§ Sir Russell JohnstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he has considered to prevent the depletion of fish stocks in the area surrounding South Georgia.
§ Mr. EggarI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Wrexham (Dr. Marek) on 21 June.
§ Sir Russell JohnstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what surveys have been carried out regarding the possible depletion of fish stocks in the area surrounding South Georgia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarIn 1987 surveys of fish stocks around South Georgia were undertaken by two Spanish vessels and by a Polish vessel under charter to the United States Government. The scientific results obtained were instrumental in bringing about the successful negotiation in the convention for the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources (CCAMLR) of the first ever total allowable catch set for this fishery.
In early 1988 a British Antarctic Survey scientist on board the British trawler Lord Shackleton undertook research in these waters. The results will be presented at this year's plenary meeting of CCAMLR in October to support our arguments there for further conservation measures.