§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies(a) he and (b) other Governments of the European Community have (i) commissioned and (ii) evaluated of the effect of fishing agreements made by third-world countries with the Community on the sustainability of their fish stocks and actual or potential effects on their own fishing and related interests. [39908]
§ Mr. BaldryUnited Kingdom registered vessels do not normally fish under fisheries agreements between the European Union and developing countries.
The Overseas Development Administration has funded a number of studies in tropical fisheries management, including one on the licensing of foreign fishing effort in the waters of developing countries, aimed at maximising revenues from these fisheries whilst maintaining their resources. The German Government have also funded some work. In addition, the European Commission evaluates all fisheries agreements between the EU and developing countries and is committed to their being 788W balanced in the interests of both parties as well as responsible in terms of fishing levels and practises.