Written question asked by Bob Spink (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 June 2004. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 June 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the impact on fish stocks of the rise in sea water temperature; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the impact on fish stocks of the rise in sea water temperature; and if she will make a statement. [179404] Mr. Bradshaw: Changes in sea temperature could potentially affect stock distribution, spawning, migratory patterns and survival of very young fish but the effect of long term temperature trends on fish stocks is not easy to predict. Defra has commissioned a range of science to improve our understanding of the processes and predictions. Our monitoring of sea fish stocks allows for an appropriate management response as we begin to observe changes. Fishing rates on many stocks remains high, and if those stocks are also under pressure due to ecosystem change, then this reinforces the need for effective fisheries management.

Secondary information