.

Facility and equipment

Pole type Mussel farming in the reference area is mainly a small-scale, family-based activity, providing employment for a significant part of the local population, both directly and through the associated processing industry.   Mussels are passive filter-feeding organisms, pumping water with a rate related to water velocity. A minimum water velocity is required for the water mass to be renewed inside the farm, so that mussels can be fed adequately. 

Types of mussel farming

There are two types of mussel culture operating in the area:

  • Poles
    The pole type requires a shallow water environment (less than 5m), they have a productivity of >30 t/1000 square meter, they have a surface unit of 500 – 1000 square meter per farm, and they need a small boat for the operation.
  • Long lines
    The long lines require a deeper water environment (more than 8 m of depth), they have a productivity of 10 t/1000 square meter, they have a surface unit of >10000 square meter per farm, and they need a big specific specially equipped boat for the operation.

 

siphon

Coastal infrastructure for mussel farming activities

Small wooden houses have been constructed at the mussel culture areas, with aim to provide to farmers all the necessary facilities during the whole year (shelter from bad weather and harsh conditions). All houses are provided with small docks for the boats and with space available in order to store the nets, socks and other equipment.