Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Fishing Communities

Thursday 19 October 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister is working with the Marine Management Organisation to assess non-lethal seal deterrent options.
  • The Minister will publish an evidenced report on targeted acoustic startle technology later in the year.
  • The Minister agreed to raise concerns with colleagues in the Department for Transport and the Foreign Office.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sally-Ann Hart
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Fishermen off the coast of Hastings and Rye are suffering due to a growing seal colony affecting their ability to fish.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the presence of seals does not result in the decimation of our fishing communities, let alone the fish?

Answer from Mark Spencer

We are working alongside the Marine Management Organisation to assess non-lethal seal deterrent options to keep seals away from fishing catches, and we will publish an evidenced report on targeted acoustic startle technology later this year. We are also considering the next steps, including for net fisheries, under our Clean Catch programme.

Answered
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Q2 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Migrants & Borders Foreign Affairs
Context

Incidents involving foreign boats attempting to sabotage UK fishing vessels have been reported, most recently the Antonio Maria trying to ram a Shetland whitefish boat.

Question

Will the Minister speak to his colleagues in the Department for Transport and the Foreign Office to make sure that France takes its responsibility seriously?

Answer from Mark Spencer

I will raise it with my ministerial colleagues given the seriousness of the event.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific commitment to speak with relevant departments

How: Outright Evasion

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