Benthic Mussel Programme

Project Summary

DAFM is currently undertaking a review of the Benthic Mussel Sector. As part of the discussions with DAFM, BIM and the MI in respect of this review, additional scientific work to that currently undertaken by BIM (Seed Mussel Survey and mussel larval monitoring) was needed. This includes potential brood stock biomass estimation, increased bivalve larval monitoring, genetics of stocks, seed survival and condition/spawning stage of both seed mussel stocks and mature stocks.

The new survey vessel the M.V. T. Burke II will be used to locate and survey seed mussel beds on the East Coast, in Dingle Bay and other areas of Ireland. The vessel will also be used for work on bivalve larval monitoring and any other survey work as is required.

Additional scientific work is to be undertaken to assess biomass stocks of mature mussels along with bivalve larval monitoring work (that is additional to the Bluefish project). Mature and seed mussels will be sampled from various locations to assess the condition and gonad indices. Work will be undertaken in Castlemaine Harbour and Wexford Harbour on seed survival.