1.1 In recent years several dense settlements of mussels have occurred on the south side of the Dyfi Estuary, in an area that was formerly a productive cockle bed. The mussels appeared to increase mortality of the adult cockles living in the sediment beneath them, and to inhibit recruitment of spat cockles to the bed.

1.2 Experimental removal of some of the mussels has been carried out on two occasions, to see if this would encourage the recruitment of cockles and help to restore the cockle bed to its former productivity. To achieve this, authorisations were issued to the industry to remove mussels from designated areas. The mussels were sold on as seed. Only partial removal of the mussels was achieved, but there were clear indications that thinning out the mussels did improve cockle settlement.

1.3 The area is important for nature conservation. The bed is within the Dyfi Estuary SSSI and the Pen Llyn a'r Sarnau SAC. It has therefore been necessary to consult with CCW before issuing such authorisations. To date, CCW have been content that removal of the mussels is not likely to have a significant effect on the features of the SAC. They have also agreed that SSSI features are not at risk from the seed harvesting, provided that access to and from the beds is by boat only.

2.1 An approach has been made to Officers by some of the fishermen who carried out the previous seed harvesting, requesting that seed gathering should be authorised again in 2006.

2.2 Officers would support this, as the mussels are clearly at too high a tidal level to thrive. Their use as seed seems entirely appropriate, and may help to re-establish a productive cockle bed.

2.3 Officers' opinion is that it is no longer necessary to treat the seed harvesting as a controlled scientific experiment. There are no indications of any adverse effects resulting from the operation. It is clear from the earlier work that recovery of the cockle population could be encouraged by removal of the mussels, but that it would be a slow process. It is doubtful if further useful information could be obtained without disproportionate effort. Nevertheless, any further harvesting should be monitored to see its effects on cockle and mussel stocks.

2.4 It is suggested that an approach should be made to CCW, suggesting that mussel harvesting should be permitted over the entire area of mussel settlement. If agreement on this can be reached then authorisations should be issued as soon as practicable.