HC Deb 13 January 1999 vol 323 c224W
Ms Walley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to increase protection for the basking shark through the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement. [65272]

Mr. Morley

Following pressure from the United Kingdom, new EC fisheries technical conservation rules coming into force on 1 January 2000 will ban the sale or offering for sale of marine species such as basking sharks caught using a harpoon or other projectile. From the same date, EC fishermen will be required to make logbook entries for all species caught in excess of 50kg. This should allow for the accurate monitoring of any accidental bycatches of basking sharks.