Citation: Patterson, R.L. 1904 The common mussel in Belfast Lough. Irish Naturalist 13: 148-150
Number of Pages: 3
Keywords: Belfast, Belfast Lough, Biogeography, Fauna, Marine, Mollusca, Northern Ireland
Abstract: Paper reports on the overfishing of mussel beds, primarily in Belfast Lough but also in other parts of Ireland. A record of the yearly tonnage of mussels collected from 1889 to 1904 is included, showing sharp declines in catch after periods of high tonnage collections. Note is made of destructive methods of collection, such as raking and dredging, and the problem of overfishing is discussed.