Mr. John O'Sullivan:

The suggestion on harvesting does not make sense economically for individuals who harvest 40, 100 or 200 tonnes. Subletting was suggested, and that is what we are talking about. Harvesters will either be employees of BioAtlantis with a contract to supply a specified number of tonnes that year or will act as subcontractors. If harvesters are employees, BioAtlantis will cover all of the costs, onerous regulations and matters relating to the standing scientific committee, SSC, and they will get the revenue. If they act as subcontractors they will also be given a contract to supply a specified number of tonnes that year, but the harvester is responsible for issues such as traceability. As employees, the only issue facing them is cutting the seaweed properly and doing what is asked of them. We want to build relationships and create jobs in Clew Bay. It is not the case that 12,500 tonnes of seaweed are currently being taken from Clew Bay. We want to create genuine employment because people coming in and out of the area are of no use to us and are, in fact, disastrous. We work with families and people who genuinely want an income. We have no interest in stepping on anyone's toes, and local rights are protected - it is illegal to cross boundaries.

If small, local operators want to harvest a couple of tonnes it is not an issue. However, if BioAtlantis has a licence to harvest in Clew Bay and another person uses a truck to take away seaweed and does not cut it properly, it creates an issue. We want a common-sense approach to be taken. To regulate this properly the onus must be on the processing company, as that is how traceability and accountability can be enforced. If the processing company does not act correctly it should lose its licence. This applies to BioAtlantis too.

There are 110 kilometres of coastline in the small area at Clew Bay. Arramara seeks a licence covering the area from Clare to north Mayo. Can Arramara possibly harvest sustainably and be specific on issues from Clare to north Mayo? It is not practical.