From time to time, MSFOMA is required to carry out formal consultations with stakeholders. Information about future, current and past consultations will be listed here.
Current Consultations
There are no current consultations. The most recent consultation (on a new Fishery Order for the eastern Menai Strait) ended on 8th May 2021.
Past Consultations
Renewal of the Menai Strait Oyster and Mussel Fishery Order
The eastern Menai Strait is the most important aquaculture site in all of Wales, and the single largest mussel farming area in the whole of the UK. The success of this area is due to the unique natural environment that is perfect for mussels; and also the legal protection (known as a “Fishery Order”) that allows local mussel farmers to cultivate mussels here secure in the knowledge that they can harvest the mussels that they cultivate.
In 2022 the “Fishery Order” that the Government made in 1962 will expire. If it is not replaced then Wales will lose its leading place in UK aquaculture, and the local businesses and jobs that depend on the mussel fishery will vanish. The renewal of this Fishery Order is important for Wales and for the local economy.
A public consultation on the proposed new Fishery Order in the Eastern Menai Strait started on 8th April 2021 and ran for a period of 1 month to the 8th May 2021.
Over 20 responses were received during the consultation period. These responses will be analysed, and after dialogue with the respondents MSFOMA will make a decision on how to proceed with making a new Order to sustain the livelihoods of the mussel farmers in teh area.
Menai Strait West Fishery Order: Consultation from October-November 2015
In October 2015 we issued consultation documents concerning the proposal to re-establish the old Menai Strait West Fishery Order. This Order was established in 1978 and expired in 2008. It allowed local shellfish farmers to cultivate mussels and oysters in the western Menai Strait. These shellfish farmers have been working together to re-establish the Fishery Order and revitalise the shellfish farming industry.
Stakeholders were invited to submit comments on the Draft Fishery Order on or before 29th November 2015. This consultation is now closed, and we are now meeting with stakeholders to discuss concerns that were raised during the consultation period.
Update – January 2018
Following discussions with stakeholders between late 2015 and early 2017, MSFOMA asked the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary in July 2017 to determine the application for renewal of this Fishery Order. Welsh Government officials have reviewed the application for the Fishery Order, and a decision on the application is expected imminently.
Update – January 2021
Discussions about making this Fishery Order are still underway. Owing to the time that has elapsed since MSFOMA applied for a new Order in this area (nearly 10 years’ ago), we are having to carry out a review of scientific information to bring the application up to date. We are working closely with Welsh Government, the University of Bangor, and the shellfish farmers in the western Strait to progress this.