The meeting served to present to the sector the results of two research works that reinforce the commitment of the organization

Experts present two research studies on mussels

SPAIN
Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 05:00 (GMT + 9)

Galician mussel farming, a pillar of sustainability and innovation that ensures the future of the Galician estuaries

• Two pioneering investigations highlight the economic, social and environmental impact of mussel farming in Galicia, underlining its role as a model of sustainability and innovation in the face of the challenges of climate change

• With more than 8,000 direct jobs, the Galician mussel reaffirms its global leadership thanks to the sector's commitment to science and sustainability

Vilagarcía de Arousa. “Mussel farming is the economic, social and cultural soul of our estuaries. With research and sustainability, we will ensure its future for future generations,” said Ricardo Herbón, president of the Galician Mussel Producers Organisation (Opmega), at the opening of the working day held today in the Auditorium of Vilagarcía de Arousa. The meeting served to present to the sector the results of two research projects that reinforce the organisation's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Both investigations, carried out by teams of renowned experts, highlight the sustainability and innovative capacity of mussel farming, underlining its economic, social and environmental impact. The first report, entitled "Sustainability Indicators of Mussel Farming", prepared by Diana Zúñiga and Uxío Labarta in collaboration with Inxenia Desarrollos Tecnológicos S.L., analyses the balance between the carrying capacity of Galician estuaries and current mussel production. The second report, "Ecosystem Services Provided by Cultivated Mussels", led by Antón Álvarez Salgado (IIM-CSIC), Severino P. Ibánhez (IIM-CSIC), Ana Vila, Ruth Iglesias, Isabel Fuentes and Nicolás V Robineau, highlights the role of the mussel as an ecological and economic driver.

Photo: OPMEGA

Main conclusions of the work:

1- Indicators of sustainability of mussel farming

The first of the reports confirms that the Galician estuaries have an extraordinary capacity to sustain mussel farming thanks to their coastal upwelling system, which provides essential nutrients. However, it points out that long-term sustainability will depend on the management of the sector, as well as adaptive strategies to deal with climate change.

• Seed and collection: The importance of seed availability is underlined, recommending the use of predictive models to improve the efficiency of its collection in collectors and natural areas.
• Impact of climate change: Changes in wind patterns and extreme events could influence mussel reproductive cycles, requiring resilient strategies to ensure the stability of production.

Photo: OPMEGA

2-Ecosystem services provided by mussel farming

This second study highlights that mussels are not only an economic resource, but also an ecological and social pillar that provides multiple benefits:

• Provision services: Every year, farming produces 16,000 tons of protein (enough for 900,000 people) and 41,200 tons of calcium carbonate, used in agriculture and industry.
• Environmental regulation: Mussels act as large filters - we are talking about 30% of the water in the estuaries. In addition, the preservation of biodeposits and the reuse of shells can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
• Cultural and support services: Mussel rafts promote biodiversity by creating marine habitats and play a key role in coastal protection, as well as being a symbol of Galicia's gastronomic and cultural heritage.

A strategic sector that wants to protect its future

Currently, the Galician estuaries maintain a sustainable balance in mussel farming, and there is no overexploitation of the ecosystems'nla  según destacó el carrying capacity, as highlighted by the president of Opmega after learning the results of the reports. In this regard, he pointed out that, as the sector defends, the management model has allowed production to be sustained "without critically impacting the ecosystems, ensuring that the current level of exploitation is compatible with environmental health and the economic viability of the sector," explained Herbón.

Both works emphasize that mussel farming is essential for Galicia, generating more than 8,000 direct jobs. During the day, participants had the opportunity to interact with scientists and discuss how these investigations can serve as a guide to face the challenges of climate change and strengthen the competitiveness of the sector in a global market.

"The Galician mussel is not just a product, it is a sustainable model that connects economy, environment and culture," said Uxío Labarta, while Antón Álvarez Salgado stressed that "mussel farming not only generates wealth, it also protects and improves coastal ecosystems."genera riqueza, también protege y mejora los ecosistemas costeros".

The two reports promoted by Opmega have been financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the European Maritime Fund for Fisheries and Aquaculture, as part of the 2024 Production and Marketing Plan of the bateeira organization. The day concluded with the commitment of the sector to continue investing in science and innovation to guarantee a sustainable production model that maintains Galicia as an international leader in mussel farming.

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Print