The Menai Offshore Subsurface Shellfish Systems (MOSSS) project is a research and innovation project led by Bangor University with collaboration and support from the shellfish industry in North Wales to develop sustainable shellfish culture techniques.

MOSSS will develop innovative new offshore rope production systems, that are technically and economically viable in challenging environmental conditions, for the collection of mussel seed, on-grow of mussels and other shellfish species in North Wales. The project will also assess the potential for expansion into other offshore areas around Wales. Understanding of the potential scale of offshore mussel culture will be achieved using modelling of hydrodynamic condition, ecological modelling to assess potential productivity and carrying capacity and development, and data on key constraints on economic production including bacterial and viral water quality and risk from biotoxins.

This project is funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds through the Welsh Government which aims to invest in job creation and a sustainable and healthy European economy and environment.