HC Deb 29 March 1993 vol 222 c49W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total number of basking sharks caught in the United Kingdom waters in each of the last three years.

Mr. Curry

Although, under an EC fishery agreement, Norway could take basking sharks in United Kingdom waters, between 1987 and 1990 no basking sharks were taken. Figures for later years are not yet available. In addition, there is a very small and sporadic United Kingdom fishery.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has on the recruitment of basking shark stocks in United Kingdom waters.

Mr. Curry

United Kingdom Fisheries Departments collect no data on the recruitment to the stocks of basking shark which move into our waters.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent research his Department has commissioned into the status, breeding success and wintering patterns of the basking shark.

Mr. Curry

In 1988, the marine laboratory, Aberdeen, published a survey of scientific knowledge of the basking shark. It concluded that this shark was not under threat. The fishery in recent years has been minimal. The MLA continues to monitor and collect data.