Galicia mussel production recovers as 90% of rafts reopen

Mussel production in Galicia is recovering as 90% of the region's mussel rafts (bateas) have reopened. This recovery follows a period of significant decline caused by 'red tide'—marine biotoxins that forced the closure of most harvesting areas in 2025.

The Consellería do Mar and the DOP Mexillón de Galicia confirmed that the current harvest shows good size and yield. While production fell to 177,600 tons in 2025, marking a third consecutive year of decline, officials expect a return to a “normal year” as delayed production from the previous cycle is now being extracted.

According to Intecmar, only six zones remain closed in Bueu, Portonovo, and Baiona, while major areas such as the Rías of Vigo, Arousa, Ares-Betanzos, and Camariñas are open. To prevent future disruptions, the Xunta is investing in a digital twin monitoring system to track environmental parameters like water temperature, salinity, and pH levels.