By means of: Editorial
Tue Apr 30, 10:41
General
SEROOSLKERKE – On April 10, OOS SMF announced that it will carry out a pilot in which mussels are grown on the high seas in the Borssele wind farm. With this test, OOS wants to gain insight into the collection of mussel seed, the growth of the mussels, but also the impact of bad weather on the innovative system designed by OOS. Growing mussels on the high seas requires a different approach than growing mussels in sheltered waters such as the Oosterschelde. OOS has extensive experience working on the high seas.
OOS is now taking the next step by entering into a partnership with Aquamossel-Triton from Yerseke. Aquamossel-Triton will support OOS during the test with the breeding process, monitoring the growth of the mussels as well as the final harvest and sale of the mussels. Aquamossel-Triton is the largest processor of mussels in Yerseke and has approximately a third of the fresh mussel market.
Zeeland North Sea mussel
The test is expected to last approximately 2 years. If the results are positive, OOS and Aquamossel-Triton have conceived the idea of jointly building and operating a large (semi-submersible) mussel farm off the Zeeland coast. Leon Overdulve (CEO OOS): “We believe in the success of growing mussels at sea. Mussel production in the Oosterschelde has been declining for many years. The system designed by OOS offers the opportunity to halt the decline of the Dutch mussel sector. We expect to soon be able to put a unique product on the market: the Zeeland North Sea mussel.” David de Koeijer (Aquamossel Triton): “We are very curious to see what results the test will yield. We are happy to support these types of initiatives. Together with OOS we strive to make this test a success.” Coen Mijnsbergen (CFO OOS): “The test required a significant investment. The aim is to build and operate a large mussel farm. The cultivation of mussels at sea fits in with the food transition. Mussels absorb CO2 and contain many healthy proteins. Compared to meat, mussel production is very sustainable.”
OOS and Aquamossel-Triton signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 to underline their plans.
