Written question asked by Lord Wallace of Saltaire (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 January 2010.

Mauritius

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect a full ban on fishing in their proposed marine protected area for the Chagos archipelago would have upon the Mauritian fishing industry; and whether they have agreed to those proposals.

Answer: As set out in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office public consultation document into whether to create a marine protected area in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), the Government recognise that there will be an impact on the international fishing community following the establishment of a marine protected area and any resulting restrictions or a ban on fishing. Only one Mauritian company presently fishes in BIOT waters—on the reefs. The purpose of the consultation which was launched on 10 November 2009 is to seek views more widely from all stakeholders and interested parties to help the Government assess the right option for the future environmental protection of the territory. The consultation period runs to 12 February 2010 and we are encouraging all with an interest to make their views known. No decision on whether to establish a marine protected area in the territory will be taken until after the consultation period.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1317; 716 c318WA
Session: 2009-10
Subjects: Conservation British Indian Ocean Territory Fisheries Environment protection Fish Mauritius Seas and oceans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk