Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Mussel seed is a naturally occurring resource that requires a management and development strategy to maximise the potential return and ensure sustainability of the stock.

Access arrangements to Irish and Northern Irish waters are governed by the Voisinage Agreement, a neighbourhood agreement formally recognised under the London Fisheries Convention and adopted as far back as March 1964 by 13 European states, including Ireland and Northern Ireland.

To participate in the mussel seed fishery, operators are required to be licensed by their respective jurisdictions. My Department has sought, and received, assurances from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland, DARD, that all licences issued by it have been in compliance with the Voisinage Agreement. DARD has advised that it issues licences to operators who have licensed aquaculture sites in Northern Ireland waters and in respect of vessels registered in Northern Ireland.

I have consistently invited the industry to participate in the management process for mussel seed. I strongly believe that stakeholders must be actively involved in fisheries management. I support the management of fisheries and believe that it is vital that all stakeholders are involved. In answering Deputy Perry, I take the opportunity to call on the industry once again to become involved in that management process. I consider such participation a priority for the future management of this important resource. While industry representatives have not yet agreed nominations to the management committee, I welcome the informal engagement that took place before the start of this season's fishery. I urge the industry fully to participate in managing this resource and ensuring a sustainable future for it.

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