§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the impact of current minimum(a) mesh size and (b) landing size on EU hake stocks. [144269]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 8 January 2001]: There has been no recent assessment of the impact of the current minimum mesh size and minimum landing size on EU hake stocks. However, as part of the present hake recovery programme CEFAS scientists will participate in an international workshop to review the current stock assessment for Northern hake. In addition, CEFAS will be involved in the preparation of a report on the effects of potential management options for the stock, including changes in the level of exploitation and technical measures aimed at protecting juveniles. This report is expected to be evaluated by the Commission's Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) in April 2001.