New Zealand is renowned the world over for its unspoiled environs.

The New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussel industry protects the unpolluted waters in which these unique mussels grow by adhering to a strict Environmental Management System, ensuring many generations to come can continue to enjoy the beauty of New Zealand’s coasts and the bountiful supply of New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussels from its seas.

In recognizing its relationship with the environment the New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussel industry is working to ensure that all of its activities are environmentally responsible and sustainable, from seed mussel (spat) through to harvesting and processing of the finished product. The Environmental Code of Practice contained within the industry’s Environmental Management System formalizes the industry’s commitment to the environment and ensures best industry practices are used throughout.

All of the formal environmental studies carried out to date give the New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussel farming industry a clean bill of health. Since the inception of New Zealand mussel farming in the late 1960’s there has been minimal ecological imbalance observed upon or near established marine farm sites. The fact that most New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussel farms are sited in areas were mussels occur naturally has some bearing on this outcome.

Perhaps the biggest plus for New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussel farming in the environmental sense is the fact that no harmful additives are used. The only artificial or manmade components are the inert floats, ropes and anchors which provide a support for the mussels while they grow. There is no use whatsoever of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or artificial feeds. In respect to the environment New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussel farming is cleaner and greener than organic gardening.

In all of its land based operations the New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussel industry is no less conscious of its obligations to minimize and eliminate pollution factors. The industry currently funds and promotes research to provide environmentally sustainable waste management practices. The New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussel industry Environmental Policy stresses the “five-R” principles of waste management - reduction; reuse; recycling; recovery; and residual management to every part of the industry from the growing waters through to the end consumer.

New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussels are cultured on suspended longlines and are not dredged. The New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussel is an ecologically sustainable product.