In an effort to produce green mussels adopting an environmentally-sound culture production method, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) funded the Mussel Science and Technology Program.
The project is being implemented by the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (UPV-CFOS) in partnership with Samar State University-Mercedes Campus, College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, and the Capiz State University.
The program identified the longline and raft methods in the production of green mussels because of certain advantages. These methods have shown better growth and survival rate, based on the outputs of the program. They also minimize sedimentation compared with the traditional “stake” method, where it traps sediment between bamboo poles that make growing areas shallow.
The longline uses a 50-meter main line supported by buoys on both ends and anchored by cement at the bottom of the seabed. Two-meter dangling ropes hang on a 50-meter main line containing up to 200 pieces of mussel spats. On the other hand, raft method places one-meter growout ropes hanging from a buoyed raft. These ropes can hold up to 15 kg of mussels.
Local government units (LGUs), private organizations, and cooperatives have already recognized the merits of these technologies. The LGU of Zumarraga, Samar, in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) VIII and Zumarraga Migrant Worker and Fisherfolk Association (ZUMIFA Inc.) are testing the longline and raft technologies in their municipal waters.
Barangay Bahay Mussel Farmer Cooperative in Tarangnan, Samar situated in Cambatutay Bay, has also expressed its interest to try these technologies. The City of Calbayog likewise intends to implement the technologies in estuarine areas at Brgy. Tinambacan District.
In 2015, farmers in Bacoor, Cavite were equipped with the use of longline method of growing mussels in a training conducted by DOST-PCAARRD.