Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Government has made available financial and other supports for employees and businesses negatively impacted by the Pandemic. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Wage Subsidy Scheme have supported incomes of employees and the self-employed in the seafood sector. Government has also made available low-cost loans to seafood businesses for working capital and other purposes.
The Bottom Grown Mussel Consultative Forum is a consultative body that was established pursuant to a recommendation of the 2008 expert group report The Rising Tide. The Forum meets annually and it makes recommendations on matters affecting the bottom grown mussel sector, including the mussel seed fishery.
Mussel seed fishing is subject to a prior consent process. Accordingly, mussel seed fishing which may impact on Natura 2000 sites must undergo screening for and, if necessary, appropriate assessment to determine if the activity will have a significant adverse impact on the features of the Natura 2000 site. In order to assess the potential impact, the local fishing industry is invited to submit a Fisheries Natura Plan for assessment and consideration.
