know, don’t go. If unsure, go before low. Check the weather. Be aware of disorientation in fog and leave the beach in lightning.

Carry a whistle, a compass and a mobile phone in a dry bag or box. Make sure somebody knows where you are and your return time.

Beware of soft mud and gullies. Even sandflats with gentle undulations can quickly fill behind you.

Following this code will help ensure these habitats remain in good condition to provide a sustainable source of wild bait for the future.

Blog re-produced from the Natural Resources Wales website. More information can be found here.