The Hindu Business Line : Plea to classify mussel as marine product

SCIENTISTS and exportersare exploring the possibility of reclassification of mussel and other edible oysters as marine product for the purpose of exporting it to European Union countries.

Currently, mussels are classified as live bivalves by the European Union making its export virtually impossible. Various Central Government agencies such as MPEDA, Export Inspection Agency and fisheries institutes are in the process of a negotiation in this regard, Dr K.K. Appukuttan, Head, Molluscan Fisheries Division of CMFRI, said.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Winter School on recent advancements in mussel and edible oyster farming and marine pearl production organised by CMFRI, he said the EU had imposed strict quality standards for the export of live bivalves compared to other marine products. Quality standards of the medium in which bivalves are cultivated have to be prescribed and the water in which they are framed should qualify 83 quality parameters, he added.

Kerala offers good export potential for mussel and edible oysters. At present, mussels are cultivated in 70 units in Kasargod district whereas edible oysters are farmed in 120 units in Kollam district. Several units have been set up in Kozhikode and Malappuram district and all of them together provide employment opportunities to more than 4,000 people, he said.

Nearly 20 per cent of the mussel meat produced in the State is being exported to Gulf countries. The meat fetches a price between Rs 50 and Rs 75 in the local market.

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