§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the restrictions are on the frequency with which a seabed may be beam trawled; and how such restrictions are enforced. [43880]
§ Mr. MorleyThere are no restrictions on the frequency with which a seabed may be beam trawled.
Large beam trawls are prohibited within 12 miles of the coasts of the United Kingdom and Ireland under EC Fisheries Technical Regulations. Further restrictions have been placed on the use of beam trawlers by some of the 12 Sea Fisheries Committees who are responsible for managing fishing in the 0-six mile zone around England and Wales.