Citation and commencement

1.  These Regulations may be cited as the Mussels (Prohibition of Fishing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 and shall come into operation on 11th November 1999.

Interpretation

2.  In these Regulations—

“the Act” means the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966;

“mussels” means fish of the species Mytilus edulis;

“Northern Ireland inshore waters” means waters within British fishery limits which are adjacent to Northern Ireland and are not nearer to any point on the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea adjacent to Great Britain or the Isle of Man is measured than to any point on the corresponding Northern Irish baselines.

Prohibition

3.  Subject to regulation 4, fishing for mussels, other than for direct human consumption, within Northern Ireland inshore waters, is prohibited.

Exemptions

4.  The prohibition contained in these Regulations shall not apply to—

(a)any person who is not a British fisherman;

(b)any person who is operating under the authority of and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a fish culture licence granted under section 11 of the Act; or

(c)any person who is operating under the authority of and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a permit granted under section 14 of the Act.

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations prohibit, subject to certain exemptions, fishing for mussels, otherwise than for direct human consumption, in Northern Ireland inshore waters.