
1 
These Regulations may be cited as the Mussels (Prohibition of Fishing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 and come into operation on 8th February 2013.
2 

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), these Regulations apply in the Northern Ireland zone.
(2) These Regulations do not apply to fishing vessels within the meaning of  Article 4(1)(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Common Fisheries Policy, as last amended by Regulation (EU) 2017/2092.
3 
In these Regulations—
 “the Act” means the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966;
 “mussels” means shell-fish of the species Mytilus Edulis;
 “mussel seed licence” means a licence granted by the Department under section 4 of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967   for the collection of mussel seed.
4 
Subject to regulation 6, fishing for mussels other than for direct human consumption is prohibited.
5 
Subject to regulation 6, retaining mussels, other than mussels taken for direct human consumption, on board any sea-fishing boat is prohibited.
6 
Regulation 4 and 5 do not apply in relation to any person operating under the authority and in accordance with the terms and conditions of—
(a) a fish culture licence granted under section 11 of the Act;
(b) a permit granted under section 14 of the Act; or
(c) a mussel seed licence.
7 
The Mussels (Prohibition of Fishing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999   are revoked.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on 3rd January 2013.
John Speers

A senior officer of the

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
