Question 1

Do I need to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in order to set up an aquaculture farm?

Accepted Answer

If a project is likely to have a significant effect on the environment, an EIA must be carried out before Read More...

Question 2

How are shellfish beds classified?

Accepted Answer

Shellfish beds are classified according to the levels of bacterial contamination in shellfish flesh. An indicator of faecal contamination, E. Read More...

Question 3

How can I find out what aquaculture activities are exempt from needing a Marine Licence?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of shellfish farming activities that may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a Marine Licence. Read More...

Question 4

How do I find out more about current marine aquaculture operations in Dorset and what new opportunities are available?

Accepted Answer

As part of the work involved in developing a Marine Aquaculture Strategy for Dorset, the Dorset Coast Forum (DCF) have Read More...

Question 5

How do I find out who owns the intertidal and estuary seabed?

Accepted Answer

The Crown Estate have an interactive map that shows ownership of the foreshore and estuaries for England, Wales and Northern Read More...

Question 6

How do I fund a Maritime and Fisheries Fund (MFF) project?

Accepted Answer

MFF projects are paid on a reimbursement basis. This means that project costs will have to be paid by the Read More...

Question 7

I am interested in starting up a shellfish farm in Dorset. Is there a trade association that I could approach for support and guidance?

Accepted Answer

The Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB) aim is to assist and promote the sustainable development of the Shellfish Industry Read More...

Question 8

I have heard that Dorset has a High Potential Opportunity (HPO) for Sustainable Aquaculture. What is a HPO and how can I get hold of a copy?

Accepted Answer

Dorset’s thriving Aquaculture sector has been identified by the Department for International Trade (DIT) as a High Potential Opportunity for Read More...

Question 9

I have heard that Pacific oysters can catch Oyster Herpes Virus. Is this a threat to human health.

Accepted Answer

Oyster Herpes Virus (OsHV-1 µvar) affects Pacific oysters and can result in high rates of shellfish mortalities. There are however Read More...

Question 10

I have heard that bivalve shellfish need to be purified before they are sold. What does purification do?

Accepted Answer

Bivalve shellfish harvested from a Class B shellfish bed require purification (also known as depuration) before being sold. Purification is Read More...

Question 11

I would like some general advice on setting up an aquaculture / shellfish farm in Dorset. Who can I speak to?

Accepted Answer

If you are after general advice or guidance about the aquaculture sector in Dorset and what opportunities there are for Read More...

Question 12

Is there a replacement for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)?

Accepted Answer

Following Brexit, the Maritime and Fisheries Fund (MFF) has been introduced to bridge the gap between EMFF and a new Read More...

Question 13

What are the IFCAs and what is their role?

Accepted Answer

Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) replaced the Sea Fisheries Committees and lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment Read More...

Question 14

What are the main illnesses associated with algal toxins?

Accepted Answer

The main illnesses caused by biotoxins from Harmful Algal Blooms are Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP); Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP); Paralytic Read More...

Question 15

What impact do the Marine Plans have on siting and setting up a new aquaculture business?

Accepted Answer

The MMO have issued guidance on the implications and impacts of Marine Plans on new aquaculture businesses and their relationship Read More...

Question 16

What is the difference between a Several and Regulating Order?

Accepted Answer

Several Orders allow legal ownership of certain named shellfish species in a private shellfishery. Regulating Orders allow management rights to Read More...

Question 17

What is the main source of food poisoning associated with eating shellfish?

Accepted Answer

The main source of food poisoning associated with eating bivalve shellfish is from viruses, and in particular norovirus.

Question 18

What licenses and permissions are required in order to set up a new aquaculture farm?

Accepted Answer

The licenses and permissions required to set up new aquaculture operations will vary depending on the species to be farmed, Read More...

Question 19

When setting up a new aquaculture farm, what assessment of environmental impacts are required for European and Ramsar marine conservation sites?

Accepted Answer

Even when a full Environmental Impact Assessment is not required (EIA), a Habitats Risk Assessments (HRA) is normally needed when Read More...

Question 20

Where can I find out more about the different species that can be farmed in Dorset and East Devon waters?

Accepted Answer

A good place to find out more about the different species commonly cultivated through aquaculture is through the Aquaculture Profiles Read More...

Question 21

Where can I find out more about the different species that can be farmed in Dorset and East Devon waters?

Accepted Answer

A good place to find out more about the different species commonly cultivated through aquaculture is through the Aquaculture Profiles Read More...

Question 22

Who are Seafish?

Accepted Answer

The Sea Fish Industry Authority Seafish are a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) founded in 1981 by an Act of Read More...

Question 23

Who can I speak to about funding for aquaculture in Dorset and East Devon?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in finding out more about funding for aquaculture in Dorset and East Devon, then the Dorset Read More...

Question 24

Who do I contact to obtain a lease on some seabed?

Accepted Answer

Seabed leases are granted by The Crown Estate. They can be contacted as follows: www.thecrownestate.co.uk/en-gb/contact/

Question 25

Who do I need to contact to get permission to set up a new aquaculture farm?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of organisations that are involved in either authorising a new aquaculture farm or as part of Read More...

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Here to help...

Do I need to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in order to set up an aquaculture farm?

How are shellfish beds classified?

How can I find out what aquaculture activities are exempt from needing a Marine Licence?

How do I find out more about current marine aquaculture operations in Dorset and what new opportunities are available?

How do I find out who owns the intertidal and estuary seabed?

How do I fund a Maritime and Fisheries Fund (MFF) project?

I am interested in starting up a shellfish farm in Dorset. Is there a trade association that I could approach for support and guidance?

I have heard that Dorset has a High Potential Opportunity (HPO) for Sustainable Aquaculture. What is a HPO and how can I get hold of a copy?

I have heard that Pacific oysters can catch Oyster Herpes Virus. Is this a threat to human health.

I have heard that bivalve shellfish need to be purified before they are sold. What does purification do?

I would like some general advice on setting up an aquaculture / shellfish farm in Dorset. Who can I speak to?

Is there a replacement for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)?

What are the IFCAs and what is their role?

What are the main illnesses associated with algal toxins?

What impact do the Marine Plans have on siting and setting up a new aquaculture business?

What is the difference between a Several and Regulating Order?

What is the main source of food poisoning associated with eating shellfish?

What licenses and permissions are required in order to set up a new aquaculture farm?

When setting up a new aquaculture farm, what assessment of environmental impacts are required for European and Ramsar marine conservation sites?

Where can I find out more about the different species that can be farmed in Dorset and East Devon waters?

Where can I find out more about the different species that can be farmed in Dorset and East Devon waters?

Who are Seafish?

Who can I speak to about funding for aquaculture in Dorset and East Devon?

Who do I contact to obtain a lease on some seabed?

Who do I need to contact to get permission to set up a new aquaculture farm?

Case Studies

Dorset Cleaner Fish

Offshore Shellfish

Jurassic Sea Farms Ltd

Othniel Oysters