§ Lord Mason of Barnsleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Fisheries Actions Plans together with the Environment Agency have had any benefits on the general development of fisheries, including bird predation; and what effect they have had on the reduction of cormorants on inland fisheries. [HL4588]
84WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)Fisheries Action Plans (FAPs) provide a new process for fisheries development across England and Wales. These will incorporate Salmon Action Plans (SAPs) and other species-specific plans that may be needed in the future. Their objective is to maximise sustainable development of fisheries and associated ecological, social, economic and recreational benefits. Developed in partnership between the Environment Agency and local angling and fisheries interests, with input from conservation bodies, FAPs will result in realistic deliverable plans for local fisheries. FAPs provide the mechanism by which issues affecting fisheries, including bird predation, can be reviewed and prioritised.
Currently there are seven FAPs implemented, or in the process of implementation. A further 12 are in development. There are many actions arising as a consequence of these plans such as the reconnection of Shopham Loop on the Western Rother, the launch of The Broads angling magazine and the installation of fish refuges (to provide protection from cormorants) on the River Lee.
Of the seven FAPs completed to date, five identify cormorants as an issue, with three ranking this as a high priority issue and two as a medium priority issue. In the remaining 12 FAPs still under development, cormorants are considered likely to be an issue in at least six cases and a high priority issue in at least three.
FAPs have been successful at improving stakeholder involvement and consultation in resolving issues and contributing towards fisheries development at the local level. These plans may include managing predation of fisheries by cormorants through the licensing mechanism. However, it is too early to ascertain whether these licences have had any benefits on reducing the damage to fisheries by cormorants.