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2024/2025 List of Classified Bivalve Mollusc Production Areas in Ireland (5th March 2024)

 

To check on the open/closed status of any production area, click on the following link to the Marine Institute’s Shellfish Safety database:

 
Marine Institute Shellfish Safety Database
 

Click on production area name to link to relevant map.

To download the table below please select the document in the Related Documents Section below.

 

Related Documents
2024/2025 List of Classified LBM Production Areas in Ireland

 

 

Marine Institute Shellfish safety data

   II III IV V VI
Production Area and Link to Map Boundaries Bed Name Species Class Notes
 
Lough Foyle		  
Magilligan Head to Inishown Head		 M1 (West) Mussels B* Dormant Fishery contact SFPA if re activating see note 3 
M2 (East)  Mussels B  
Muff  Oysters (Gigas) B  
O1 & 02  Oysters (native) B New Classification
Trabreaga Malin Head to Dunaff Head All Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Lough Swilly Fanad Head to Dunaff Head Fahon Creek Oysters  B  
Mulroy Bay Melmore Head to Ballyhoorisky Point All Beds Mussels A  
Oysters (Gigas) B  
Native Oysters A  
Scallops A  
Gweedore/ Carrickfin Carrick Point to Carrickacuskeame and Torglass Island to Dunmore Point All Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Dungloe Wyon Point to Burtonport Pier Dungloe Oysters (Gigas) A  
Tearman Oysters (Gigas) A  
Traweenagh Dooey Point to Crohy Point All Beds Oysters (Gigas) A  
Gweebarra Gweebarra Point to Cashelgolan Point All Beds Oysters (Gigas) A* *Seasonal Classification 01 Dec - 01 June reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Loughras Beg Loughras Point to Gull Island All Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
McSwynes Bay (Bruckless) Carntullagh Head to Pound Point Bruckless Oysters (Gigas) B* Dormant Fishery contact SFPA if re activating see note 3 
Donegal Harbour Doorin Point to Rossnomlagh Point All Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Mussels B  
Drumcliff Raghly Point to Deadman's Point All Beds Mussels B  
Oysters (Gigas) B  
Cockles B  
Clams B  
Sligo Harbour Deadman's Point to Killaspug Point All Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Ballysodare Killaspug Point to Derkmore Point All Beds Mussels B  
Killala Bay Ross Point to Iniscrone Point All Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Broadhaven Sruwaddacon Bay and Curraunboy Bay bounded from NW 54  ͦ 17' 27.651"N 009  ͦ 49' 2.9842W to NW 54  ͦ 17' 13.167"N 009  ͦ 48' 46.2195W to SW 54  ͦ 15' 18.897"N 009  ͦ 45' 22.4134W to SW 54  ͦ 15' 27.015"N 009  ͦ 45' 10.7146W to NE 54  ͦ 17' 2.1209"N 009  ͦ 46' 40.8858W to NE 54  ͦ 17' 11.3541"N 009  ͦ 46' 33.3057W Sruwaddacon Bay Oysters (Gigas) A* *Seasonal Classification 1 Jan to 01 July Reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Blacksod Bay (Belmullet) Blacksod Point to Kanfinalta Point Elly Bay  Native Oysters A* *Seasonal Classification 1 AUG to 01 MAY Reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Inishkea Islands South East Corner Inishkea South Island to Carrickalaveen Rock to 54  ͦ 05.176'N 10  ͦ 12.09'W to 54  ͦ 07.916'N 10  ͦ 09.827'W to 54  ͦ 07.759'N 10  ͦ 10.892'W and Bounded to the West by the Inishkea Islands All Beds Razors A# Short Term Classification- See (Note 4)
Achill North Classified Production Areas Kinrovar Point to Ridge Point and Achill Bridge East to Achill Bridge West North Sound Native Oysters A#  Short Term Classification- See (Note 4)
Bealacragher Mussels B* *Dormant Fishery. Contact SFPA if Re-activating (Note 3).
Saula Gigas Oysters A  
Bunacurry Gigas Oysters A  
Doriel Creek Gigas Oysters A* *Seasonal Classification 01 NOV - 01 APR reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Achill South Classified Production Areas Achill Bridge East to Achill Bridge West and Bolinglanna to the Southern most Point of Achill Beg Balfarsad Gigas Oysters A  
Corraun Gigas Oysters A  
Clew Bay Classified Production Areas Area within a one nautical mile (1,852 M) radius of Roskeen Point (53  ͦ 53.46'N, 09  ͦ 40.10' W) Tieranaur Bay Inisquirk Gigas Oysters A  
Area Bounded to the West by a line from Mulranny Pier to Old Head and to the South East by 09  ͦ 35.37' W and to the North East by a line due North and East respectively from the point at which 09  ͦ 37' W and 53  ͦ 52.60 N intersect Corrie Channel Mussels A* *Seasonal Classification 01 NOV to 01 AUG, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Gigas Oysters A  
Roslaher Mussels A* *Seasonal Classification 01 NOV to 01 AUG, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Gigas Oysters A  
Mynah Gigas Oysters A  
Inishlaughil Mussels A  
Carrowholly/ Rossmalley PT  Gigas Oysters A  
North Native Oysters A  
Murrisk Gigas Oysters A  
Killary Approaches 53  ͦ .712222N 009  ͦ .915433W to 53  ͦ .716666N 010  ͦ .135833W on Inishturk to 53  ͦ .599583N 010  ͦ .31895W on Inishboffin to Knocknasheoge Point at 53  ͦ .603333N 010  ͦ .048655W All Beds Razors A# #Preliminary Classification (Note 2).
Killary Harbour Rusheen Point to Rossroe Quay Inner, outer and middle  Mussels B  
Ballinakill Renvyle Point to Cleggan Point All Beds Mussels B  
Gigas Oysters A  
Razors A# #Preliminary Classification (Note 2).
Native Oysters A  
Streamstown Gubarusheen Point to Omey House ruins to Ardoe All Beds Gigas Oysters A* *Seasonal Classification 01 SEPT to 01 JUNE, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Clifden Inner Errislanan Pier to Dooghbeg Quay (ruins) Ardbear Mussels B* Dormant Fishery contact SFPA if re activating see note 3 
Clams B* Dormant Fishery contact SFPA if re activating see note 3 
Clifden Outer Errislanan Pier to western most point of Turbot Island to western most point of Ardmore Island and from Errislanan Point to Dooghbeg Quay (ruins) All Beds Razor Clams A*  *Seasonal Classification 01 =JULY to 01 APR reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Clifden Outer Errislanan Pier to western most point of Turbot Island to western most point of Ardmore Island and from Errislanan Point to Dooghbeg Quay (ruins) All Beds Clams B* Dormant Fishery contact SFPA if re activating see note 3 
Mannin Bay Errislanan Point to Knock Point All Beds Gigas Oysters A  
Kilkieran Bay North Area Bounded to the North, Kylesalia Creek to Northern Edge Crow Island; to the East, Garrivinnagh Quay to Leighon Island; and to the South, Kilkieran Point to the Southern Edge of Inchagaun Island Kilkieran North Native Oysters A* *Seasonal Classification 01 APR to 01 JAN  reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Casheen Bay Dinnish Point North to Green Island off IIIauneeragh Casheen Bay Mussels B* *Dormant Fishery. Contact SFPA if Re-activating (Note 3).
Galway Bay Classified Production Areas Ardfry Point to Kilcolgan Point Mweeloon Bay Mussels B* *Dormant Fishery. Contact SFPA if Re-activating (Note 3).
Gigas Oysters A  
Kilcolgan Point to Deer Island to Aughinis Point Excl Kinvarra Bay Carrduff Beds Gigas Oysters B* *Dormant Fishery.  Contact SFPA if Re-activating (Note 3).
Killeenaran Beds Mussels A* *Seasonal Classification 01 MAY to 01 AUG, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Oysters (Gigas) A  
Clams B  
Native Oysters A  
Clarenbridge Oysters (Gigas) B  
Knockpreaghaun Point to Goragh Island to Newtownlynch Pier, and Polagh Quay to Lambs Island Doorus Point Oysters (Gigas) A  
Polagh Quay to Lambs Island and Hags Island to Scorreemore Point Kinvarra Bay Mussels B  
Oysters (Gigas) A  
Aughinis Point to New Quay Aughinis Oysters (Gigas) A  
Mussels A  
Finnivarra Point to Muckinis Point Poulnaclough Bay Mussels A  
Oysters (Gigas) A  
Clams B* *Dormant Fishery contact SFPA if re activating see note 3
Ballyvaughan Oysters (Gigas) B* Dormant Fishery.  Contact SFPA if Re-activating (Note 3).
Shannon Estuary. Carrigaholt Classified Production Areas Kiloher Head to Leck Point and Corlis Point to Beal Point Carraigaholt Oysters (Gigas) B* Dormant Seasonal Fishery contact SFPA if re activating see note 3 
College Bay Oysters (Gigas) A  
Rinneville Beds Oysters (Gigas) A  
Poulnasherry Corlis Point to Baurnahard Point Inner/ carcanella Oysters (Gigas) A* *Seasonal Classification 01 AUG to 01 DEC, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Cammogue (Outer) Oysters (Gigas) A  
Ballylongford Beal Point to Knockfinglas Point All Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Tralee Bay Kerry Head to Brandon Head Inner/ Fenit Native Oysters B  
Maharees Native Oysters A* *Seasonal Classification 01 Dec to 01 June, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Castlemaine (Cromane) Inch Point to Rossbeigh Point All Beds Mussels B  
Oysters (Gigas) B  
Cockles B  
Valentia River Bray Head to Reencaheragh Point and Douglas Head to Fort Point Caherciveen Oysters (Gigas) B  
Kenmare River Classified Production Areas Lamb's Head to Cod's Head Sneem/Tahilla Mussels B  
Oysters (Gigas) B  
Templenoe Oysters (Gigas) B  
Coosmore/ Goleenacoush Mussels A  
Cleandra Mussels A  
Ardgroom Inner & Outer Mussels A  
Kilmakilloge Oysters (Gigas) B#  #Preliminary Classification (Note 2).
Kilmakilloge- Direen/Collorus Mussels A* *Seasonal Classification 01 Dec to 01 AUG, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Bantry Bay Classified Production Areas Ardnakinna Point to Fair Head and Lonehort Point to Bank Harbour Area Bounded to the North by a line from Gortnakilla Pier to a point at 51  ͦ 37.5'N, 09  ͦ 42'W to Whiddy Point West to Relane Point.   Sheep's Head to Black Ball Head Castletownbere-  Mussels A*  *Seasonal Classification 01 DEC to 01 MAY, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Oysters (Gigas) B  
Glengarriff Mussels A* *Seasonal Classification 01 JAN to 01 APR, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Seal Harbour Mussels A* *Seasonal Classification 01 DEC to 01 SEPT, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Adrigole Mussels A*  *Seasonal Classification 01 Dec to 01 July, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1)
Oysters (Gigas) B  
Bantry North (Snave) Mussels A* *Seasonal Classification 01 DEC to 01 MAY, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Bantry Middle (North Chapel) Mussels B  

Bantry South (South Chapel)

 

 Mussels B  

Bantry Gearhies (South and East)

 Mussels B#  # Preliminary Classification (Note 2)
Dunmanus Bay Sheep's Head to Three Castle Head All Beds Mussels B  
Roaringwater Bay Cousnaganniv Point to Frolic Point RMP 1 & RMP 2  Mussels A  
Sherkin North Licensed Sites All Licensed Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Sherkin West (Kinnish) Drawlaun Point to Long Point All Licensed Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Kinsale Shronecan Point to Preghane Point All Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Oysterhaven Ballymacus Point to Kinure Point All Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Cork Harbour Classified Production Areas Between 8  ͦ 16.4'W and 8  ͦ 15.6'W.  Between 8  ͦ 14.6'W and 8  ͦ 13.2'W. Ahada Pier to Gold Point North Channel East Native Oysters B  
North Channel East Oysters (Gigas) B  
Rostellan Oysters (Gigas) B  
Youghal Knockadoon Head to Knockaverry All Beds Oysters (Gigas) B  
Clams B  
Dungarvan Helvick Head to Ballynacourty Point North & South  Oysters (Gigas) B  
Waterford Harbour  Creadan head to Hook Head to Passage East Tower to RHE Kings Bay  Harrylock Bay Surf Clams Spisula Species A  
Woodstown Oysters (Gigas) A* *Seasonal Classification 01 OCT to 01 FEB, reverts to Class B at other times (Note 1).
Bannow Bay Ingard Point to Clammer's Point East B2  Oysters (Gigas) B  
Ballyteigue Bay Ballymadder Point to Crossfarnoge Point B1  Oysters (Gigas) B  
Rosslare Area Bounded to the North by 52  ͦ 18.5'N, to the South by 52  ͦ 15.5'N, to the West by 006  ͦ 22'W and to the East by 006  ͦ 20'W All Beds Razors A  
Curracloe Area Bounded as follows: Cahore Point to 52  ͦ .5668N 006  ͦ .100W to 52  ͦ .3833N 006  ͦ .15W to Curracloe Point All Beds Razors A  
Wexford Harbour Rosslare Point to The Raven Point to Wexford Bridge Outer - B12 & B22 Mussels B  
North of Wexford Bridge Inner B1 Mussels B  
Malahide Area Bounded by a line from 53  ͦ 25.4' N 06  ͦ07'W to a point 53  ͦ 25.4' N 06  ͦ00'W to 53  ͦ32.3'N 06  ͦ00W and Drumanagh Point Lough Shinny All Beds Razor Clams A  
Skerries Area Bounded by a line from Drumanagh Point Lough Shinny to a point at 53  ͦ32.3'N 06  ͦ00W to a point at 53  ͦ37.7'N 06  ͦ00W to Braymore Point All Beds Razor Clams A  
Gormanston Area Bounded by a line from Braymore Point to a point 53  ͦ 37.7'N 06  ͦ00W to a point 53  ͦ 47.7'N 06  ͦ00W to Clogher Head All Beds Razor Clams A  
Dundalk Bay Area Bounded by a line from Clogher Head to a point 53  ͦ 47.7'N 06  ͦ00W to a point 54  ͦ00'N 06  ͦ00W to Ballagan Head All Beds Cockles B  
Razor Clams A  
Carlingford Lough (Irish Waters) Ballagan Point to Cranfield Point and Carlingford Point to Carrigaroan Ballagan Oysters A  
Greenore - O5 Oysters A  
Carlingford Outer- M5 Mussels B  
Rostreavor Quay to Greers Quay and Black Rock to Carrigaroan Carlingford Inner- M3 Mussels B  

 

To check on the status of any production area, click on the following link to

the Marine Institute’s Shellfish Safety Data:

 

Marine Institute Shellfish safety data

 

Scallops Harvested within Classified production areas:

 

All Scallops harvested within classified production areas are classified as B unless harvested within classified production areas where all other mollusc shellfish are classified of being class A where such scallops may be classified as A.

 

Lapsed Classifications:

 

The classifications for the areas listed below have lapsed because they are no longer active, or because an insufficient number of samples were available for the review period, and are subsequently no longer classified.

 

Production Area                                     Species

Bannow Bay                                          Mussels

Waterford Estuary                                 Mussels

Cork North Channel West                    Oysters

Dunmanus Bay                                    Urchins  *see note 5

Castletownbere                                   Urchins  *see note 5

 

Notes:

 

Note 1 Seasonal classifications

 

Where the data shows a clear seasonal trend over a number of seasons, different classification categories apply for different seasons. Details, where applicable, are given in column VI above.

Note 2 Preliminary classifications

 

Classifications are described as preliminary when an area is being classified for the first time or after a period in suspension. The term may also be used where an incomplete dataset of results was to hand.

Note 3 Dormant Fisheries

 

Fishery has been dormant for at least 12 months, and limited monitoring data is available. Sites that remain dormant are in danger of their Classification becoming lapsed due to a lack of monitoring data. Producers should contact their local SFPA office if Re-activating in order that monthly classification monitoring sampling may resume.

 

Production Area                                     Species

 

Carlingford Outer                                                                                         Mussels

Clifden outer                                                                                                Clams

Achill North Bealacragher                                                                           Mussels

Foyle M1                                                                                                    Mussels

 

Note 4 Short Term Classification

 

Where there are clear seasonal patterns to commercial activity in class A or B areas, in consultation with and enforced by local fishery regulations, monitoring may be considered for a reduced period of the year.  This should start at least 1 month prior to the harvesting season for class A areas and two months prior to the season for class B areas and then continue throughout the season in prior agreement with the SFPA.

 

Production Area                                     Species

 

Inishkea Island                                                                                              Razor Clams

Achill North Sound                                                                                        Native Oyster

 

Note 5 Classification of echinoderms

 

It is No longer a requirement to classify harvest sites of echinoderms.

Lapsed classifications

The classifications for the areas listed below have lapsed because they are no longer active, or because an insufficient number of samples were available for the review period, and are subsequently no longer classified.

Production Area    Species

 Bannow Bay

Waterford Estuary

Cork North Channel West

Dunmanus Bay

Castletownbere Urchins 

Mussels

Mussels

Oysters

Urchins *see note 5

Urchins *see note 5

usselsMussels

Notes

*Note 1: Seasonal classifications

Where the data shows a clear seasonal trend over a number of seasons, different classification categories apply for different seasons. Details, where applicable, are given in column VI above.

*Note 2: Preliminary classifications

Classifications are described as preliminary when an area is being classified for the first time or after a period in suspension. The term may also be used where an incomplete dataset of results was to hand.

*Note 3: Dormant fisheries

Fisheries that have been dormant for at least 12 months, and limited monitoring data is available. Sites that remain dormant are in danger of other classifications becoming lapsed due to lack of monitoring data. Producers should contact their local SFPA office if re-activating, in order that monthly classification monitoring sampling may resume.

Production Area    Species
Carlingford Outer Mussels
Cliften Outer Clams
Achill North Bealacragher Mussels
Foyle M1  

*Note 4: Short Term Classification

Where there are clear seasonal patterns to commercial activity in class A or B areas, in consultation with and enforced by local fishery regulations, monitoring may be considered for a reduced period of the year.  This should start at least 1 month prior to the harvesting season for class A areas and two months prior to the season for class B areas and then continue throughout the season in prior agreement with the SFPA. 

Production Area    Species
Iniskea Island Razor Clams
Achill North South Native Oyster

 

* Note 5 Classification of echinoderms

It is No longer a requirement to classify harvest sites of echinoderms