§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will bring forward proposals to reduce the number of(a) porpoises and (b) other marine animals caught in nets, as required by the 1992 European Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement. [118827]
§ Mr. MorleyUnder the provisions of the EC Habitats Directive, the UK has an obligation to monitor the incidental capture of Annexe IV (a) species (which include all cetaceans) and take further research and conservation measures, as required, to ensure this capture does not have a significant detrimental impact on these species.
My Department has been monitoring the incidental capture of cetaceans through a number of research contracts with the Sea Mammal Research Unit. In addition, a number of mitigation measures are currently being trialled with a view to reducing marine mammal bycatch generally. If these prove effective, the UK industry will be encouraged to adopt them. Furthermore, if appropriate, the European Commission will be approached, with a view to them being applied at Community level.
The UK Government, in consultation with environmental NGOs, have also prepared a draft strategy on the protection of the harbour porpoise in UK waters. The aim of this strategy is to address the potential decline.
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§ Mr. MorleyI refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 27 March 2000,Official Report, column 37W, by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill) which sets out the latest position.