1.1 On several occasions fluctuations in the bacteriological results from mussel samples have been reported to the Committee, the most recent report being to the Joint Committee in December 2007.

1.2 For many years there have been unpredictable bad results that have threatened the continuation of the Conwy Fishery. Beds have occasionally been downgraded to "C", which makes them effectively unfishable as mussels of this classification cannot be directly taken to purification tanks, but must be relaid in cleaner water first. There has been no apparent pattern to the results, leading to the fear that at some stage all of the main commercial beds could be downgraded.

1.3 In August 2008, notice was received that the Gamlwys and Green Island beds had returned results exceeding the levels for a "B" classification in August, September and November 2007. The Morfa bed had also failed the "B" standard in August and September 2007. Although high rainfall had been experienced during the period, records did not indicate that this was a "1 in 5 year event", which would allow the results to be discarded. There was therefore a possibility of downgrading these areas to class "C".

1.4 In response to this, the Chairman wrote to the head of the CEFAS Weymouth Laboratory asking for the present classification to be maintained pending a full investigation of the problem and its causes. The Vice-Chairman (Wales) wrote to the Welsh Minister for Rural Affairs, Elin Jones, concerning the problem and Officers wrote to the Environment Agency.

1.5 It is understood that the recommendation that CEFAS made to the Food Standards Agency is that the classification for the Morfa bed should remain unchanged. However, the Gamlwys and Green Island area is likely to have its seasonal "B" classification put back from 1^st October to 1^st December.

1.6 This is a serious blow to the Conwy Mussel Fishery, and will undoubtedly affect output and threaten the profitability of the industry. However, it could have been much worse, potentially closing the Conwy fishery altogether.

1.7 This highlights the continuing need for a thorough investigation into these failures. Despite great investment in sewage treatment in the area, there clearly remains a serious problem with water quality at Conwy. The cause is unknown, and may not even be sewage contamination. Pollution by agricultural run-off or even by birds are also possible. There is therefore an urgent need to identify the type of pollution causing the failures, find the sources of the contamination and to put measures in place to rectify the problem. Officers will continue to press for such an investigation as a matter of urgency.