Potential Mussel Seed Fishery

The Authority has identified an area off  the Suffolk Coast (Sizewell) which may support a sub-littoral mussel bed suitable for a seed mussel (re-laying) fishery.  This has been identified by the Authority through undertaking side-scan, dredging and grab surveys.  There are a number of factors which are being considered with regards to potentially enabling fishing activity in the area (chart at link below) including; potential impacts on Marine Protected Areas, conflict with other fisheries (particularly potting fisheries) and conflict with other sea users (noting that the area is within the Sizewell C area of work). These matters are actively being considered as a matter of priority.

The information available indicates that the sub-littoral mussels in the area are below the minimum size and suitable only for breeding and stocking purposes only (i.e. used or sold as mussel seed to enter into aquaculture production).   The bed is also likely to be ephemeral (short-lived) and the subject of predation by starfish.

If a fishery is possible, it will be managed by way of granting exemptions from the prohibition on dredging for mussels and the minimum landing size for mussel. If you would like to be considered for an exemption to fish for the mussels in this area, please contact the office at the earliest opportunity via mail@eastern-ifca.gov.uk or call the office on 01553 775321.

There may also be seed mussel in the surrounding area which is undetected. Applications for exemptions to undertake prospecting to find additional mussel beds will also be considered.  Please contact the office if you are interested in obtaining such an exemption.