§ Mr. Steenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what tonnage of mackerel was caught off the coast of Devon and Cornwall between 1 and 15 November; how much was for human consumption and how much for fishmeal; and if he will make a statement on his consultations with the fishing industry on the quantity used for fishmeal.
§ Mr. MacGregorWe estimate provisionally that some 8,770 tonnes of mackerel were caught between 1 and 15 November off the coast of Devon and Cornwall. Of this quantity 1,870 tonnes were sold for human consumption and some 6,900 tonnes for fishmeal and petfood.
Our officials met industry representatives on 18 November to discuss the question of management arrangements for this fishery following the introduction of the enlarged mackerel box on 16 November. We shall be considering what management action needs to be taken on the basis of their report and the likely development of the fishery.