The role of mussels in sustainable fisheries

Fishing is an industry that employs more than 39 million people across the globe and accounts for 7% of all protein consumed.

But there is no denying that overfishing is a problem that causes significant harm to the global fishing industry.

At EP Seafoods, we are proud to be part of the solution. Mussels are one of the most sustainable seafood choices available. In fact, mussels play an essential role in enhancing the marine environment.

Why is overfishing a problem?

To understand sustainable fisheries and how to make the right choices, it’s important first to understand what overfishing is and why it’s a problem.

Overfishing is akin to exploitation. When a fishery is overfished it means that a species is caught at a rate that is incompatible with the rate at which the stock can replenish.

While the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has made significant headway in reducing illegal global overfishing, it is still a problem. It not only affects the future fish stocks available, it also has the potential to impact on the livelihoods of those involved in fisheries and leads to significant wastage.

How can you help?

You can help by making sustainable choices. And the greatest choice you can make is to choose seafood that is sustainably managed, rather than chronically overfished.

But sustainability is about more than protecting stocks for future generations. It is also about the impact of the stock on the marine environments they live and grow in.

Given how much we rely on fisheries, not only for our global economy but also as a food source, it’s important that we all play our part in understanding the impact of fisheries and how the choices we make play a role in a better future.

The better sustainable choice

Mussels have very little impact on the environments in which they grow. In fact, they are like the vacuum cleaners of the sea, filtering nutrients and phytoplankton from the water as they grow.

It’s because of their powerful filtering abilities that mussels don’t actually require any additional feed. They get everything they need from their marine co-inhabitants. And in the process, they are keeping the ocean clean for the other marine life around them.

Mussels are as self-sustaining as they are delicious!

Pick up a packet of premium mussels

The next time you are at your local supermarket or specialty seafood retailer, look for our premium mussel brands – Kinkawooka Shellfish and Boston Bay Mussels – on the shelf.

When you purchase our premium brands you can enjoy your seafood knowing that the mussels you are eating are contributing to sustainable fisheries and a brighter future for marine environments.