§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research is being conducted into the habits of reproduction and spawning of the Grenadier and other very deep-sea fish; and what assessment has been made of over-fishing of vulnerable deep-sea species.
§ Mr. JackScientific advice collected by the European Commission in June 1993 suggested that deep-water species have slow rates of reproduction, high ages at first maturity and slow growth rates. These characteristics make them particularly vulnerable to over-exploitation. Experience elsewhere has shown that fishing can quickly reduce deep-water stocks to a low level.
Other work on the subject includes a NATO advanced research workshop on deep water fisheries of the north Atlantic which took place earlier this month and an International Council for the Exploration of the Seas study group on the biology and assessment of deep-sea fishery resources which will meet in August this year. The work is expected to provide a basis for advice on the management of such resources.