The processing of sea-fishing boat licence applications had to be suspended by the Licensing Authority for much of last year pending the finalisation of a new EU fleet policy and the consequent introduction of a new national licensing policy. In the course of working through a backlog of licence applications the Licensing Authority has since found it necessary to review the position with regard to the licensing of certain vessels engaged in aquaculture activities, including the vessel to which the Deputy refers, mainly in view of the new policy regime. In the light of this review, and further information recently obtained from the licence applicant concerned with regard to his proposed aquaculture activities, the Licensing Authority expects to shortly be in a position to advise the applicant of the licensing requirements in respect of his vessel. Consideration is also currently being given as to whether the applicant actually requires a sea-fishing boat licence for the particular activities in which he proposes to engage.