§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many boats qualify for compensation as a result of the loss of fishing owing to the development of the Shellhaven Port facility; [159671]
(2) what compensation is available in respect of the loss of the Hole Haven fishery in the Thames Estuary as a result of the development of Shellhaven Port; [159672]
(3) if she will make a statement on the impact of the Thames Estuary P&O Shellhaven Port development application on (a) the local fishing industry and (b) the viability of the fisheries and spawning grounds. [159680]
§ Mr. BradshawProposals for development of a new container port at London Gateway/Shellhaven are still subject to the statutory planning approvals process. Although I understand that no decisions have yet been taken, these are matters for the First Secretary of State and the Secretary of State for Transport. The developer will also require a FEPA licence from my Department but no application has yet been received.
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), an Executive Agency of Defra, provides expert scientific advice on marine and freshwater issues. It has contributed to the recent public inquiry into the Shellhaven scheme given the international importance of the Thames Estuary as an area for sole spawning and juvenile sole. CEFAS has recommended that further survey work be carried out and assessment made of whether seasonal restrictions on dredging may be necessary to mitigate any adverse impact.
161WCompensation for the possible loss of fishing is a matter for the developer and the various fisheries organisations to reach agreement on.