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Written question asked by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Monday, 15 July 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 July 2019 (named day). It was answered by Robert Goodwill (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 July 2019 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Fish

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of (a) cormorants and (b) herons on immature fish in English river systems.

Answer

The overall impact on immature fish is not assessed at a national level.

However, in granting licences to control protected birds Natural England consider the evidence of damage provided by the applicant (for example the impact on immature fish) as well as the conservation status of the species.

Additionally, the Environment Agency have funded advisory posts to support affected fisheries using income from fishing licence sales. The current arrangement is part of the angling services contract awarded to the Angling Trust which pays for three posts that provide specialist management advice to angling clubs and fisheries owners impacted by cormorants and other fish predators.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
277097
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Fish Rivers Cormorants Herons
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk