Shellfish Aquaculture — [Julie Elliott in the Chair]

The hon. Gentleman highlighted the lack of attention given to the shellfish sector, which is crucial for communities like Orkney and Shetland. He mentioned the Shellvolution project in Shetland that brings £4.4 million to develop low-carbon, sustainable mussel farming funded by both UK and Scottish Governments. However, he expressed concern about a consultation on highly protected marine areas focusing exclusively on inshore waters, which is seen as an existential threat to the industry.

Congratulated Anthony Mangnall for his enthusiasm and highlighted the shellfish companies operating in his constituency. Mentioned statistics on oyster production, noting 3,000 tonnes produced annually in the UK compared to 145,000 tonnes in France, with most consumed during Christmas. Discussed environmental impacts of tyre chemicals from cars and raised concerns about Brexit's impact on exports. Read out a list of shellfish companies in his constituency and encouraged the hon. Member for Huddersfield to try various shellfish products, noting that they operate in class A waters year-round. Raises concerns about the overlooking of food production in areas like the west of Scotland and elsewhere, advocating for greater awareness and discussion around local food production. Also asks about the impact of shellfish aquaculture on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Mr. Sheerman expressed concern about the decline in availability of fresh shellfish and seafood in coastal towns like Whitby and Whitstable, suggesting that pollution from tyres and other sources is affecting marine life. He highlighted the issue of sewage discharge by Thames Water and Southern Water into rivers and seas, criticising the Environment Agency for inadequate monitoring. The Member intervened briefly to clarify a point about his current Bill on tyres and suggested that the Minister could make a real difference quickly with it. Inquired whether there is evidence that we are overfishing oysters, asking if there should be a decline in stock due to environmental reasons. Suggests that more attention should be paid to consuming domestic oysters rather than exporting them, highlighting the potential for chefs to make oysters more appealing on menus.

The hon. Member for Cambridge raised concerns about water quality, the impact of poor water conditions on shellfishermen's livelihoods, and the government's attitude towards Pacific oysters. He also questioned the classification of harvesting waters, suggesting it is more restrictive than in other countries which disadvantages UK fishermen. Finally, he discussed trade with the EU post-Brexit and the bureaucratic burden faced by fishermen.

Questions whether the EU would need to draft a new export health certificate to allow live bivalve molluscs exports, suggesting it might be possible given improved relations with the EU.

Jim Shannon highlighted the importance of shellfish aquaculture in Strangford, noting that Northern Ireland produced more oysters than England in 2020. He supported the Shellfish Association's stance on Pacific oysters and their benefits to biodiversity and conservation. Shannon also criticised EU bureaucracy for restricting UK shellfish exports despite no significant change post-Brexit.

He emphasised the historical significance of oyster cultivation in Essex, particularly in Maldon and Colchester. He highlighted concerns over water quality due to sewage discharge from housing development and called for increased monitoring and investment in UV treatment of discharges near shellfish waters.

Agreed that the future of aquaculture is uncertain but believes there should be clarity on Pacific oyster status for north of the 52nd parallel and better trade agreements to support shellfish exporters.

The UK shellfish aquaculture sector is struggling but has huge potential. The sector faces challenges in live bivalve molluscs testing rules, highly protected marine areas and pacific oyster classification. Current interpretation of EU water testing rules by the Food Standards Agency hinders trade opportunities due to depuration requirements for grade B live bivalve molluscs.