§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what steps are being taken to protect anglers' interests in respect of bass stocks around the UK coastline; and if he will make a statement; [144573]
(2) what representations he has received from anglers and angling organisations regarding bass stocks around the UK coastline. [144574]
§ Mr. MorleyI have been asked to reply.
Following continued concerns expressed by the sea angling fraternity about the status of bass stocks in UK waters, my officials have arranged a meeting with representatives of angling groups and charter skippers on 16 January to consider whether further conservation measures are appropriate for the species. The meeting will also discuss other areas of mutual concern.
At the same time, in order to gain a better understanding of the various bass stocks, CEFAS scientists will be contributing to the work of a new ICES Study Group on Seabass, under the chairmanship of Dr. Mike Pawson. In accordance with the terms of reference for this Group, data from all countries which catch bass in Area VII and in the Bay of Biscay and the North Sea, will be compiled in order to construct the age profile of bass stocks in these areas and, if possible, to carry out an assessment of their status in relation to safe biological limits. The first task will be to compile an inventory of the available data, which will be reviewed by the ICES Advisory Committee for Fisheries Management in May 2001. In the light of this information, the European Commission can be expected to consider whether conservation measures are appropriate at Community level.