§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the decline in fish stocks off South Georgia; what assessment he has made of the need for remedial measures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesA research cruise was conducted in January this year by British Antarctic Survey and Imperial college, London, on behalf of the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. The results of this research are still being analysed, but both this and reports of commercial fishing in the region suggest that stocks of krill and mackerel icefish are substantially lower than last 47W year. Conservation outside the 12- mile territorial limit is the responsibility of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which will discuss the subject thoroughly and recommend conservation measures at its next meeting in Hobart in October this year. The United Kingdom takes its conservation responsibilities seriously and will take any measures necessary to conserve fish stocks in the region.