Canada’s Prince Edward Island mussel producers are back on the water to harvest following an “unprecedented” winter, according to the Mussel Industry Council of PEI.
Record snowfalls of up to 18 feet in some areas and icy conditions made winter harvests difficult.
“Ensuring the safety of our farmers and employees was first and foremost as ice conditions were constantly changing,” said Linda Duncan, executive director of the council. “This made keeping up with full production a significant challenge for everyone.”
With temperatures rising to break up the ice, and winds working to push remaining ice out of the harbors, the industry is now back to full production and able to meet demand.
“We certainly hope to not have a winter like this any time soon,” added Duncan. “But if we do, it’s great to know that our customers are supportive, and then so eager to get our PEI mussels back on their plates.”
PEI mussels are the top-selling mussel in North America, with a yield of more than 50 million pounds (22,730 metric tons) harvested annually. The PEI industry represents 80 percent of Canadian mussel production.
