§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department has yet received sufficient data to give a reliable estimate on the recruitment level of sandeels in Shetland waters in 1989; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe results of the most recent assessment carried out by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries marine laboratory, Aberdeen indicate the size of the 1989 year class of sandeels as 25,327 million. This is regarded as being approximately average abundance. This provisional scientific assessment and related advice is being studied closely. We will consult fishery and other interests very shortly regarding 1991 management arrangements for the Shetland sandeel fishery.