Conwy Mussels: Locally Harvested Wild Mussels from the UK's Last Wild Mussel Bed

We believe that nothing beats the taste of fresh, locally sourced seafood, especially when it comes to mussels, which brings us to Conwy Mussels! 

These wild mussels, hand-raked from the Conwy estuary, are not just any mussels—they’re a part of the Jones family’s multi-generational tradition, passed down for over 100 years. But today, this vital piece of local heritage and sustainable fishing is at risk.

A Family Legacy

For Tom and Trevor Jones, mussel fishing is more than just a job—it’s a way of life that spans generations. Tom, a fourth-generation fisherman, works alongside his father, Trevor, who has been fishing the Conwy for decades. Their family has been harvesting mussels using traditional hand-raking methods, a practice handed down through the generations, keeping both the business and heritage of Conwy alive.

Trevor remembers his childhood vividly:

“When we were kids, me and my sisters always used to play on the quay, going in a boat, rowing around... I knew I’d one day end up doing fishing of some kind, probably with the mussels.”

Tom, now at the helm of Conwy Mussels, is continuing the family tradition, bringing fresh, sustainable, hand-raked mussels from the estuary to your plate. However, their work isn’t just about harvesting delicious seafood—it’s about preserving a centuries-old tradition that is now in danger of disappearing.

The Last Wild Mussel Bed in the UK

Conwy Mussels come from the last wild mussel bed in the UK, a unique habitat in the Conwy estuary. This natural bed offers the perfect mix of fresh water from Snowdonia and salt water from the Irish Sea, producing plump, meaty mussels that are unmatched by rope-grown varieties. The traditional hand-raking method used by Tom and Trevor is sustainable and eco-friendly, ensuring the mussels thrive while leaving the marine ecosystem intact.

Janet Finch-Saunders, MS and Shadow Minister for Climate Change, has called for public and governmental support to help protect this important resource. “The end of mussel harvesting in Conwy would be a cultural and environmental blow,” she said. By purchasing Conwy Mussels, you’re supporting a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years and helping to protect the environment.

Hand-Raked: A Traditional and Sustainable Method

What sets Conwy Mussels apart from other mussels is the way they are harvested. Tom and Trevor use a traditional hand-raking method, working physically demanding hours on the estuary to rake the mussels from the seabed. Unlike modern dredging methods, which can damage the environment, hand-raking is a sustainable practice that has been passed down through the Jones family for generations.

Trevor reflects on the camaraderie that once defined mussel fishing in Conwy:
“It’s not the same now because you went down, and maybe only one or two of you. In the old days, there would be like 10 or 15 boats all raking in different places, and you were all having a bit of banter as you were working... it’s a community here in Conwy... you look after each other, and that’s what makes it an enjoyable job.”

However, times have changed. Where there were once 90 fishermen working the Conwy River, now it’s just Tom and Trevor, the last family continuing this sustainable, hands-on practice.

A Delicacy with History

Conwy Mussels are more than just a meal—they are a taste of history. The Jones family’s tradition stretches back over 100 years, and they continue to harvest mussels in a way that’s been preserved for generations. But with the decline of wild mussel beds and the rise of modern fishing methods, this tradition is now at risk.

What’s more, Conwy Mussels have received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, as a mark of authenticity, this means that they can only come from this unique estuary, where the blend of fresh and salt water creates the perfect conditions for growing these flavorful mussels.

Supporting Local Fishermen and the Environment

Buying Conwy Mussels is not only a way to enjoy one of North Wales’ finest seafood offerings, but it’s also a way to support local fishermen like Tom and Trevor Jones. The decline in wild mussel beds means the Jones family is the last one standing in Conwy, continuing a tradition that has become more about niche markets and local sales rather than bulk shipping to cities like Birmingham and London, as was done in the past.

As Janet Finch-Saunders points out, the public has the power to make a difference: “The future is not just down to the state. The public should use its purchasing power to buy Conwy mussels... They are delicious!”

By choosing Conwy Mussels, you’re not only savoring a sustainable product but also helping to preserve a piece of Welsh history and combat climate change, as mussel shells store carbon and act as a natural carbon sink.

How to Cook Conwy Mussels

Cooking Conwy Mussels is wonderfully simple, and there’s no set recipe. Traditionally, they are steamed with a bit of white wine, onions, leeks, celery, and garlic. As Tom explains, “You want to put it all in together—normally, they take between five to ten minutes. Once they’re all opened, they’re cooked.”

Whether you’re making a classic dish or experimenting with new flavours, Conwy Mussels are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.

Taste the Tradition at Mermaid Seafoods

At Mermaid Seafoods, we’re proud to support local fishermen like Tom and Trevor Jones, who work tirelessly to keep this unique tradition alive. When you buy Conwy Mussels from us, you’re not just getting a fresh, high-quality product—you’re also supporting a family, a community, and a heritage that dates back over a century. As they are seasonal, we may not have them listed on the site, but that doesn't mean we don't have them in stock! Make an enquiry on our website or give us a call to discuss.

You can also swing by Conwy Mussel's shop on the Conwy seafront and grab a bag!

So, the next time you’re planning a seafood dish, consider Conwy Mussels—because when you buy local, you’re helping to preserve something truly special.

Looking for more options? In addition to Conwy Mussels, we also offer Menai Mussels, which are sustainably farmed in the Menai Strait. While Conwy Mussels are wild and have a limited seasonal supply, Menai Mussels are available year-round, giving you more opportunities to enjoy fresh, locally sourced mussels.

Sources: 
https://historypoints.org/index.php?page=people-of-conwy-tom-and-trevor-jones
https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/24077133.call-save-conwy-wild-mussel-bed