Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 14 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 December 2005. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Friday, 10 March 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Fisheries

Question: (3) what steps are being taken to prevent the deaths of harbour porpoises and other cetaceans in UK gillnet and tangle net fisheries in the Western Channel and Celtic sea caused by vessels which fail to use acoustic deterrent devices from 1 January 2006.

Answer: [holding answers 2 March 2006]: The Seafish Industry Authority (Seafish) has produced a report on the efficacy, costs and availability of pingers. My officials are in active discussions with the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, Seafish and the pinger manufacturers to address the issues raised in the report and are undertaking final trials to establish the most suitable device. Further, the European Commission, responding to a paper submitted by the Irish Government, are holding a meeting of technical experts from affected member states to consider the Seafish report and others from France and Ireland which reached similar conclusions.This will mean that there will be delay in implementing the obligations of the regulation. I consider, however, that it is important that we are sure that the devices to be used are both effective for the industry and offer maximum protection to porpoises.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 443 c1798-9W;443 c1798-9W; 38834
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Cetaceans Fisheries Fishing catches Fishing gear Nature conservation Marine animals Drift nets
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk