§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what biological and physiological parameters are monitored by his Department, in order for the Department of the Environment to assess the cumulative impacts of discharges from offshore oil and gas installations on marine wildlife and habitats. [506]
§ Mr. Boswell[holding answer 30 October 1996]: Through the Directorate of Fisheries Research, the Department contributes to the extensive national monitoring programme which seeks, among other things, to identify any harmful effects of human activities on the marine environment. The monitoring includes chemical analysis, incorporating measurements of hydrocarbons in water and sediments, and biological effects testing. Aquatic environment monitoring reports which detail the monitoring programme and its findings are issued annually and are available in the Library of the House.