Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Scottish counterparts on the use by the Scottish salmon farming industry of live wrasse caught in south-west England to control lice; and if he will make a statement.

Officials from Defra and Marine Scotland are in regular contact on a number of matters, including the use of wrasse caught in south-west England by the aquaculture sector in Scotland. However, since most wrasse are caught inshore, local IFCAs have lead responsibility.

The relevant Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities are developing initiatives to control the removals of live wrasse and protect local ecosystems in south-west England. The Southern IFCA has introduced technical measures to limit the catch of breeding wrasse. The Devon and Severn IFCA has introduced a permit system to restrict catch and require fully documented removal. The Cornwall IFCA has limited the fishery to three vessels.