



Scott Lindell, a scientist at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, helped develop the project proposal.  According to Lindell, the Corps only authorized the use of three mussel lines, at first, to ensure that the technology can withstand rough weather so there is minimal risk to marine life.  Over time, partners could deploy up to 25 mussel lines, if the initial tests are successful.

Each mussel line consists of a 480-foot long 1-inch thick horizontal polysteel rope (head rope), which is suspended in the water column to a depth of 20 to 30 feet using anchor lines and buoys. Mussels are then hung vertically, in “socks” from the head rope, roughly three feet apart.  Mussels grown from seed (small mussels captured from the area) reach a marketable size (about 2 inches) in about a year.

“With all human activities we know there are some environmental risks, but when properly located and operated responsibly, aquaculture projects like this can benefit society and the marine ecosystem,” said John Bullard, regional administrator, NOAA Fisheries. “For instance, they provide locally produced seafood and jobs, and help to improve water quality.”

When grown in nutrient-rich offshore waters, farmed mussels filter their food directly from the water column.  This eliminates the need to add food to the system.  As filter feeders, mussels draw nutrients from the surrounding water, which can improve water quality.

An added benefit of offshore shellfish aquaculture is that it can increase domestic production to meet U.S. demand for shellfish.  Currently, most U.S. shellfish production is limited to marine and estuarine waters near shore.  However, user conflicts and limited space are significant barriers to increased shellfish production in state waters.  Currently, about 85 percent of the demand for premium fresh mussels in the U.S. is imported from Canada, producing a trade deficit of $20 million a year.

Commercial fisherman and project applicant, Domenic Santoro, sees this as a way to help other fishermen facing reduced numbers of wild fish.  “It’s a new business opportunity that provides U.S. jobs to meet consumer demand, so we don’t have to rely so much on imports.”

To help minimize the risk to protected species such as sea turtles and whales, NOAA Fisheries recommended protective measures during the development of this aquaculture project.  For instance, phased project implementation and regular monitoring by trained observers enables the agency to assess potential risks to protected species before the project expands.

“We believe whales and other marine creatures will be able to see the gear in the water so they can avoid it,” said David Alves, aquaculture coordinator for the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office. “Because there is little slack in the tensioned lines, which are used to anchor the gear to the bottom, there are no free floating ropes that could entangle marine life.  The use of polysteel lines also may help prevent entanglements because these lines are rigid.”

This project supports a key priority under NOAA’s Marine Aquaculture Policy, which is “to support restoration and commercial shellfish aquaculture initiatives to restore shellfish populations, provide locally produced food and jobs, help improve water quality and restore and conserve coastal habitat.”