There has been a boom in production of organic line mussels in Denmark, says Alfred Jokumsen, from the Danish research institute, DTU Aqua, at the Technical University of Denmark.
He said that organic farming of line mussels now makes a significant foot print in the development of the Danish Aquaculture sector and the target is to ensure that 10% of Denmark’s mussel production is organic by 2018.
Currently, nine production units have been approved for a total production of some 3,500 tonnes/year. In particular the Danish production of line mussels is taken place in the Limfjorden (North West Jutland), where the main producer currently is Seafood Limfjord in cooperation with the mussel processing company Vildsund Blue in Nykøbing Mors.
The line mussels are farmed on lines and in big socks, and due to the fact that they are reared higher in the water column than wild mussels more feed is available for their growth. The natural occurring mussel fry is settling on the lines each year and harvesting is taken place from a boat. What's more, the mussels contribute to the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from the water.
Mr Jokumsen said that the positive development in the production of organic line mussels has been facilitated by various initiatives from the Danish aquaculture sector. This includes contribution to the establishment and development of a sustainable market for organic line mussels in cooperation with the organic line mussel producers and the processing industry, which is being supported by governmental funds.
