The farming of blue mussels is performing fairly well. Mussels are farmed on ropes, on poles, on the seabed or on rafts in marine and coastal waters. Because mussels feed on plankton from the water, no feed or fertilisers are required and the environmental impact of farming is generally low.
Farming produces very little waste and can even contribute to removing nutrients from the water. Depending on the production method, mussel plots can have both positive and negative effects on the seabed and benthic life. Bottom culture in particular can disturb the seabed. Diseases and parasites occur, but large-scale outbreaks are rare. Escaped mussels generally have little impact on the environment because they are a native species.
Mussel seed is usually collected from natural mussel beds, including with mussel dredges, and in some areas using specialised collection installations. Collection using these installations has little impact on the surrounding environment. Harvesting mussel seed with mussel dredges causes greater disturbance to the seabed and vulnerable habitats and is not recommended by Good Fish.
Management differs between countries but is generally considered largely effective. Aquaculture Improvement Programs (AIPs) are not available for some countries. In addition, various farms have sustainability certifications, such as ASC, organic certification or other independent certifications.