Commercial fishermen are to oppose the byelaw

Skomer Island Nature Reserve would be the first area in Wales to ban coastal fishing under the proposed byelaw.

Conservationists want to protect the sea bed and wildlife by limiting angling to an area of the reserve and phase out commercial fishing entirely.

There is a 28-day consultation period but fishermen say they will oppose it.

At the heart of the plan is the principle that no one should take any living thing from the reserve without a very good reason Phil Newman, CCW

They claimed there was little scientific evidence that fishing in the area has a detrimental impact and warned that banning fishing there would lead to over fishing in other coastal areas.

The South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee (SWSFC) said it would consider all opinions before advising the Welsh Assembly Government.

Phil Coates, of the SWSFC, said the proposed Skomer Island byelaw was taking place against a backdrop of a national debate about commercial fishing and fish stocks.

"There is a big debate with pros and cons," he said.

"Ultimately it would be the minister that will decide if it goes ahead or not."

The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) is championing the byelaw which would restrict recreational angling to the north-east part of the reserve.

Skomer Island is the only marine nature reserve in Wales

Commercial fishermen would be allowed to continue using lobster pots in the area for another 10 years if they can prove they have done so in four of the last five years. After 10 years they would have to stop.

CCW marine nature reserve officer for Skomer, Phil Newman, said: "At the heart of the plan is the principle that no one should take any living thing from the reserve without a very good reason."

He said concessions were included for commercial and recreational fishermen.

"This compromise not only gives the fishermen who most depend on the reserve a chance to carry on fishing for some time but also means that they would not be forced to compete with other fishermen for space outside the reserve."

But the South and West Wales Fishing Communities Ltd, which represents local fishermen, said wanted other options explored.

A spokesman said it had yet to see "scientific evidence which demonstrates the extent and significance of the impact of commercial fishing and angling and the need to prevent such activity."