§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the effectiveness of measures to protect the Darwin Mounds. [139832]
§ Mr. BradshawWe have proposed the designation of the Darwin Mounds as a Special Area of Conservation under the Habitats Directive. EC measures to protect the Darwin Mounds from damaging fishing activities came into effect on 20 August 2003. The area where restrictions are in place is closely monitored by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency. No breaches of the restrictions have been identified.