Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will appoint a facilitator to hear the view of all the mussel farmers in an area (details supplied) in County Galway and then bring forward recommendations which will facilitate farmers to enter into a long term sustainable plan for the industry and an agreed structure to ensure such a plan is implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35219/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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A Co-Ordinated Local Aquaculture Management System (CLAMS) was initiated in respect of Killary Bay some time ago. CLAMS is designed to provide operators with a forum to discuss how best to manage the development of aquaculture in bays and inshore waters throughout Ireland at a local level.

The CLAMS process has had remarkable success in the bays where it has been introduced in enabling fish and shellfish farmers to engage in structured dialogue and consensus building in respect of their current operations and future plans. It should be noted that participation in the CLAMS process is open to all aquaculture licence holders operating in a particular bay. I understand the CLAMS process is functioning well in Killary.

In addition, Killary is currently the subject of a groundbreaking study, which is designed to establish certain guiding principles in relation to carrying capacity. The study, when completed will play an important role in informing the development of public policy on this important issue.

CLAMS will provide the most appropriate means of implementing the future steps to be taken in order to enhance productivity within the bay.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 439: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the effects of falling productivity and slowing growth rates in the mussel farm industry in an area (details supplied) in County Galway; if so, the steps he will take to ensure the continued viability of this industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35220/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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While I am aware of the falling productivity and slowing growth rates in the area the Deputy refers to, the shellfish sector in general has performed consistently well in the context of Irish aquaculture.

To ensure the continuation of this success, the Department is taking action in a number of areas. I have asked An Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) together with the Marine Institute (MI) and in consultation with the Irish Shellfish Association (ISA), to undertake a Carrying Capacity study of bay areas in Ireland with regard to shellfish aquaculture. Killary Bay has been prioritised as the pilot location for this study. BIM and the MI are working closely with the CLAMS (Coordinated Local Aquaculture Management Systems) group in the area in order to identify any obstacles at local level that may be impacting on the sector's development, and make recommendations on how to improve performance of operators in Killary Bay.

I also asked BIM together with Enterprise Ireland to review the Rope Mussel industry. The report was prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers and involved extensive consultation with industry. I consider that the report offers a very good blueprint for this sector. The implementation of the report's key recommendations will take time to bear fruit and it is important now to work with all involved to deliver on this report. These steps are essential to ensure the continued viability and the sustainable development of this mussel industry into the future.