Deep Seabed Mining

Debate between Lord Mott and Lord Mountevans

Wednesday 13th September 2023 Lords Chamber

[Lord Mott (Con)]

I thank my noble friend for his question. I know he has an incredibly keen interest in this subject. The answer to that question is yes, of course. We need to make sure that all those territories are involved in this.

[Lord Mountevans (CB)]

My Lords, while we are on the matter of the seabed, a related factor, very deep sea net fishing, is extremely damaging to the ocean bottom, releasing enormous amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Do the Government have a position on this? What can they do to discourage this very damaging form of fishing?

[Lord Mott (Con)]

I thank the noble Lord for his question, but I simply do not know the answer. I will take that back to the department and be in touch.