27 Oct 2011

Concern about mussel farm

9:34 pm on 27 October 2011

Tests are being carried out at a large mussel farm in eastern Bay of Plenty because of concern it could be contaminated by oil and debris spilled from the container ship Rena.

The farm, which is still in a commercial trial phase, is based off the coast of Opotiki, where leaked oil passed last week, prompting tests to be carried out on the water quality and the viability of the mussels.

Whakatohea Trust Board is the majority stakeholder in the farm. Chair Robert Edwards says he does not believe the mussels have been contaminated because they are deep underwater.

Aquaculture New Zealand says it is keeping a watch on the oil slick as there are many farms near the Coromandel Peninsula.