Mussel Farm Update

Friday, 1 September 2006, 12:16 am
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

1 September 2006

Mussel Farm Update

Research on growing mussels at the site commenced in 2003.

A 150m backbone mussel line was installed and seeded in January 2005. This line has shown that it is technically feasible to establish and maintain longlines and grow shellfish in the exposed conditions of Hawke Bay. The mussels have grown well and are expected to come into condition in the next couple of months.

As $NZ returns from mussels have been depressed in the last few years, Cawthron Institute have been carrying out growth trials on two other shellfish species. With one of these species, there appears to be few technical issues, with the other, if the technical challenges can be mastered then the economics seem quite promising.
 
The main focus for the immediate future is to continue to develop a cost effective mussel growing and harvesting system.

Harvesting of the 1st line will occur in the next 2 months said Iwi Chairman - Ngahiwi Tomoana on behalf of Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, which has 40% shareholdings.

Ends
 

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