Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about fish stocks in UK waters and the impact of various pressures such as offshore wind and marine protected areas.
What steps her Department is taking to protect fish stocks. The fishing industry across the UK has highlighted concerns about loss of fishing grounds due to an array of pressures, including offshore wind and marine protected areas. What assurances can the Government give that they will speak to the NFFO and ensure that fishing is an important factor?
Our landmark Fisheries Act 2020 sets out the legal framework for managing fish stocks. We welcome the NFFO's report and meet regularly to discuss spatial prioritisation, including concerns outlined in the report.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific assurances requested were not explicitly provided.
Welcoming The Report
Acknowledging Regular Meetings
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP hosted a launch of a report by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations highlighting concerns about fishing grounds loss.
What assurances can the Government give that they will speak to the NFFO and ensure that fishing is an important factor in spatial planning discussions?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her work on fisheries and welcome the NFFO's report highlighting the need for holistic spatial planning. I meet regularly with the NFFO to discuss a wide variety of issues, including spatial prioritisation.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assurances about prioritising fishing in spatial planning were not given.
Paying Tribute
Welcoming The Report
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There have been ongoing deaths of marine life off the coast, raising concerns among the fishing and wider community.
Will the Secretary of State and the Minister travel to Teesside to meet people from the fishing and wider community who are looking for answers about the ongoing deaths of crustaceans, fish and other sea life? If I set it up, will they come to explain what is causing this crisis?
I share the hon. Gentleman's desire to know the cause and the scientists have concluded it was likely a pathogen, but we may never know unless there is another event which I sincerely hope does not happen.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to travel to Teesside was not made.
Sharing The Desire For Knowledge
Referencing Scientific Conclusions
Response accuracy