It is widely accepted that one of the greatest threats to biodiversity is that posed by Invasive Non-Native Species. 

The mussel fishery operating in the Menai Strait is the largest in the UK and accounts for at least half of the entire UK output.  The fisheries are entirely dependant on the import of ‘seed’ mussels from outside of the Fishery Order areas within which they operate. 

A Code of Good Practice relating to sourcing mussel seed and importing it into the Menai Strait was drawn up in July 2008 between the Bangor Mussel Producers Association and Countryside Council for Wales.  The objective of this Code is to develop a working protocol that will enable the shellfish industry to safely continue the practice of importing mussel seed from areas outside the Menai Strait, without contributing to the spread of Invasive Non-Native Species.  The industry have pledged to strictly abide by the Code. Click here to view a copy of the Code of practice.