§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies her Department has initiated to investigate the causes of the decline of fish catches by anglers over the last two fishing seasons.
§ Mr. JackThe regulation and management of salmon and freshwater fisheries in England and Wales is primarily the responsibility of the National Rivers Authority. I understand that it has undertaken a number of local studies in response to concerns expressed by anglers in particular areas about the perceived decline in catches of fish.
§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations she has received from angling organisations and fishery proprietors concerning the incidence of cormorants eating up freshwater fish stocks; and what proposals she has to solve the problem.
§ Mr. SoamesThe following bodies have expressed their concern to the Ministry about the predation of fish by cormorants:
- Atlantic Salmon Association
- British Field Sports Society
- Kingfisher Angling and Preservation Society
- Orpington and District Angling Association
- Salmon and Trout Association
- Wye Salmon Fishery Owners Association
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Ministry is a licensing authority for the killing of cormorants where evidence of serious damage to a fishery has been provided. The Ministry considers each application on its merits and is advised by the Agricultural Development Advisory Service, the Ministry's wildlife advisers. In addition, the Ministry consults English Nature. Together with other Government Departments and interested bodies, the Ministry is reviewing its research and development programme on piscivorous birds to inform policy better.