Hand Gathered Seed Fisheries
Heysham Flat Mussel Bed
The mussel bed was inspected on the 12th of August. The area on the higher shore to conger rock consisted of mussel 20-25mm with some up to 35mm mixed in at approximately 80-90% coverage. The mussel was predominantly loose with some hard in and scoured areas present. In comparison, the area from conger rock to Dallam dyke has larger mussel present from 35-45mm, with areas further down the skear being very mixed. Sabellaria was also present. For full details see the inspection report here:
View Heysham Flat Inspection Report (pdf)
This year, the area indicated in figure 1 below is proposed as a hand gathered seed fishery subject to HRA.
Figure 1. The area on Heysham Flat proposed for seed mussel hand gathering.
When and How Can I Fish?
Dependent on the outcome of HRA consultation (pending 9th September), NWIFCA will put out a notice to fishers, informing them of an update to the flexible permit conditions that facilitate hand gathering at Heysham.
Seed Dredge Fisheries
South America Mussel Bed
The mussel bed was inspected on the 13th of August and identified the bed was significantly smaller in extent than previous years. Mussel suitable for seed dredging was present on a portion of the bed. Sabellaria was also present. For full details see the inspection report here:
This year, the area indicated in figure 2 is proposed as a dredge seed fishery subject to HRA. The area is approximately 4.3 ha.
Figure 2. The area on South America proposed for seed dredge fishing.
Perch Scar Mussel Bed
The mussel bed was inspected on the 17th of August. Perch Scar and Black Scar are normally considered to be commercially viable for seed dredge fisheries however, this year very little mussel persists on Black Scar, most of the area is bare stony substrate and it is not suitable for dredge fishing. On Perch scar, an area of 2022 seed was present 2.2ha in size, with 40 – 60% coverage. The mussel has put down a layer of mussel mud. The mussel is 20-25mm in length. For full details see the inspection report here:
This year, the area indicated in figure 3 is proposed as a dredge seed fishery subject to HRA. The area is approximately 2.2 ha.
Figure 3. The area on Perch Scar proposed for seed dredge fishing.
When and How Can I Fish?
NWIFCA encourages those interested in the fishery to apply for a permit under The Restrictions on the use of a Dredge Byelaw 2017. To apply please complete both the Dredge Permit Application Form and Seed Mussel Supplementary Form available below:
Download Dredge Permit Application Form 2022 (Microsoft Word docx file)
Download Seed Mussel Supplementary Form 2022 (Microsoft Word docx file)
Dependent on the outcome of HRA consultation (pending 9th September), NWIFCA will contact applicants for payment. If you do not wish to proceed with a permit at this point no payment will be taken.