New cultivation system to boost efficiency

Inverlussa Shellfish Company Ltd at Loch Spelve on Mull is conducting trials with the New Zealand ‘continuous rope’ system, which has the potential to make the complex harvesting operation more efficient.

 In New Zealand this system has proved a fast and effective harvesting method, ensuring a consistent product with a minimal loss of shells.

“The system works well in New Zealand and I believe some Irish mussel farmers have also had success with it. It would probably be too expensive for us to convert our whole farm to this method, but we are keen to trial it, and if successful, use it for part of our operation to begin with.”