22. Mr. Robert G. HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made in lifting fishing restrictions in Milford Haven. [18849]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansThe majority of restrictions on commercial fisheries, put in place following the Sea Empress oil spill, have been lifted. The only commercial fishery still affected is the oyster fishery in the Milford Haven estuary.
Restrictions are also being maintained as a protective measure for casual pickers of shellfish (excluding crustaceans), and on edible seaweed and samphire in the intertidal area between St. David's head and Port Eynon point. Monitoring and sampling work is continuing so that these remaining restrictions can be lifted as soon as possible.