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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions the Marine Management Organisation has had with Wildlife Trusts on the use of pingers on vessels in inshore fisheries.

The Marine Management Organisation recently held very constructive discussions with Cornwall Wildlife Trust on the use of pingers in the South West of England and the requirements of wildlife licences for activities that may harm marine species protected under EU and UK legislation.