§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans are in place to lease areas of sea adjacent to the coast for the purpose of fish farming. [148679]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 5 February 2001]: Requests to lease areas of the sea bed adjacent to the coast should be made to the Crown Estate or the Duchy of Cornwall.
Once a lease has been granted, fishermen can apply to the Minister of Agriculture for legal powers to protect shellfish farming. The creation of Several and Regulating Orders can help to preserve and encourage shellfisheries, while promoting the sustainable future of the fishery.