SPANISH TRAWLERS AND SHARKS

Early day motion 1108, tabled 24 November 2005 by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour). Signed by 50 members.

That this House notes that Spanish fishermen are devastating stocks of deep-water sharks in the northwest Atlantic, using wasteful and unregulated methods that leave more than half of their catch to rot; further notes that trawlers frequently leave nets unattended for weeks, even months, in the hope of maximising profits; condemns this practice, which has been highlighted by investigations by Irish, Norwegian and British marine experts; and calls for the introduction of new laws which stop nets being left in position for weeks on end in order to help protect marine wildlife.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Liberal Democrat 8, Conservative 5, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.