§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what study he is making of the importance of coral islands in the replenishment of fish, and the role of fish larvae in coral atolls in the Gulf.
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§ Mr. Heseltine[holding answer 7 February 1991]: At the Government's request, an urgent study has been prepared by the Natural Environment Research Council on the biological effects of the Gulf oil spills. This and other assessments available to me confirm that coral reefs have a significant role in supporting fish larvae for certain species. Of even greater importance to fish stocks in the Gulf as a whole are likely to be the seagrass beds and mangroves which are major nursery grounds both for shrimps and fin fish. The Government unreservedly condemn the action of Iraq in deliberately placing these habitats at serious risk.