Mussel cultivation
From mussel seed to mussel auction. We do everything ourselves.
Mussel seed: fishing and collection
The cultivation of our mussels begins with the collection and dredging up of mussel seed (mini-mussels). We work increasingly with mussel seed capture installations rather than bottom dredging, as the latter disturbs the seabed. We began using this method in 2001, to allow the mussel banks to be left in peace and because we believe in sustainability and innovation. As we were pioneers in this field, the government rewarded us with more space on the Waddenzee for our efforts. And because we believe in sustainability, we continue to search for even better alternatives for commercial but ecologically-friendly mussel cultivation.
Dredging: twice a year, collection: once a year
If all goes well, mussel seed can be dredged up twice a year: in the spring and autumn. This depends on the quantity of mussel seed which has fallen. The collection and harvesting of mussel seed takes place once a year.
Cultivation plots
After catching the mussel seed, we plant it out on cultivation plots. There, the mini-mussels take around two and a half years to grow into adult mussels. This takes place on plots in the Waddenzee and Oosterschelde, which comprise some of the healthiest water in Europe. All our cultivated mussels are therefore raised either in Dutch waters in the Oosterschelde or the Waddenzee and are of the very best quality.
The mussel auction
As soon as the mussels are suitable for consumption – a point in time which is determined entirely by nature – we dredge them up. We are obliged to offer our mussels for human consumption for sale at the Dutch mussel auction in Yerseke, as are all other mussel farmers. This is where supply (mussel farmers) meets demand (mussel traders) and where we buy our own mussels. And, because we sell more than we cultivate, we also buy mussels from other farmers who produce top quality mussels. After buying mussels at the auction, we take them directly to our trading plots. Read more about this at mussel processing.
Certificates (MSC and BIO)
We have been MSC certified since 2011. We are one of the few businesses to have a BIO-certified mussel farm.
