Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1449. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the east coast mussel seed fishery can be opened as a matter of urgency, given that weather conditions are now deteriorating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59614/25]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that I fully recognise the importance of the Irish Sea mussel seed fishery and of wild mussel seed as raw material for the bottom grown mussel aquaculture sector. These primary producers, in turn, supply the downstream indigenous seafood processing and export industries and help to sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities. The importance of these primary and secondary seafood production activities is reflected in the Food Vision 2030 strategy.

While the opening of the mussel seed fishery is of highest priority, the detection of invasive alien species (IAS), including Crepidula fornicata (slipper limpet) and Sargassum Muticum (Japanese wireweed) at the Long Bank seed bed off Wexford presents a significant challenge. Both species are listed as of national concern in the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 (Statutory Instrument No. 374 of 2024), which has been in place since July 2024, and are subject to very strict controls. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage holds primary responsibility for the implementation of this legislation.

I can inform the Deputy that a risk assessment has been conducted by the IAS and Aquaculture Working Group, which consists of representatives from a number of Departments and State agencies and is facilitated by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). Ongoing supplementary scientific and technical advice is being requested by my Department to ensure that all potential risks are fully evaluated and measured in terms of their potential impact on the aquaculture industry. Furthermore, my Department is seeking urgent legal advice on the implications of S.I. 374 of 2024 on the operation of the fishery.

Given the challenges posed, it was not possible to open the fishery on the last tide. This information was communicated to industry by my Department on 24th October via the Bottom Grown Mussel Consultative Forum.

I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to address outstanding matters as expeditiously as possible.