Wash Mussel Fisheries to open with biosecurity measures

The Wash mussel fishery was temporarily closed on 26 April 2025 following reports of Chinese Mitten Crab in Wash mussels. The temporary closure was put into effect to prevent the spread of the Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) whilst the Authority investigated the matter.

Careful consideration has identified that there is a risk of transporting Chinese Mitten crabs and other INNS when re-laying mussel from The Wash. The outcome of the investigation is to open the harvestable and re-laying fishery as of 1000hrs 20 May 2025 and the introduction of new permit conditions which will come into immediate effect which and are summarised as follows:

  • It is prohibited to re-lay or sell for the purpose of re-laying any mussels caught from The Wash outside of the Wash and North Norfolk Coast SAC without prior authorization from the Authority;
  • Authorisation may be given to relay mussels outside of the Wash and North Norfolk Coast SAC if the person wishing to do so can show that all reasonable steps and all due diligence will be taken to avoid releasing any INNS. Further that such authorisation may only be given if the relevant IFCA (where the mussel are being re-laid into), Natural England, The Fish Health Inspectorate and the Non-Native Species Secretariate has provided written advice / approval to the Authority.

The full wording of the permit conditions for mussel fisheries are available here.

These permit conditions were brought into effect under paragraph 21 of the Wash Cockle and Mussel Byelaw 2021. Permit conditions implemented under this paragraph must be reviewed within three months of the decision being made. A consultation on the matter will be launched in due course.

The Authority has also issued an Advice Note regarding INNS present in The Wash which should be read if you are catching, selling or buying mussel catch from The Wash.

Eligible fishermen must hold a relevant mussel permit to fish in the Wash mussel fisheries. An application form for the fishery can be downloaded here.

 

 

 

 

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