To update Members on authorisations to harvest and relay seed mussels in the District in 2006.

1.1 At the Joint Committee Meeting in September 2006 Members were informed of the exceptionally heavy spatfall of mussels in Morecambe Bay and proposals for making the best use of it as a seed resource

1.2 This report updates Members with the progress of these proposals and the issuing of further authorisations.

1.3 Further applications to create experimental cultivation areas in Morecambe Bay under Byelaw 1 are considered in a separate report at Agenda Item 4.

2.1 Seed mussel harvesting was initially authorised on the "Falklands" area, further offshore than the usual "South America" seed mussel area. However, by mid September this area had become difficult to fish, with the remaining mussels being embedded in the substrate. Inspection of the "South America" area showed that a substantial seed resource, probably amounting to 5,000 tonnes, was present here. Officers therefore consulted with English Nature (now Natural England) regarding the conservation implications of harvesting these mussels. Seed mussel dredging on "South America" was authorised and licensed in early October.

3.1 Hand gathering of seed mussels on Heysham Flat commenced on 24^th August. This fishery attracted much more effort than in 2005, but regular inspections showed that the stock of seed, which was much greater and more extensive than in 2005, held up very well. Only one area showed very heavy losses, and this was due to erosion rather than fishing. It is hoped that the fishery will have had the effect of thinning out the mussel stock and therefore improving its survival over the winter period. This could benefit both the future mussel fishery and wildlife, as the juvenile mussels are used as food by oystercatchers over the winter months. It is planned to visit the area regularly during the winter, to monitor the survival of the remaining stock.

3.2 A further stock of intertidal seed mussels exists on Black and Perch Scars, near Fleetwood. Recent inspection shows that much of the stock on Perch Scar has been lost through erosion. A significant stock still remains on Black Scar, but it is already showing signs of scour and loss. Officers intend to consult with Natural England, and if possible to issue authorisations to hand-gather this stock for use as seed.