Written question asked by Lord Hunt of Chesterton (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Brett (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 March 2010.

Marine Environment: Protection

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government how they are collaborating with other Commonwealth countries and the Commonwealth Secretariat in establishing networks of marine protected areas, and in particular to help local fisheries in developing countries of the Commonwealth.

Answer: The Department for International Development (DfID) has been supporting a number of Commonwealth institutions including the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit and the Commonwealth Human Ecology Unit, in developing a Commonwealth strategy on fisheries. This strategy considers marine protected areas as future components of, rather than solutions to, more effective fisheries management. Previously DfID has also worked with Commonwealth Secretariat to examine trade and governance-related aspects of fisheries, including illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, and the impacts of fisheries access agreements on Commonwealth states. In addition, DfID is providing £7 million in support of the New Partnership for African Development under the Partnership for African Fisheries. The aim is to ensure fisheries contribute sustainably to African economic growth and food security. Several countries are receiving support under this initiative include Ghana and Sierra Leone.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2765; 718 c282WA
Session: 2009-10
Subjects: Commonwealth Developing countries Development aid Fisheries Environment protection Seas and oceans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk