§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures the Government have taken since 1997, and what further measures are proposed, to reduce the number of dolphins and porpoises killed; and if she will make a statement. [156215]
§ Mr. BradshawSince 1997, the Government have funded a number of research projects to identify fisheries in which dolphin and porpoise bycatch occurs and to develop and trial measures to reduce this bycatch. This work has led in particular to the identification of a dolphin bycatch problem in the offshore pair trawl fishery for bass and the development of an escape grid mechanism as a potential means of reducing this bycatch. Trials of this device are currently taking place. Work has also identified that acoustic devices known as pingers are effective in reducing bycatch of harbour porpoises in fixed gear fisheries.
Alongside this work this Department, along with devolved Administrations, published in March 2003 the UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Response Strategy which made a number of recommendations to reduce bycatch. We are currently considering responses to this consultation document with a view to the implementation of this strategy. As EU measures will be most effective in reducing bycatch in community waters, the strategy will need to take account of the outcome of current discussions on European Commission proposals to reduce bycatch. I welcome the Commission proposals and I am looking for their early implementation.
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