Mussels

The South Australian mussel aquaculture industry is based on the production of Mytilus edulis, the Blue Mussel (.PDF 63KB).

There are 10 mussel farmers in South Australia, operating in the waters off Port Lincoln with leases approved off Wallaroo and the west coast of the state.

The mussel industry in South Australia is still in its infancy, but is developing strongly and is expected to contribute significantly to the aquaculture industry in the near future.

Production

The Economic Impact report 2002/03 (.PDF 242KB) shows that South Australia’s mussel aquaculture industry produced around 254 tonnes in 2002/03 valued at $466,000.

Production in South Australia is expected to increase as existing farms expand, and new sites are identified and developed. Industry estimates that South Australia will be producing over 2,200 tonnes of blue mussels valued at over $4.8M by 2003/04.

Economic Impact

Direct business turnover generated in South Australia by mussel farming enterprises totalled $600,000 in 2001/02. Flow-ons to other sectors of the state economy added another $1.0M in business income in the same period (EconSearch 2003).

Markets

South Australian mussels are currently sold fresh throughout Australia. Mussels are harvested and sent live to market where they have up to 7 days shelf life. The industry recognises the need to have alternative markets and are currently looking at value added alternatives. These include packaging that will extend shelf life and convenient forms of precooked mussels.

For more information on future production and market opportunities for mussels, download the following reports: Aquaculture Industry Market Assessment 2002 (.PDF 3.4MB) and South Australian Aquaculture Market Analysis 2002 (.PDF 3.5MB).

Quality Assurance

The South Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program (SASQAP) was established as a joint initiative between Primary Industries and Resources (PIRSA) and the shellfish industry of South Australia in 1994.

The main aim of SASQAP is:

to provide public health protection for consumers of South Australian shellfish and thus allow the development of a sustainable shellfish industry across the state

SASQAP is managed from Port Lincoln SA, where it operates a NATA Accredited laboratory performing all microbiological testing. Phytoplankton enumeration on water samples is also performed at the laboratory but other analytical services (biotoxin and chemical testing) are provided by other agencies on a fee for service basis.

Industry Development

The South Australian Mussel Growers Association Inc. (SAMGA) was established and incorporated in 1996 by a group of growers who saw the need to take a collaborative approach to managing the industry. SAMGA gives individual growers a voice to government on individual and industry issues. SAMGA also has representation on the South Australian Aquaculture Council (SAAC), which represents the major aquaculture sectors in the state.

The Future

For the mussel industry to reach its full potential the industry needs to focus on marketing the product. The ‘live whole’ market will not take all the mussels that can potentially be grown. A value added alternative is essential for the industry to expand.

Contact Details

For further information on the mussel industry in South Australia, please contact:

Mr Andy Dyer
SA Mussel Growers Association
16 Gawler Terrace
Port Lincoln SA 5606
Phone/Fax: 08 8682 3065
Mobile: 0428 837 275
Email: andyer@bigpond.com