§ Mr. Steenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement as to the destruction of well established crab beds by Belgian and Devon-based beam trawlers; and if he will take steps to protect crab pots belonging to south Devon shell fishermen in view of their recent loss of 330 crab pots.
§ Mr. MacGregorI am aware that conflict between trawling and crab potting does occur in the waters off the south Devon coast, particularly around Start point which is a very intensive crabbing area. Arrangements have been drawn up by the Department's local fisheries inspectors which attempt to identify the areas of use between potters and trawlers, and so avoid conflict. These arrangements have worked well in the offshore area and I have no evidence that Belgian trawlers are currently causing any problems. However, I am aware that difficulties have arisen between local trawlers and trawlers, and so arisen between local trawlers and potters in the waters within six miles of the coast. I understand that a meeting has been arranged between both sides of the industry and the inspectorate early in the new year in order to overcome these difficulties. I have asked the inspectorate to report to me the outcome of this meeting so that I may consider whether any further steps can and should be taken.