News Release Archive
FISHERIES--REPORTS RELEASED
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Nova Scotia mussel growers will benefit from a set of
recently published reports evaluating environmentally
friendly cotton mussel socks, Fisheries Minister Jim
Barkhouse said today.
The study on dissolvable mussel socks was prepared in
conjunction with the Nova Scotia Research Foundation
Corporation. The reports present results from field
experiments using different types and sizes of cotton socks.
"Growth trials have shown that this type of socking will
work in Nova Scotia. Both Spain and New Zealand, two leading
mussel producing countries, use this method and we should
explore opportunities for using it here," said the
minister.
Cotton socks are of similar construction to the plastic
version now used by most Nova Scotia growers. Aquaculturists
fill mesh tubes with small mussels and hang them vertically
in the water column from a long line which is supported by
floats. However, since the cotton sock will dissolve, they
require a cord placed down the center to support the mussels
as they grow.
"Cotton socks offer several potential advantages over
traditional socks," said project engineer Chuck McKenna. He
said that the cotton sock will eliminate disposal problems
with plastic mesh, plus the mussels and mud that remain
inside the sock. "The central cord of the cotton sock is
reusable and the cotton simply breaks apart and dissolves as
the mussels grow out."
Mr. McKenna said the cotton sock could also improve
production. "Compared with the traditional plastic socks
used here, it lends itself more to automation. This would
cut down on labor costs and increase production," he said.
Mussel farmers are being encouraged to read the reports and
determine for themselves if the methods now used in Spain
and New Zealand would benefit their businesses.
Aquaculturists will find that the materials and equipment
used in these countries are commercially available in
Canada.
Copies of the reports are available from the Technology and
Inspection Division, Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries,
P.O. Box 2223, Halifax, N.S., B3J 3C4, 902-424-4560.
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Contact: Diane Kenny 902-424-0308
trp Jan. 31, 1996 - 8:37 a.m.