been surveyed, which showed one small area of approximately 30t had died off. The survey results indicated a total stock of 12,100 tonnes. Where beds showed signs of die off it was generally in the relatively young mussels of about 3 years old. It was felt that the reduction in biomass on some beds was due to the late mussel fishery, although there was indication that some beds were in decline, with densities too low to attract further settlement. It was felt that with the general state of the beds the mussel fishery had become a limited opportunity for a seed fishery, even when a marketable fishery was opened the mussels were generally put back onto private lays to be cleaned prior to being marketed.

Members were advised by the Head of Research that there were two management options available which where to open the fishery or to take the opportunity to develop stock and keep the fishery closed. It was also suggested that research be carried out into ways to attract seed. If this was successful in sample areas it may be possible to apply to larger beds which could improve the sustainability of the beds.

Mr Lake noted some of the difficulties in opening a harvestable fishery were due to the conservation measures being applied, one of which was having sufficient Dry Ash Weight, he questioned why the tonnage available in the le Strange fishery could not be included. Mr Donnelly advised that the figures for this fishery were held in commercial confidence and therefore could not be shared but were factored into Natural England considerations when assessing habitats regulations assessments related to any Wash mussel fishery.

Mr Lake then questioned whether the razor stocks could be taken into account when calculating the Dry Ash Weight, The HOMC advised that the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) had advised the majority of over wintering birds focused on cockle and mussel therefore the razor stock could not be included.

It was generally felt there was a need for research into mussel cultivation in an attempt to regenerate the fishery. It was noted that there had been a mussel regeneration project in the past which had been unsuccessful but part of the project had been to look into materials that may potentially attract seed. The Head of Research advised that the material would need to be relatively easy to acquire in bulk and as such he was hoping to try using cockle shell as he hoped there may be shells available at the end of the cockle fishery.

Mr Worrall then questioned whether closing the fishery for a year would be sufficient to produce more secure, sustainable stock levels. He was advised that realistically spat research would need monitoring over a couple of years, if the stock on the beds does thicken it would give a better mass of mussel byssus thread to attract more spat.

Mr Brewster questioned how much seed would potentially die this year having reached 3 yrs old, which is the age at which mussels seem to be dying. He advised they would not die off if they were moved to the lays, and if the fishery was kept closed and stock levels did not improve they would no longer be a fishery. Also if the stock was not available to fulfil orders the industry would lose the markets currently available to them.