Public warned of illegal mussel harvesting in the Highlands

People in the Highlands are being warned that illegal mussel harvesting is taking place in the area and that buying mussels from unclassified sources for human consumption could put consumers at risk.

This warning comes from The Highland Council’s TEC Services in Lochaber whose Environmental Health Officers seized nearly 300 Kg of illegally harvested mussels this week following a local phone call. Officers were alerted to the fact that someone was attempting to sell a substantial quantity of illegally picked mussels in the area.

Councillor John Laing, Chairman of The Highland Council’s TECS Services said: “I congratulate our Environmental Health Officers for reacting swiftly on information supplied to them ensuring public safety. Their actions also reinforce the Council’s continued support for sustainable rural and coastal communities which depend on the marine environment as part of their local economy.”

Mark Phillips, Highland Council’s Environmental Heath Officer said: “Reacting on local advice we located the mussels in a caravan park at Annat.  We couldn’t find the owner, but were concerned that the mussels may be moved and ultimately end up in the food-chain, so we decided to seize them immediately.  It is a legal requirement that bi-valve shellfish, such as mussels, are fully traceable and produced in specific classified areas. These mussels were clearly outside of any legal controls.”

Stephen Lewis, Highland Council’s Shellfish Sampling Officer added: “It is really important that mussels from outside of classified waters are not sold for human consumption.  Apart from risks to human health, illegally picked shellfish also undermine the livelihoods of Lochaber’s shellfish farmers who work hard to produce a safe, high quality product.”

Following an interview with Council Officers, the mussel pickers were identified as working in Eilean Shona, Loch Moidart and they confirmed that the mussels had been illegally picked. To avoid legal action being taken the pickers signed documents agreeing to the seizure. The mussels were later returned to the seas around Lochaber at an undisclosed location.