Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to compensate people who (1) harvest, and (2) sell, oysters whose businesses have been affected by the EU restrictions on importing UK shellfish.

There is no scientific or technical justification for the European Commission banning the import of Live Bivalve Molluscs (LBMs), including oysters, from class B waters. We are seeking urgent resolution on the European Commission’s decision.

In England funding is available through the Maritime and Fisheries Fund for applications from seafood businesses looking to adapt their businesses to new requirements. This includes oyster harvesters and sellers looking to adapt their business models. In England, this funding is delivered by the Marine Management Organisation. Seafood businesses in the rest of the UK should contact their fisheries administrations to see what development support may be available to them.

The Seafood Response Scheme is not specifically focused at mitigating the issues resulting from EU restrictions on LBM trade. Oyster farming/harvesting businesses that meet the eligibility criteria will, however, be eligible to apply.