1.1 The continuing problems with mussel bed classifications in the Conwy fishery were reported to the Joint Committee in September 2008, and it was highlighted that the Gamlwys and Green Island areas were likely to have its seasonal "B" classification put back from 1^st October to 1^st December. This downgrade has indeed taken place, and it will have a serious economic impact on the fishery. Any further reduction in water and shellfish quality is likely to threaten the entire future of both the fishery and the mussel purification plant at Conwy.

1.2 It is pleasing to report that, in response to letters from Members and Officers to the Welsh Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment Agency, Wales, an investigation into water quality is being carried out by the Environment Agency this autumn.

1.3 In addition, Officers have assisted in the preparation of an application for Seafish funding to carry out an in-depth study of the Conwy catchment and its water quality by a team from the School of Ocean Sciences at Menai Bridge.

1.4 The proposed project will run for 2 years, and will look at historical data for the Conwy catchment, as well as taking new measurements of water, shellfish and sediment conditions and look at these in the light of meteorological records and hydrographic modelling. The aim is to establish the sources of contamination and to identify effective remedial action.

1.5 The Conwy Estuary is by no means the only shellfishery in the UK where considerable investment in sewage disposal has produced apparent improvements in water quality, but where shellfish quality has not improved and does not meet the objectives of the Shellfish Waters Directive. It is intended that the project will provide an in-depth analysis of the problem which can be used in a national context. The project has the support of a wide range of bodies, including Conwy County Borough Council, the Environment Agency, the Shellfish Association of Great Britain and the Countryside Council for Wales.

1.6 The total Seafish grant applied for is £175,000. Officers have agreed that the Committee’s staff could provide in-kind match funding towards the project. This could include the use of the patrol vessel Aegis to collect shellfish and water samples, periodic water sampling by Fishery Officers with Zodiac inflatables, and direct scientific input from the Marine Biodiversity Officer post, which has been agreed with CCW.

1.7 The proposal has passed the initial concept assessment stage, and a full application is now being prepared for submission to Seafish. It is hoped that a verbal update on the situation can be presented at the 5^th December meeting.