§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. pursuant to his answer of 21 March 2001,Official Report, column 259W, concerning industrial fishing for sand eels, how many industrial fishing vessels are allowed to fish for sand eels in the spawning cod close I areas; how frequently such vessels are inspected while fishing these grounds; and if he will make a statement. [155881]
§ Mr. MorleyAs with pelagic fishing in the closed areas, there is no limit on the number of vessels which may fish for sand eels. However, observers must be on board for at least 50 vessel trips per member state. Their responsibilities are set out in Article 3 of Commission Regulation 259/2001.