§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to commission studies into the artificial development of fish stocks by use of(a) discarded gas and oil structures, (b) protected closed areas and (c) other means and if he will make a statement. [8370]
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 15 January 1996]I see no justification for commissioning further studies of enhancement of marine fish stocks because work done so far, both in the United Kingdom and world-wide, suggests that such measures are rarely effective. On the specific suggestions made by the hon. Member.
- (a) the development of artificial reefs has been shown to be feasible. However it has not been demonstrated that the use of artificial reefs necessarily leads to increases in stocks; it rather may lead to the aggregation of existing resources into a smaller, well defined area and make the fish easier to catch;
- (b) I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 15 January 1996, Official Report, column 457.
- (c) there have been various attempts around the world at enhancing marine fish stocks through the release of juveniles but these have so far been largely unsuccessful. A particular problem is that reared fish have generally exhibited high mortality rates once released. The expert view is that overall, artificial additions to fish stocks can at best make only a small contribution to total stocks; and unless great care is taken with preparation and release, the reared fish may provide no more than expensive food for other species.