Mussel farmer scoops award

A SYSTEM to manage and monitor shellfish sites developed by Shetland mussel farmers has scooped an M&S “farming for the future” award.

Shetland Mussels Ltd., which supplies seafood to M&S, won the innovation award category having devised a “risk-based matrix” for shellfish farmers to ensure mussels are only harvested at times when it is safe to do so.

Working closely with other local mussel farmers, they developed a system enabling harvesters to easily interpret the results of algae and toxin monitoring programmes.

The new management system ensures mussels are not harvested at times when the levels of the naturally occurring marine toxins are likely to become harmful.

It has now been adopted by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) as “guidance” for widespread use by the industry.

Shetland Mussels managing director Michael Tait said: “We are delighted to have won this award which underlines the innovation that lies at the heart of the Shetland mussel farming industry.

“By minimising the potential harm caused by naturally occurring toxin outbreaks, this new system helps supports a multi-million pound Scottish industry that is concentrated in fragile rural communities by ensuring consumer confidence in mussels as a safe, delicious and healthy product to eat.”