1.1 In 2006 approximately 750 tonnes of Morecambe Bay mussels were relayed onto the Conwy beds. It had been agreed that these mussels should be over-wintered at Conwy, with half of the survivors to be dredged off in 2007, with the other half remaining for the Conwy Fishery. An inspection in the early summer of 2007 found disappointing stocks, however, and the proposed relaying was not carried out.

2.1 A recent inspection of the Conwy beds by Conwy fishermen and the Committee’s staff found very good stock levels on the intertidal beds, particularly the Morfa bed on the south side of the estuary. It was estimated that around 800 tonnes were present on the Morfa, and many of these looked as though they could be survivors of the 2006 mussels.

2.2 It therefore seems that there is a stock of mussels present that is in suitable condition for dredging. It is therefore intended to relay part of this stock in the Conwy river channel using dredgers from the Menai Strait fishery. An equal amount of the mussels will be taken from Conwy to the Menai Strait lays, as agreed in 2006.

2.3 Survival of the natural spatfall seems to have been mixed. The Gamlwys bed, on the north side of the channel, has been subject to sanding over, and stocks of seed seem low. Prospects are better on the Morfa bed, but at present the mussels are partly embedded in the substrate and are not ready for dredging. A survey will be conducted in early June to reassess the stocks.

3.1 An application has been received from one of the Conwy licensees to remove mussels from the Morfa bed during the closed season (May to August inclusive). The proposal is to export these mussels for relaying in Jersey.

3.2 The applicant proposes to relay a quantity of the Morfa mussels within the Conwy fishery. The quantity relayed would be equivalent to the amount exported. The proposal is therefore similar to the relaying operation using the Menai Strait dredgers, although the quantities involved would be much smaller.

3.3 The quantity of mussels to be removed, and the method of harvesting them, are not given in the application. This information will be obtained from the applicant and presented to the Meeting. Also, Officers propose to write to the Conwy licensees seeking their views on the proposal.

4.1 Licences for the Conwy mussel fishery for the forthcoming season will need to be issued in August, as the season commences on 1^st September 2008.

4.2 It was agreed that 22 licences should be issued for the 2007/08 season, but only 18 of these were actually taken up, and 2 were revoked during the season as the licence fee was not paid, leaving 16 active licence holders. There are currently 6 persons on the waiting list. It is therefore suggested that licences should be offered to all on the waiting list, and should be made up to 22 during the season if there are further applicants.