Mussel harvesting delayed until January, as red tide reaches its peak and is expected to improve

The mussel sector fears for the Christmas season with ‘all products unsold’

 

Vilagarcía, 27 November 2025, Opmega will delay mussel harvesting until 2 January and highlights the impact of the toxin closure in a key month for sales

Opmega confirmed today that it will accept the request from the Regional Ministry of the Sea to delay the start of mussel harvesting until 2 January. The organisation explains that it is taking this decision ‘responsibly’ and in line with the technical criteria provided by scientists.

At the same time, Opmega expressed its deep concern about the situation caused by the toxin, which has shut down more than half of Galicia and prevented the removal of the product accumulated on the rafts. They emphasise that this is happening on the eve of the Christmas season and in a month, November, when sales are traditionally very important for the sector.

According to the information provided by the Regional Ministry at the meeting, reports indicate that the highest levels of toxin are currently being recorded and that, from now on, the situation should begin to improve progressively.