Top 10 Best Fishery Companies in Isle of Anglesey

Anglesey's Maritime Harvest

Surrounded by the Irish Sea and divided from mainland Wales by the Menai Strait, the Isle of Anglesey has a deep connection to the sea. The Menai Strait is one of the UK's most important areas for mussel cultivation, with seed mussels relaid on carefully managed beds and harvested after growing to market size. Oysters are farmed in the sheltered waters, and lobster and crab are caught by inshore fishermen from harbours such as Holyhead, Amlwch, Moelfre and Cemaes. Sea salt production also draws on the purity of the Strait's waters.

This guide highlights ten fishery companies and seafood businesses that showcase the best of Anglesey and Menai Strait seafood.

The Top 10 Fishery Companies and Seafood Businesses

1. Myti Mussels

Myti Mussels is a leading mussel producer operating on the Menai Strait. It harvests rope-quality and bottom-grown mussels and supplies markets across the UK and Europe. Its commitment to sustainable practices has helped establish Menai mussels as a premium product.

2. Deep Dock

Deep Dock is a Menai Strait mussel producer and processor, supplying high-quality mussels to wholesalers and food service customers. Its expertise in mussel cultivation contributes to the reputation of the Strait as a shellfish hub.

3. Bangor Mussel Producers

Bangor Mussel Producers is one of the longest-established mussel businesses on the Menai Strait. Its fleet of mussel dredgers and relaying operations play a central role in the sustainable management of mussel beds.

4. Anglesey Sea Zoo

Located at Brynsiencyn, Anglesey Sea Zoo is Wales's largest aquarium and has long been involved in marine conservation, including shellfish and lobster hatchery work. It educates visitors about local marine life and promotes sustainable seafood practices.

5. Menai Oysters and Mussels

Menai Oysters and Mussels farms shellfish in the clean waters of the Menai Strait. Its oysters and mussels are prized by restaurants for their flavour and quality, reflecting the unique conditions of the Strait.

6. Menai Seafood Company

Menai Seafood Company sources local fish and shellfish and serves them through its seafood shop and restaurant operations. It provides a direct link between local fishermen and consumers, celebrating the catch of the day.

7. The Lobster Pot

The Lobster Pot at Church Bay is a long-established seafood restaurant famous for fresh lobster and crab. Its lobster holding ponds and focus on local shellfish make it a destination for seafood lovers visiting the island's northwest coast.

8. Halen Môn

Halen Môn produces world-renowned sea salt from Menai Strait seawater at Brynsiencyn. Its Protected Designation of Origin status recognises the unique qualities of the salt, and its success has drawn international attention to the purity of Anglesey's waters.

9. Welsh Fishermen's Association

The Welsh Fishermen's Association represents the interests of fishermen across Wales, including Anglesey's inshore fleet. It works on sustainability, fisheries management and market access, ensuring the voice of local fishermen is heard.

10. Seafish

Seafish is the UK public body supporting the seafood industry with research, training, market insight and responsible sourcing guidance. Its work helps Anglesey seafood businesses improve standards and access new markets.

Sustainability in the Menai Strait

The Menai Strait mussel fishery is managed through a Several Order, granting producers rights to cultivate specific areas while maintaining strict environmental standards. The Strait is also part of protected marine sites, requiring careful management to balance fishing with conservation. Mussel cultivation is considered one of the most sustainable forms of food production, as mussels filter seawater and require no feed inputs.

Inshore fishing for lobster and crab uses selective pot fishing, which minimises bycatch. Minimum landing sizes, protection of egg-bearing females and conservation measures help maintain healthy stocks.

Challenges and Opportunities

Anglesey's seafood businesses face challenges including changing trade arrangements, export regulations, climate change and water quality concerns. Exports to Europe, which historically formed a major market for Menai mussels, have been affected by new trade rules. However, opportunities exist in growing domestic demand for sustainable seafood, seafood tourism and premium restaurant markets.

Seafood tourism is particularly promising. Visitors to Anglesey are increasingly interested in tasting local shellfish, visiting seafood restaurants and learning about fishing heritage. Food festivals and seafood experiences help connect visitors with local producers.

How to Source Anglesey Seafood

Restaurants and retailers can source directly from local producers, through regional seafood wholesalers or at local fish shops. Asking about catch area, harvesting methods and sustainability credentials helps ensure responsible sourcing. Consumers can look for Menai mussels, local lobster and crab on menus across the island and support businesses that champion local seafood.

Harbours and Fishing Communities

Small harbours such as Moelfre, Cemaes, Amlwch and Beaumaris have long been the heart of Anglesey's fishing communities. While the number of full-time fishing boats is smaller than in past generations, inshore fishermen continue to land high-value shellfish that supply restaurants and markets. These harbours also support sea angling trips, wildlife boat tours and maritime heritage, creating a broader blue economy that blends fishing tradition with tourism and conservation.

Final Thoughts

Anglesey's fishery companies combine centuries of maritime tradition with modern sustainable practices. From Menai Strait mussels to Church Bay lobster and world-famous sea salt, these businesses showcase the richness of the island's waters. Supporting them helps sustain coastal communities and preserve the marine heritage of Ynys Môn.