HC Deb 30 January 1996 vol 270 cc724-5W
Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received, and from whom on the Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Carriage of Monofilament Gill Nets) (Scotland) Order 1986 as part of the consultation process. [11577]

Mr. Raymond S. Robertson

Of the 95 organisations and interests consulted about the proposed amendment, responses were received from:

  • Atlantic Salmon Trust
  • Association of Scottish District Salmon Fishery Boards
  • West of Scotland Fish Producers' Organisation
  • Clyde Fishermen's Association
  • Scottish Fishermen's Federation
  • Anglo Scottish Fish Producers' Organisation Ltd.
  • South Wales, Sea Fisheries Committee
  • Highland Regional Council
  • Mallaig and North West Fishermen's Association
  • Highlands and Islands Enterprise
  • Federation of Highland and Islands Fishermen
  • Northern Ireland Fishermen's Federation
  • Hooktone Ltd.
  • National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations
  • Macduff Shipyards
  • United Fish Selling Ltd.
  • Salmon Net Fishing Association of Scotland
  • Scottish Natural Heritage
  • Joint Nature Conservation Committee
  • English Nature
  • Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
  • River Tweed Commissioners
  • Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland)
  • Marine Conservation Society
  • The Fishmongers Company.

In summary, the sea fishing organisations favoured the proposed change. The majority of the salmon fishing interests could accept a derogation for large mesh nets. Conservation interests were concerned that the change might lead to an increase in the incidental capture of marine mammals, and asked for this to be monitored.

Mrs. Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research he(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effect of the ban on the carriage and use of monofilament gill nets in Scottish waters prior to the consultation process. [11578]

Mr. Robertson

Research undertaken by the marine laboratory, Aberdeen shows no evidence that large mesh monofilament nets will result in a larger by-catch than similar sized nets made of other synthetic materials.

Mrs. Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the results of the consultation exercise before making changes too the legislation on the Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Carriage of Monofilament Nets) (Scotland) Order 1986. [11579]

Mr. Robertson

Copies of the responses to the consultation exercise are available from the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department on request.

Mrs. Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the future monitoring of the use of monofilament gill nets. [11580]

Mr. Robertson

The arrangements already in place for monitoring by-catches of cetaceans in fishing nets will be extended to any large mesh monofilament gill nets.

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