Measures on mussel industry to be discussed as 60-year-old rules end

THE mussel industry on the River Conwy should be protected with limits on boat sizes and raking guidelines now that 60-year-old rules have ended, a council claims.

Officials are trying to govern how the food is farmed on the river in future.

A Conwy committee is supporting a bid by Conwy Mussel Company, which is based on Conwy Quay, to take steps including:

Restrict the number of licences to a “reasonable” number - about 12

Allow boats no longer than five metres to be used for mussel fishing

Allow only boats to access the mussel beds

Allow only a long handled rake to be used for mussel fishing

Ban mechanically hauled dredges for mussel harvesting

Land mussels which are at least 45mm long

The measures were due to be considered by Conwy Harbour Advisory Committee at 6pm yesterday (Wednesday, June 24).

An officer’s report recommends that the committee supports Conwy Mussel Company in its application for a “Several Order” to regulate the Conwy mussel fishery.

It comes after a “Regulating Order”, which has successfully governed mussel fishing on the River Conwy for the last 60 years, expired.

The report states that a new Several Order will be applied for through the Conwy Mussel Company, which has been established on Conwy Quay for more than 20 years.

It says the company has consulted with all those who hold a licence and collect mussels on the River Conwy, known as the Conwy Mussel Group (CMG).

The new order will include all aspects of the previous rules with no significant changes in terms of tradition, harvesting, cultivation and sustainability.

But it adds: “The Several Order will ensure the protection of the mussel beds and the surrounding environment, encouraging a sustainable industry.”