This Order revokes the Undersized Whiting Order 1992 (“the 1992 Order”), which has already been revoked in relation to Scotland, England and Northern Ireland (article 2). The 1992 Order prescribed minimum sizes for the landing and sale in Great Britain, and for carriage on a British fishing boat, of whiting (Merlangius merlangus). It also made related provision for enforcement.

Minimum sizes for the landing, sale, transportation, storage and carriage of whiting are now prescribed by article 19 (read with article 17) of Council Regulation (EC) No. 850/98 (OJ No. L125, 27.04.98, p.1). That Regulation provides for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms. Provisions for the enforcement of restrictions and obligations contained in that Regulation have been laid down in the Sea Fishing (Enforcement of Community Conservation Measures) (Wales) Order 2000, which came into force on 11th September 2000. [2000 No. 2230 (W.148)].