Abstract

Rapid expansion of the mussel farming industry in New Zealand, from an annual production of 300 t in 1977 to about 12,000 to at present resulted from the introduction of the longline system. This simple, efficient, low cost and aesthetically acceptable system allowed the new industry to exploit the rapid growth rate and available supplies of spat of the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). Spat supplies, food availability and market expansion are possible constraints on the continued growth of the mussel industry. The economics of growing, harvesting, processing and marketing hold the key to the industry's future potential.

GW, Montgomery, and GH Davis

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 47, , 115-118, 1987