Mussel Farming in Newfoundland: An Industry with Plenty of Room to Grow

            In our previous blogs, we have looked at varying topics concerning conservation issues around the world and practices that can make aquaculture more sustainable.  In today’s post, we are going to look at the industry of mussel farming, an industry that is very important to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador.  In particular, we will be looking at mussel culture in Newfoundland, how we compare to our maritime competition, techniques used in mussel farming, as well as conservation issues and impacts associated with this form of aquaculture. 

            The blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) is one of the four species that is farmed here in our province.  The industry for blue mussels here in our province is one that has been steadily increasing over the past decade, with all indications showing that it will only continue to grow.  The iceberg-chilled water that surrounds Newfoundland provides an optimal growing environment for mussels and creates a taste that is widely preferred to species farmed in warmer waters (NAIA 2011).  However, this desirable taste does not mean that Newfoundland grows the most mussels in Canada.  Within Canada, mussel farming makes up about 15.8% of all aquaculture, with Eastern Canada dominating the industry as they provide 98% of these mussels (Canadian Aquaculture, 2011; Statistics Canada, 2010).  Figure 1 shows mussel production and total value of mussels throughout Canada as of 2010.  As shown in the figure, while Newfoundland contributes a fair bit to the total, providing 2461 tonnes of mussels, PEI is by far the greatest producer of mussels in Canada as they produce over 18,000 tonnes of mussels per year.  However, if the value of the mussels produced is considered, mussels in British Columbia and Newfoundland have the most value. 

Figure 1: Total production and value of mussels across Canada (Data provided by Statistics Canada, 2010)

A detailed view of the techniques used in mussel culture is shown in figure 2.

Of the multiple growing styles shown, Newfoundland uses the long-line system.  In this system, mussel seeds are initially places into mesh tubes called socks and hung on a line in the ocean that are equipped with flotation devices, and then the mussels are left.  Throughout the year, these lines are continuously thinned out as the mussels continue to grow and become mature.  Once the mussels reach their optimum size, they are harvested, declumped, and sent to their distributor (Mussel Industry Council, 2012).

Figure 2: Production cycle for the farming of blue mussels (FAO, 2012)

While the future of mussel aquaculture in Newfoundland looks bright, there is one problem in particular may hamper the industry’s growth.  In order to keep their industry afloat, Newfoundland must rely on a reliable, annual seed supply (DFO, 2011).  This problem is not unique to Newfoundland, as farms in the Netherlands, Ireland and France have all experienced problems acquiring seeds in the past (FAO, 2012).  There are only a small number of mussel hatcheries located worldwide, so scientists are actively pursuing ways of looking at natural production in our waters.  Many provinces across Canada already naturally produce their own seed, however with the unique water currents around Newfoundland, a new process must be determined (DFO 2011).

Much like any other form of aquaculture, there have been many concerns raised over the conservation impacts on the environment.  However, for mussel farming, while there are numerous negative impacts that it can have on the environment, there are also a few positive ones as well.  Since mussels are filter feeders, the amount of phytoplankton that they consume could lead to food shortages for other planktivorous fishes, and thus leading to a decrease in species richness and diversity in farming areas (Beadman et al., 2004; Dankers and Zuidema, 1995).  Cultivation techniques associated with mussel farming have also raised issues since they may be causing harm to the environment, and wastes produced by the mussels can create anoxic environments and sediment buildup underneath farms (Kaiser et al., 1998).  While these issues are very serious, mussel farming can also contribute to the environment:  mussels are a major component of the recycling of nutrients in water bodies due to the feeding habits, and they also improve water quality in areas where they are farmed (Dame et al., 1991; Lindahl et al., 2005).

In terms of sustainability, Newfoundland still has a ways to go to create measures to address these conservation issues, especially when compared to Canada’s leaders in mussel farming, PEI.  PEI is known for two developments: the shellfish aquaculture industry environmental policy (SAIEP) and the shellfish aquaculture industry codes of practice (SAECOP).  These two developments clearly state the industry’s stance on many issues such as sustainable management, water quality, waste management, and they outline aquaculture practices that will help ensure that the industry respects the environment (Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance, 2012).  While Newfoundland does not currently have any management measures in place, initial meetings have been help to look at developing sustainable development policies, strategic plans, management plans as well as environmental codes of practice. 

So, while the future is bright for the mussel industry of Newfoundland and Labrador there is still plenty of room to grow.  If we want to be considered a leader in the mussel aquaculture world, then sufficient effort must be put into conservation measures and current research must continue. 

- Mark and Brandon

References:

Beadman HA, MJ Kaiser, M Galanidi, R Shucksmith, and RI Willows (2004). Changes in species richness with stocking density of marine bivalves. Journal of Applied Ecology 41: 464-475.

Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (2011). Production and Markets. Retrieved from: http://www.aquaculture.ca/files/production-markets.php

Damn R, N Dankers, T Prins, H Jongsma, and A Smaal (1991). The influence of mussel beds on nutrients in the western Wadden Sea and eastern Scheldt estuaries. Estuaries 14:130-138

Dankers N, and DR Zuidema (1995). The role of mussel (Mytilus edulis L.) and mussel culture in the dutch Wadden Sea. Estuaries. 18(1):71-80.

DFO (2011). Seeding an industry: mussel culture in Newfoundland. Retrieved from: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science/Publications/article/2007/03-12-2007-eng.htm

FAO (2012). Cultured Aquatic Species Information Programme Mytilus edulis. Retrieved from: http://www.fao.org/fishery/culturedspecies/Mytilus_edulis/en#tcNA009D

Kaiser MJ, G Burnell, and M Costello (1998). The environmental impact of bivalve mariculture: a review. Aquaculture ’98 Book of Abstracts. pp. 81-82

Lindahl O, R Hart, and B Hernroth (2005). Improving marine water quality by mussel farming: a profitable solution for Swedish society. Ambio. 34(2):131-138.

Mussel Industry Council (2012). On the Farm “From the Sea to your Plate”. Retrieved from: http://www.discovermussels.com/farm

Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (2011).  Blue Mussels. Retrieved from: http://naia.ca/nl-aquaculture/blue-mussels/

Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance (2012). Environmental Responsibility. Retrieved from: http://www.aquaculturepei.com/environmental_responsibility.php

Statistics Canada (2010). Aquaculture Statistics 2010. 23-222-x