§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether active acoustic deterrents will be made compulsory in all static net fisheries; and if she will make a statement. [143539]
§ Mr. BradshawThe UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Strategy published in March 2003 recommended that it should be a legal requirement for pingers to be used in specific set net fisheries in the North Sea and the Channel to reduce bycatch of harbour porpoises. I will be making an announcement early in the New Year on the results of consultation on the UK strategy following discussion with the Devolved Administrations.
Since the publication of this strategy, the European Commission has produced proposals for the reduction of cetacean bycatch in EU waters. These proposals include the mandatory use of pingers in set net fisheries in the North Sea and the Channel. Discussions on this regulation are still at an early stage.
§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will undertake to assist fishing businesses with the costs of purchasing and maintaining compulsory active acoustic deterrents on their gear; and if she will make a statement. [143581]
§ Mr. BradshawThe UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Strategy published in March 2003 referred to funding available under the EU FIFO structural programme to encourage fishermen to adopt more selective fishing methods. This could provide part of the costs required to alter fishing practices to reduce cetacean bycatch, such as the purchase of active acoustic deterrents. I will be making an announcement early in the New Year on the results of consultation on the UK strategy following discussion with the Devolved Administrations.