Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the cultivation and harvesting of mussels in Cromane Harbour to be taken under the auspices of aquaculture rather than sea fisheries where these fishermen do not go the sea; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13575/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Licensing Authority for Sea Fishing Boats requires that a Sea-Fishing Boat requires a licence under EU and National law in respect of boats engaged in commercial fishing activities where such activities include, at any time; dredging for wild mussel seed/spat; having on board fishing gear as specified in Table 3 of Annex 1 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 26/2004 of 30 December 2003 as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1799/2006 of 6 December 2006 on the Community fishing fleet register (dredges are included in this table); or engaging in commercial sea-fishing activities outside aquaculture areas. The entitlement to engage in any of the activities outlined depends on the segment of the fleet in which the boat is licensed and registered. Where a boat is licensed and registered within the Aquaculture Segment of the Irish fishing fleet, it is a condition of the licence that the boat shall be used solely for the management, development and servicing of aquaculture areas. There are a number of boats involved in the harvesting of mussels in Cromane Harbour that are licensed and registered in the aquaculture segment.