§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action is being taken to stop the destruction of marine ecosystems in the North sea. [31163]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordA range of national, European Union and international action is being taken to protect North sea ecosystems. The fourth North sea conference in June concluded that, within territorial waters, implementation of the EC habitats and birds directives was a priority. The conference asked the Oslo and Paris Commissions to consider what action is needed in respect of those waters outside territorial limits.