Written question asked by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 26 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2003. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she will introduce a shellfish licensing scheme.

Answer: Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will introduce a shellfish licensing scheme. [141114] Mr. Bradshaw: A restrictive licensing scheme for shellfish (crabs and lobsters) will take effect from 1 January 2004 for vessels over 10 m and from 1 April 2004 for vessels under 10 m. Shellfish entitlements are being granted to existing fishing vessels which, with their current licences, have taken more than 200 kg of lobsters or 750 kg of crabs in any 12 month period between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002. The scheme will apply to vessels under 8 m which will account for more than 40 per cent. of the vessels qualifying under the scheme. Anyone wishing to take up shellfishing will need to acquire an appropriate fishing vessel licence carrying a shellfish entitlement from an existing vessel. Licensed fishing vessels without a shellfish entitlement will be permitted to land up to five lobsters and 25 crabs per day.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 415 c233W; 141114
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Fisheries Licensing Fishing vessels Nature conservation Regulation Shellfish
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk