Asked by: Lady Hermon (Independent - North Down)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Secretary of State is taking to protect the eel industry in Lough Weagh when the UK leaves the EU in March 2019; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by George Eustice
We are exploring all options to ensure trade in the European Eel can be maintained. This includes compiling the scientific evidence that may be needed to ensure that trade in Lough Neagh eels is compatible with the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species post EU exit.