Enhancing Water Quality with Greenshell Mussels

Boat in sea

In an innovative collaboration, MacLab has partnered with Cawthron, Port Nelson, and Moananui to enhance water quality in the Nelson Haven by cultivating greenshell mussels (GSM) off one of the port’s wharves.

Port Nelson’s Environment Manager, Shannon Holroyd, noted the success of similar projects at the Ports of Auckland. These projects saw the attachment of 38 seeded mussel lines to public spaces on an inner-city wharf and the reseeding of mussels to improve water quality in the Hauraki Gulf.

As a key partner in the Moananui blue economy cluster, MacLab plays a crucial role in this project. Moananui acts as the national hub for blue economy innovation and high-value creation, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and access to innovation opportunities to accelerate responsible development within the maritime sector.

Together with Port Nelson and Cawthron, we developed the proposal for the Living Filters project, a pioneering six-month trial aimed at introducing GSMs into the port. This project received funding from the Sustainable Seas Fund. MacLab contributed nearly 29,000 juvenile mussels for two frames, which were hung in sleeves off a port wharf in January.

Mark Burnaby, MacLab’s Aquaculture Manager, highlighted the environmental benefits of greenshell mussels. “Greenshell mussels are natural filter feeders,” Burnaby explained. “They improve water quality by removing particles, nutrients, and contaminants from the water, which can help mitigate the effects of urban runoff and industrial pollutants.”

Six weeks into the trial, Shannon reported that the mussels had grown to between 8-11mm. To support this project, Cawthron installed data loggers and samplers to monitor various environmental factors, including water temperature, and the presence of heavy metals and hydrocarbons.

The location, at the estuary of the Maitai River, is known to carry heavy metals from roofs, hydrocarbons, and other urban runoff. Boating activities, such as painting and cleaning ships, also contribute to the presence of these pollutants. Our hope is that the mussels will help reduce these contaminants through their natural filtration process, also known as bioremediation.

Mark Burnaby further noted, “In addition to improving water quality, greenshell mussels can enhance biodiversity by providing habitat for other marine organisms. This can lead to healthier and more resilient marine ecosystems.” See the video below.

Factory Work

Location: Nelson / Tasman

Job Type: Full Time

Duration: Permanent

Division: Factory

MacLab leads the way in the nutraceutical market. We use sustainable practices to farm mussels in the top of the South for processing into high value products at our modern factory in Tahunanui. Our culture provides a great place to work where our people are valued, work is enjoyable and rewarding. As we ramp up our operations, we are seeking enthusiastic people to join our team in our Nelson factory.

We’re Looking for People Who Are:

  • Keen to learn new skills;
  • Have a good level of physical fitness;
  • Reliable with good work ethics;
  • Team players with a positive attitude;
  • NZ resident or have a valid NZ work visa;

 

We operate 24/7 with 3 shifts per day and offer flexibility around days and hours worked. Both permanent / fixed term and full-time / part-time positions are available.

Why Work for Us?

  • Attractive remuneration;
  • Great working conditions with a focus on health and safety;
  • Excellent on-going training provided;
  • Variety of work within a friendly team;
  • Excellent career opportunity.

 

If you are keen to be a valued team member of a successful company, please submit your application online or email to jobs@maclab.co.nz with Factory Work as a reference.