An Assessment of the Potential for the Sustainable Development of the Edible Periwinkle, Littorina littorea, Industry in Ireland

Abstract

The edible periwinkle Littorina littorea (L.) has been exploited as a food source in Ireland since the stone age (Woodman, Anderson and Finlay, 1999). Today there is a large market for the edible periwinkle on the continent, principally in France. Pearson (1994) estimated that the Irish periwinkle industry was worth approximately €6.34 million (£5 million) in exports per annum. The edible periwinkle industry remains a fishery of economic and sociological importance in peripheral coastal communities. It is particularly important as an additional source of income in areas where few other employment opportunities exist.The main objectives of the project were: To establish the distribution and abundance of the edible periwinkle populations along the Irish coast and to provide a benchmark against which subsequent studies could be compared. In reviewing the Irish periwinkle industry, to assess its socio-economic impact on Irish coastal communities and to determine the potential impact of developments within this sector. To incorporate the resultant data into a Geographical Information System (GIS). The GIS would then be used as a decision making tool in developing a management strategy for the industry.