I write in regard to some emotive objections to the proposed new mussel farm in Lyme Bay with a few facts. Natural England has closed some 60 square miles of water off to fishermen. Quotas and regulations have also been imposed. Why? The oceans are over

I write in regard to some emotive objections to the proposed new mussel farm in Lyme Bay with a few facts.

Natural England has closed some 60 square miles of water off to fishermen. Quotas and regulations have also been imposed.

Why? The oceans are overfished and most fish around our shore are on the endangered species list. Marine and fisheries scientists are calling for a total ban on fishing efforts before populations completely collapse or disappear, which politicians don't have the courage to impose.

Fishermen cry this farm will be the final nail in the coffin, it will devastate local fishing, and play the victims. Do they not stop and ask why the fishing industry is in the state it is? Their actions have caused this depletion, not a proposed mussel farm.

The farm will be sustainable and employ up to 130 people, including fishermen. How many fishing jobs would be lost by the one per cent of Lyme Bay the farm would cover?

Why not Scotland? Due to water temperature, depth, plankton availability, current speed, weather. The SW is the best place to situate an offshore farm, plus the availability of a skilled workforce used to working at sea.

All that anyone has to do is simply view the pack like I have to understand the facts of the proposal, not issue-emotive protectionist statements that do nothing for the prosperity of the local region.

TONY COULSON

Woolbrook

Sidmouth