The poor mussel yield attributed to the dry summer has had an impact in Nelson but processors say it is just a part of the industry.
The Wakatu Incorporation’s Kono Seafoods has laid off nearly 200 workers at its Blenheim processing plant for a month. The Nelson Ranger Fishing Company has also shut down its Picton factory, affecting 50 staff. It too hopes to reopen next month.
Talley’s Fisheries processes mussels in Motueka. Director Andrew Talley declined to go into specifics on any effects on the workforce but confirmed it was a poor mussel season.