19 September 2005
Statistics recently released by Seafood Shetland demonstrate that mussel production, which already supplies 50 per cent of Scotland's farmed mussels, will continue to steadily increase over the next three years, with a predicted increase of around 16 per cent in the next year (to 3,920 tonnes from the 2005 level of 3,394 tonnes).
This growing industry forms an integral part of Shetland's aquaculture sector, and its value to the local economy is significant. This year, UK sales were worth £3.3 million and the industry provided employment for 100 people in full, part-time and casual positions.
Commenting on the increase in mussel production, chief executive of Seafood Shetland, Ruth Henderson, said: “The increased mussel production has been planned to meet market demands. Shetland mussels are well respected and have a very good reputation in the marketplace.
“For the future, shellfish growers will undertake sustainable and planned growth while exploring new species and adding value to the product. Other developments include producing a code of best practice and obtaining Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for Shetland mussels.”
Demlane Mussels from Walls is an example of a company that has led the way in successfully developing its rope-grown mussels, which results in a thin-shelled product with exceptionally high meat content.
In a recent move, the company has been acquired by Oban-based Isle of Shuna Shellfish Ltd, which will continue to grow the company and develop Demlane Mussels' established reputation for delivering a consistently high quality and fully traceable product.
Olnafirth Sea Farm Ltd, based in Voe, also farms mussels. Farmer Keith Robertson previously farmed salmon for twelve years and diversified into mussels seven years ago.
Commenting on the growth of the industry, he said: “Last year we produced 95 tonnes of mussels and this year the volume has increased to 120 tonnes. We do have scope to gradually increase tonnage year on year to a maximum level of 200 tonnes.
“The mussels are grown on a sinkable rope supplied by a company in Spain. We are the only farm in Shetland using this method, which is very easy to install as you don't need to spend time pegging it or running weights.
“Our mussels are marketed to wholesale markets and supermarkets through the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group (SSMG), which is run by a co-operative of member farms. Shetland mussel farmers currently supply around half of SSMG's production.
“SSMG has now expanded into the value added market, producing a cooked product in a variety of sauces. Most of my clean shelled mussel is used in the production of this new range, which is then supplied direct to supermarkets.”