Northern Ireland And Republic Of Ireland Bottom Grown Mussel

The Republic of Ireland bottom grown mussel fishery became MSC certified in 2013, alongside its Northern Ireland counterpart. Together, the operations represent the island’s entire landings for bottom grown blue or common mussel (Mytilus edulis). Their combined collection and cultivation produces over 40,000 metric tonnes of mussel each year.

The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland bottom grown mussel fisheries are both managed by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). They include both mussel seed (or 'spat') collection and the eventual re-laying and on-growing that takes place in loughs (Irish lochs) and bays. Seed collection takes place off the east coast of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland using dredges. Gear is designed to skim the upper layer of mud around aggregations of juvenile mussels with minimal impact to the underlying seabed.

Bottom grown mussels are a key contributor to both nation's fisheries sectors. As well as having high export volume and value, mussel harvesting provides employment for nearly 700 people across Ireland.

Bottom mussels are sold in fresh (live) and prepared forms (fresh, frozen vacuum packed mussel in sauce) and more advanced ready meals (half shell with toppings), and as frozen meats into the wholesale, retail and food service markets. Products are largely exported to Europe (France, Benelux, UK, Germany and others) and US (prepared frozen mussels in sauce).