"Anima Mundi"

Sustainability at American Mussel Harvesters

American Mussel Harvesters' focus on live shellfish comes from a philosophical belief that the animals can be farmed and the harvests are renewable. Our shellfish are grown without the use of artificial diets, antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones or toxic pesticides. We harvest to order, taking only what we have sold and there is relatively no by-catch.

See the shellfish farming section of this website for more information on the ecological benefits of shellfish farming.

EXISTING SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

1. The product line of live mussels, oysters and clams can be farmed and harvested utilizing husbandry techniques that are ecologically sensitive and sustainable.
2. We utilize a re-circulating sea water system to process and purify the shellfish before going to market. This practice was established in 1999.
3. Broken shellfish and other organic debris are crushed and brought to a composting facility. This practice began in 2007.
4. We installed thermostat controls in 2004.
5. We replaced the entire lighting system with energy efficient ballasts and bulbs with on/off sensors in 2007.
6. In 2007 we completed construction of and implemented the operation of a shellfish and farm gear wash pad. Farm gear and shellfish come directly from the farm to this pad where fouling organisms and other organics are washed from the gear and contained. The wash water is re-circulated through underground holding tanks and re-used. The organics are brought to a composting facility. (See more of this operation in the shellfish farming section of this website. )
7. We have reduced our freshwater consumption in the processing plant by 75% in the last three years by implementing management practices that focused on this goal.

FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

• Continue to focus on improving farming and harvesting practices that are sustainable.
• Develop sustainable farming and harvesting practices for more species that could be brought to market.
• Continue to focus on conserving water and other natural resources.
• Install waterless toilets.
• Install solar panels.
• Convert our fleet of boats and trucks to biodiesel.
• Reduce paper usage.
• Develop recyclable packaging that is affordable.
• Continue our recycling efforts.
• Collect rain water from the roof to water outside plantings.
• Pass the torch to the next generation.