1.1 An application has been received to take seed mussels from an extensive intertidal area on Foulney Twist by hand gathering. The precise area is not yet defined, but the applicant will shortly be providing GPS co-ordinates of the area.

1.2 This area has not been used for seed mussel gathering before, but it is believed to be close to the area along the east side of the Walney Channel, where the Committee has authorised the relaying and dredging of mussels from the South America Skear in the past.

1.3 The applicant has provided photographs of the area, which are reproduced at Annex A (in the pocket at the back of the folder). They appear to show a typical ephemeral mussel bed, with the characteristic build up of mussel-mud followed by catastrophic losses through tidal erosion. This is the same scenario that has been well documented for the South America and Heysham Flat Skears.

2.1 As the precise location and extent of the area is unknown, it is proposed to make a site visit to the area on Wednesday, March 12^th. The results of this visit will be presented verbally to the Joint Committee.

2.2 The area concerned is environmentally sensitive, particularly regarding access issues and the use of vehicles around Foulney Island. It is also within the Morecambe Bay SAC and SPA, and the issuing of authorisations for undersized mussel collection will therefore trigger the "plan or project" process, and the operation may require a full Appropriate Assessment. Liaison will be made with Natural England and Cumbria Wildlife Trust, and the outcome will be presented to the Joint Committee