22 



MUSSEL CULTURE. 



By B. STORROW. 



In previous reports accounts have appeared of the experimental 

 work with regard to the formation of mussel beds at Holy Island. 

 It has been pointed out that mussels, if transplanted to what is 

 known as the Oyster Scaup, grow much more rapidly than if left 

 to develop on Fenham Flats or at other places, such as the Hen 

 Pool and the Snook. These three places have mussels in plenty, 

 but the growth is too slow, and the mussels do not grow to a size 

 which is suitable for bait. There is no doubt that if transplanta- 

 tion were undertaken on a large scale an industry would be created 

 which would supply not only the greater number of the fishing 

 villages of the Northumberland coast with bait mussels, but would 

 also be very beneficial to the fishermen of Holy Island, some of 

 whom, at present, have to be content at certain periods of the year, 

 with a bare existence derived by the gathering of winkles from an 

 area which, with the expenditure of a little capital and labour, 

 could be made to have a much higher financial value. Further, 

 provided reasonable care were taken and the beds kept clear of 

 weed, there is good reason for stating that the mussels would be fit 

 for human consumption. — Report, 1909-10, p. 26. 



The mussels which were first laid down are now much fewer 

 in number, but are of such a size as to form a very good bait. Those 

 transplanted from the Snook, owing to rough weather shortly after 

 the transplantation, have not been able to establish themselves. 

 This year in March some two-and-a-half tons of mussels were taken 

 from Blyth and placed on the Oyster Scaup. These mussels were 

 well grown, and were of a size which would make it necessary to 

 use two for a bait ; there was also a small number large enough to 

 form a bait. At the same time a quantity was obtained from 

 Fenham Flats in the region to the south of the Mill Burn, and also 

 placed on the Scaup. These were as a rule smaller than the mussels 

 from Blyth ; the shells were heavy, with coarse ridges, and they 

 had the general appearance of mussels which had been stunted in 

 growth. 



