2014 Consultation on the Management of Inshore Special Areas of Conservation and Marine Protected Areas Overview

Protected Area H - Noss Head MPA

Noss Head MPA off the coast of Wick in the north of Scotland supports the largest known horse mussel bed in Scottish waters at depths of between 35-45m. Horse mussels resemble the more familiar blue mussels of the seashore, but are much larger at 10-20 cm long. The shell is very thick and dark blue to black in colour, with a glossy brown covering. In Gaelic, horse mussels are called 'clabaidh-dubha' ('clabbydoos'), meaning big black mouths. This describes perfectly how they appear on the seabed, the gaping shells lined with pale lips of the living mussel surrounding the deep, dark mouth.

Horse mussels are long-lived, many survive for more than 25 years and some may live for more than 50 years. The mussels' large shell provides a solid foundation for many other animals, including soft corals, tubeworms, barnacles, sea firs, and sea mats. Between the live shells, and inside dead ones, brittlestars, crabs, worms, molluscs and many other small animals find shelter which attracts young fish to feed. Young mussels are a favourite meal for crabs and starfish; but once the mussels grow to more than 6 cm long they are relatively safe from these predators.

Summary of the approach to management

The use of demersal trawls, mechanical dredge, or suction dredges (boat or diver operated) would be prohibited throughout the MPA.

Further information

See the Protected Area H section in the following documents;

Approaches
Maps
Pictures

See questions 21 - 22