FISHERIES ENFORCEMENT AND THE ROYAL NAVY FISHERIES PROTECTION SQUADRON

That this House notes the importance of effective fisheries enforcement for sustainable fisheries management; congratulates the Fishery Protection Squadron, which is the oldest front line squadron in the Royal Navy, for its work in upholding marine laws; acknowledges that between 1997 and June 2007 Royal Navy Fisheries Patrol Vessels and Aerial Surveillance have resulted in 380 skippers and 205 owners being convicted of offences related to the violation of fisheries rules; further notes that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Marine and Fisheries Agency have negotiated with the Royal Navy a new agreement for fisheries protection that comes into effect from 1st April 2008; is concerned that under this new agreement the number of patrol days could be as low as 600 per year compared to 1,130 patrol days in 1997-98, representing a cut of almost 50 per cent.; and calls upon the Government to ensure the reduction in the number of patrol days does not compromise the protection of UK seas and enforcement of fisheries rules.