Pests and Diseases
The incidence of disease in the New Zealand Greenshell™ mussel farming industry is very low.
Mussel farm activities are, however, a potential vector for transporting diseases and pests around New Zealand, so it is important to ensure that farmed stock comes from a healthy source. In addition, mussels are farmed at relatively high densities, and it is important to minimise the risk of a potential disease or pest outbreak and prevent any spread to wild populations and between existing farms.
Marine farm activities (movement of vessels, gear, stock and spat) are one of the potential vectors for transporting unwanted and exotic marine species to new localities around the country.
Marine farms can also provide ideal habitats for some species, especially biofouling species. There is the potential for marine pests to establish on a marine farm, then multiply and subsequently spread into the surrounding natural environment. The pest may then cause changes to existing communities.
Good marine farm management is an effective way to minimise the spread of pests and diseases as well as maximise farm yield. The New Zealand aquaculture industry recognises that managing pests and diseases is important to the health of the environment and the mussel industry as a whole.
The mussel industry has therefore been proactive in developing an environmental code of practice, part of which focuses on the minimisation of the potential for further introduction of pests and diseases. The New Zealand mussel industry has also developed a Marine Fouling Organisms Guide and Exotic Disease Response Plan that complements existing MAF Biosecurity New Zealand guidelines.
