Written question asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Davies of Oldham (Labour) on Monday, 2 March 2009.

Vessels: Detection

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to improve detection of vessels in the territorial waters of St Helena in order to better protect local fisheries in line with the detection system in operation in the Falkland Islands.

Answer: The Government advise the St Helena Government on measures which may be introduced to improve detection of vessels in the island's territorial waters and to combat illegal fishing. Such measures are proportionate to the scale of fishing activities in St Helena's waters. However, responsibility for the introduction of any measures rests with the St Helena Government. Unlike in the Falkland Islands, fishing in St Helena waters is artisanal and generates minimal income for St Helena.

Secondary information