Mussel industry aiming to stay strong

PIONEERING technologies and skills in production, processing and marketing has lifted the Irish rope mussel industry from zero over the past two decades to a position where it now has an estimated final sales value of €20 million, it was revealed in a report published yesterday.

But the Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Enterprise Ireland-commissioned document warned that maximising sustained profitability can only be achieved if the industry, which employs 570 people on 59 farms and five processing and exporting companies, collectively supports a quality-driven, innovation-led approach.

The document was presented at the Irish Shellfish Association’s annual conference in Ennis, Co Clare, to Marine Minister John Browne.