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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has, after the covid-19 restrictions are lifted to encourage the development and expansion of the UK's aquaculture industry with regard to shellfish production; and if he will make a statement.

Defra supports industry led growth in aquaculture. We are actively involved in developing the English Aquaculture Growth Strategy through the Aquaculture Leadership Group set up by Seafish under the Seafood 2040 strategic framework. The strategy, to be published this autumn, will include growth targets and a short to long-term delivery plan.

Recognising the adverse impact of Covid-19 on the aquaculture sector as export and domestic markets have fallen away, Defra has provided some £725,000 to 79 aquaculture businesses as part of the Fisheries Response Fund.