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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to stop the spread of Pacific oysters; and what discussions she has had with the (a) Northern Ireland Executive and (b) other devolved administrations on that matter.

Biodiversity and aquaculture are devolved matters.

The Pacific oyster is commercially farmed at several locations around coasts and estuaries in Great Britain.

The Fish Health Inspectorate is responsible for authorising all Aquaculture Production Businesses in England and Wales – as part of the authorisation process they will assess biosecurity measures for the site. For example, in the case of Pacific oysters, they will consult with Natural England on the suitability of farming Pacific oysters. In addition, where a proposed Pacific oyster farm development is in a marine protected area, each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure it does not unduly impact the site’s conservation objectives.

The Secretary of State has had no discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive or other devolved administrations on this matter.