Issue - meetings

Purpose.

The purpose of this report is to advise the Cabinet Member for Community Safety of the responsibilities placed upon Regulatory Services (RS) in respect to live bivalve molluscs (shellfish) and of the importance of shellfish more generally.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member for Community Safety:

1.    Acknowledges the responsibilities of RS in respect to shellfish.

2.    Recognises the importance of shellfish to the local fishing industry and to the 'health' of our harbours.

3.    Approves the manner in which shellfish sampling is to be undertaken for the next 12 months.

Richard Lee, Regulatory Services Manager introduced the report and in response to questions clarified the following points:

Section 4.2 explains the latest sanitary survey that was carried out to determine the stock levels and the viability of the beds.  If there is no economic value, then the responsibility of the Local Authority no longer exists.

He did not know the reasons for the significant reduction of salt marshes in Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours. 

Southern Inshore Fishery Conservation Authority dictates the seasons that shellfish can be harvested.  The seasons have reduced and the number of species of fish permitted. 

As part of the Action Plan, the council keeps fishermen and merchants informed of any issues or potential contamination e.g. when there are discharges into the harbour. 

Councillor Hunt noted that:

·         Fifty two boats are involved in shipping in this region, on a part time basis and are chasing fewer fish. 

·         The certificate follows the fish to ensure they can be traced. 

·         Nitrates are captured in the bivalves' shells, so there is potential that they could solve the nitrates problem

DECISIONS
The Cabinet Member for Community Safety:

·         Acknowledged the responsibilities of RS in respect to shellfish.

·         Recognised the importance of shellfish to the local fishing industry and to the 'health' of our harbours.

·         Approved the manner in which shellfish sampling is to be undertaken for the next 12 months.