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

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to protect and promote oyster farming on the banks of the Helford River in Cornwall.

The shellfish industry is an important contributor to the UK economy and is worth over £250 million annually.

Government policy is to facilitate industry-led growth in this sector; it is for private enterprise and the owners of sites to consider the benefits of oyster farming on the banks of the Helford River in Cornwall.

Public funds are currently available to support economic growth in the aquaculture sector through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). In November 2015, the UK Government published a Multiannual National Plan for Aquaculture which outlines areas of growth earmarked for support under the EMFF.

In addition, the Shellfish Act 1967 exists to encourage the setting up and management of private and natural fisheries through Several and Regulating Orders, which grant exclusive fishing or management rights within a designated area.