New Zealand greenshell mussels are the most ocean-friendly seafood in the world, says America's Blue Ocean Institute.
Blue Ocean gave New Zealand greenshells the top score of 3.45 out of 4 in its Guide to Ocean Friendly Seafood, after an evaluation by environmental scientists.
New Zealand Mussel Industry Council executive officer Rebecca
Clarkson said that was a great result.
"We have some of the highest environmental hurdles to overcome in order to grow mussels in New Zealand and the industry has invested heavily in environmental research and good farm management practices. To have this recognised worldwide is a major coup for this industry."
Ms Clarkson said recently published seafood consumer guides had failed to include New Zealand greenshell mussels and she looked forward to seeing them in the species-to-buy section.
In its fishery "scorecard" the Blue Ocean Guide found that like other mussels, New Zealand greenshells filtered plankton and nutrients from the surrounding water, thereby improving water quality.
The mussels were native, but farmed, and management practices in New Zealand were strong, it said
"New Zealand's rigorous permitting process prevents habitat degradation by ensuring that farms are excluded from sensitive habitat areas."
The mussels rated slightly above farmed blue mussels at 3.30 and ahead of farmed clams, oysters and scallops.
Far lower in the ocean-friendly stakes was swordfish at 2.15 and canned tuna at 1.92.
The institute found the worst-hit fish in the food chain were sturgeon from the Caspian Sea, which were being decimated by poor management, overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction.
- NZPA
