§ 23. Mr. WilkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the sea fish species whose stocks have increased in UK waters since the institution of the European common fisheries policy. [139852]
§ Mr. BradshawFish stocks fluctuate considerably over time, and so comparing two arbitrarily chosen years is of limited value. Generally, however, pelagic stocks, such as mackerel and herring, are at higher levels than in 1983 when the common fisheries policy came into effect. A few demersal stocks, such as North sea haddock, are also at higher levels than in 1983. Stocks of prawns and shellfish have generally thrived.