OOS SMF B.V., together with project partner Aquamossel-Triton, has been awarded a grant under the Zeeland in Stroomversnelling programme. With this support, OOS aims to explore whether – and if so, how – offshore mussel farming can be redesigned for the future.

OOS cultivates mussels offshore (within wind farms) off the Dutch coast. By utilising available offshore space, the company aims to reduce environmental pressure on vulnerable coastal areas. Based on the idea that more value can potentially be derived from the entire mussel, the project will investigate opportunities to process mussel meat into high-protein animal feed, as well as potential applications of mussel shells in construction materials.

The project will also assess financing options for these innovations in mussel farming. Ecommit, in collaboration with Wageningen Marine Research (WMR), is examining whether carbon credits could play a role in funding mussel-farming systems in which by-products are given new purpose. WMR will conduct the technical research into carbon balances stored in shells during growth and across the value chain. Ecommit will then evaluate whether this potential CO₂ sequestration could be certified for the issuance of carbon credits.

This project is made possible through funding from the Province of Zeeland.