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).
The Republic Ireland bottom grown mussel fishery is managed by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). It includes 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 the island’s fisheries sector. 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).
How to harvest mussels
The fishery uses dredges to skim the upper layer of mud around aggregations of juvenile mussels with minimal impact to the underlying seabed.
