§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of progress in management of fishing effort in the Irish Sea. [15869]
§ Mr. MorleyManagement of the Irish Sea focuses on setting TACs in line with scientific advice, enhanced technical conservation measures and, in 2000 and 2001, a prohibition on demersal fishing so as to allow the maximum number of cod to spawn.
The European Commission is currently preparing a proposal to the Council of Ministers for a Regulation establishing the long-term framework for recovery plans. An element of this proposal is expected to involve a significant reduction in fishing effort.