The Welsh Federation of Fishermen's Associations is in the process of initiating a trial of 'Rope-grown mussels' arround the Welsh coast. Ahead of the beginning of the trials, on the 31st January 2007, the Development Officer along with all three other Associations' Officers travelled to Brixham to view a fully functional successful rope grown mussel scheme. A full report on the visit will be published by the officers in due course.

The idea is to set up simple rope growing mussel rigs around the coast of Wales to see where the best conditions are for:

• Mussel spat fall (collection)
• On growing of mussels (relative shelter needed)

The growth rate of the mussels will be monitored with the future view of creating a mussel rope growing industry pan Wales. The idea is that some areas with good summer spat fall will be able to supply fishermen in other areas with a reliable source of mussel spat to grow, harvest and create income.

This is an exciting project which is very much in the early stages; any of you wishing to get involved should contact the Association office.

Labels: Projects