What is the age, size and weight of cultured shellfish at harvest?
It can take between 18 months and four years for shellfish to reach harvest size. Shellfish growth rate is related directly to the species (mussels grow faster than oysters) or the temperature and feeding conditions at their grow-out site. Molluscs are generally harvested at the time of year when they are in peak condition – at their “fattest.” Some species – mussels, for example – keep feeding over winter and can be harvested through the ice. Other species, such as oysters, need a period in the spring to recuperate from overwintering, before they reach a condition suitable for marketing. Mussels The average market-size Blue mussel – the variety sold widely in grocery stores and fish markets – is harvested when it reaches 5.5 cm to 6 cm (2–2.5 inches) in length. The mussels reach this size 18 to 24 months following the transfer of the mussel seed or spat to the grow-out mussel socks. A sock is a long mesh tube – often strengthened with a strand of polypropylene twine – suspended on lon
It can take between 18 months and four years for shellfish to reach harvest size. Shellfish growth rate is related directly to the species (mussels grow faster than oysters) or the temperature and feeding conditions at their grow-out site. Molluscs are generally harvested at the time of year when they are in peak condition at their “fattest.” Some species mussels, for example keep feeding over winter and can be harvested through the ice. Other species, such as oysters, need a period in the spring to recuperate from overwintering, before they reach a condition suitable for marketing. Mussels The average market-size Blue mussel the variety sold widely in grocery stores and fish markets is harvested when it reaches 5.5 cm to 6 cm (22.5 inches) in length. The mussels reach this size 18 to 24 months following the transfer of the mussel seed or spat to the grow-out mussel socks. A sock is a long mesh tube often strengthened with a strand of polypropylene twine suspended on longlines near the
