Aquaculture Industry

Wednesday, 19 November 2025

Questions (311)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

311. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will make a decision on the re-opening of the mussel seed fishery in the Long Bank for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64332/25]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I wish to fully assure the Deputy that I understand the importance of the Irish Sea mussel seed fishery and of wild mussel seed as a raw material for the bottom grown mussel aquaculture sector. These primary producers, in turn, supply the downstream indigenous seafood processing and export industries and help to sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities. The importance of these primary and secondary seafood production activities is reflected in the Food Vision 2030 strategy.

The detection of the invasive alien species Crepidula fornicata (slipper limpet) and Sargassum Muticum (Japanese wireweed) at the Long Bank seedbed off Wexford earlier this year has proven to be exceptionally challenging. There are stringent controls in force on such species in accordance with the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 (Statutory Instrument No. 374 of 2024), under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This has mandated a cross-Departmental, cross-agency response to the matter which remains ongoing.

On 12th November, I opened the Rusk Channel mussel seedbed as no invasive alien species were found in this seedbed. The Seed Mussel Biomass Survey of the Rusk Channel, carried out by BIM, identified that this seed bed has the potential to yield approximately 1,600 tonnes of seed for the bottom grown mussel aquaculture sector.

My Department is continuing to seek advice on the implications of S.I. 374 of 2024 on the mussel seed fishery beyond the Rusk Channel. Every effort is being made by my Department, and the relevant agencies, to expedite this process and to address outstanding matters.

Any updates will be communicated promptly to industry via the Bottom Grown Mussel Consultative Forum (BGMCF).