Blue mussels dredged around the island or Ireland are data limited. There is concern for biomass due to the lack of information, but they do not seem to subject to overexploitation. There are some management measures in place. Blue mussels from this area are harvested using dredges, which may cause habitat impacts. Some measures are in place to protect vulnerable habitats and to reduce bycatch. The MSC certified fishery has taken measures to monitor and mitigate impacts.Rating last updated January 2023

Blue mussels dredged in Poole Harbour are data limited. There is concern for biomass due to the lack of information, but they do not seem to subject to overexploitation. There are some management measures in place. Blue mussels from this area are harvested using dredges, which may cause habitat impacts. Some measures are in place to protect vulnerable habitats and to reduce bycatch.Rating last updated January 2023

Mussels are widely cultivated and stocks generally considered to be under-exploited. The main methods of harvesting for wild and farmed mussels are dredging and hand-gathering. Hand-gathering is a more selective and sustainable method of harvesting mussels in the wild, and causes less disturbance than mechanical methods. The hydraulic elevator mussel fishery in the Exe estuary was certified as an environmentally fishery in July 2012.

Mussels are widely cultivated and stocks generally considered to be under-exploited. The main methods of harvesting for wild and farmed mussels are dredging and hand-gathering. Hand-gathering is a more selective and sustainable method of harvesting mussels in the wild, and causes less disturbance than mechanical methods. The hydraulic elevator mussel fishery in the Exe estuary was certified as an environmentally fishery in July 2012.

Mussels farmed in the UK and Ireland in suspended rope culture have little environmental impact and do not require any commercial feed sources as they get all of their nutrient requirements from the surrounding water. Mussel aquaculture is entirely sea-based and habitat concerns are minimal. Recent mussel culture generally does not involve the use of chemicals and there is no concern about the impact of effluents. Spat used for farming settle naturally and research into development of a hatchery is ongoing. Disease risk and parasite interactions are thought to be minimal and do not threaten regional level populations. Both independently certified (ASC and MSC) and uncertified mussels are available.Rating last updated March 2023.

Mussels farmed in the UK and Ireland in suspended rope culture have little environmental impact and do not require any commercial feed sources as they get all of their nutrient requirements from the surrounding water. Mussel aquaculture is entirely sea-based and habitat concerns are minimal. Recent mussel culture generally does not involve the use of chemicals and there is no concern about the impact of effluents. Spat used for farming settle naturally and research into development of a hatchery is ongoing. Disease risk and parasite interactions are thought to be minimal and do not threaten regional level populations. Both independently certified (ASC and MSC) and uncertified mussels are available.Rating last updated March 2023.