Seamus Kirk
Question:141 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of licence holders on Carlingford Lough on the southern side and the northern side; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12094/01]
Written Answers - Aquaculture Development.
A total of 22 licences have been issued by my Department to aquaculture operators based in Carlingford Lough. Of this number, 20 licences are for the culture of oysters, clams or a combination of both species. The remaining two licences are in respect of the bottom culture of mussels.
I shall advise the Deputy of the number of other licence holders in Carlingford Lough as soon as I have obtained that information from the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, the future regulation of aquaculture within the lough will be devolved by statute to the Loughs' Agency of the Foyle Carlingford Irish Lights Commission established under the Good Friday Agreement.
Seamus Kirk
Question:142 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the control measures for Carlingford Lough to ensure licence holders keep within the designated areas of their licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12095/01]
I am aware that there have been allegations in recent months of encroachment onto sites which have been licensed by my Department for the extensive cultivation of mussels in Carlingford Lough. Investigations into these allegations are ongoing and it is too early, at this stage, to speculate as to what the findings of those investigations may reveal.
As the Deputy will be aware, extensive cultivation or bottom culture of mussels involves the placement of mussel seed on suitable specified areas of the sea bed where, in due course, the seed matures to mussels of marketable size which are then harvested and sold. Licence holders are entitled to the benefits of the shellfish which they have cultivated and where there is evidence of illicit harvesting of shellfish, the Department will take appropriate action.
The innocent passage of vessels through a licensed bottom culture site is not prohibited. Equally it should be understood that most of Carlingford Lough remains as a public fishery and may be fished by any vessel which is properly licensed and registered as a fishing boat.