Greenshell™ Mussels (Perna canaliculus)
Greenshell™ mussels is the trade-marked name of farmed native green-lipped mussels. A New Zealand delicacy for centuries, commercial farming of this species began over 40 years ago. Since then, the domestic and international demand for this product has grown dramatically.
In 2008, New Zealand Greenshell™ mussel exports rose to $204.25 million - a value increase of 17 per cent over 2007. The value increase was in spite of a 9 per cent decline in volume (33,300 tonnes in 2008 v. 36,160 tonnes in 2007). Greenshell™ mussels continue to be New Zealand's biggest aquaculture business and the largest (by value) single species of seafood exported today.
All Greenshell™ mussels are grown suspended from long-lines which are supported by floats in the coastal marine environment. This is referred to as long-line culture and is regarded as the most efficient, economic and environmentally-friendly method of farming mussels.
The planning and approval process for new mussel farms in New Zealand considers the farm’s potential environmental effects, its effects on fishing activities, and any possible cultural and social (including navigational and visual) effects.
Our regulations and monitoring programmes ensure Greenshell™ mussels are farmed in a sustainable manner. Regulations and monitoring, including the industry shellfish quality monitoring programmes, also ensure these mussels meet the highest standards of food safety.
New Zealand’s Greenshell™ mussel farmers and processors are also expected to comply with Aquaculture New Zealand’s Greenshell™ Mussel Industry Environmental Code of Practice.
The harvesting and processing of mussels is carried out in accordance with food safety standards that ensure all commercial shellfish are safe to eat in the raw state.
