An investigation into the challenges faced by the mussel industry in Conwy has pioneered close multi-agency working.
The mussel beds in the Conwy River that are harvested by the fishermen based on Conwy Quay have been affected by the river’s water quality in recent times. The numbers of mussels allowed ashore have been restricted and some of the mussel beds have been closed to fishing.
There could be many reasons for the reduced water quality, and Conwy County Borough Council and Bangor University have developed a Knowledge Transfer Partnership to find the possible source of the microbial pollution that is affecting the mussels.
The study involves collecting samples of the river water at various points, from Llanrwst up to the mouth of the estuary, to build up a picture of possible pollutants entering the river.
Recommendations can then be made to rectify the situation to ensure the future sustainability of this traditional industry.
A meeting of all the interested parties was recently held at the Environment Centre Wales building in Bangor. It was agreed that a combined sampling strategy be drawn up between researchers in the Schools of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography and Ocean Sciences at Bangor University, the Regulatory Services of Conwy County Borough Council, the Environment Agency, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, part of the Natural Environment Research Council.
Simon Cottrill, Principal Environment Officer at Conwy Council said, “This is a great opportunity to combine the Council’s work with that of Bangor University to identify the potential cause of pollution in the Conwy River. We’re glad that we were able to secure funding to help progress this vital project, and pleased to be working with so many organisations who have an interest in the outcome.”
Dr Shelagh Malham, School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University said, “This project is an innovative alliance of organisations working at this level. Making existing information available to the rest of the group; agreeing future sampling patterns and locations, and gathering all available evidence in order to make sure that the project provides value for money and that none of the work is duplicated.”
The RSPB are also contributing to the study, as microbial pollution in the Conwy River could have an impact on the birds in the sanctuary, which may then affect visitor numbers and tourism to the area generally.
Dr Richard Quilliam is the researcher leading this project which has been commissioned by Bangor University and Conwy County Borough Council. He will gather all the relevant information from the various stakeholders in order to maximise the opportunities this joined-up approach offers. All of the samples he collects from the River Conwy will be subjected to cutting-edge forensic techniques and DNA fingerprinting.
He said, “This project provides a unique opportunity for the exchange of both knowledge and expertise between Bangor University and the Local Authority. By combining our resources we hope to identify the source of any microbial pollution, and implement recommendations that will ultimately help the sustainability of the Conwy Mussel Fishermen’s industry for many years to come.”
