MUSSEL CULTURE: THE CONTINUOUS LONG-LINE SYSTEM.

    The long-line system of mussel culture is probably the method that has evolved the most alongside that of mussel rafts. Both methods have developed many similar techniques with respect to the machinery used.

    However, initially the long-line system had many limitations as regards the length of ropes used and the size of the boats. Both these factors made the mechanisation of mussel culture extremely difficult.

    Fortunately, these disadvantages have been overcome with the introduction of re-tubing using the continuous long-line system. As a result, we can no longer make negative comparisons between the long-line system and that of mussel rafts in terms of the use of machinery.

    The first limitation - the length of the ropes - is due to the fact the weight each line supports must be carefully controlled. The second limitation regards the size of the vessel, as it must be able to manoeuvre easily between the lines, so it must be considerably small in size. As a direct consequence of this, the installation of a crane and basket is physically impossible.

    The continuous system overcomes these problems by allowing much smaller boats to be equipped with the machinery to carry out their work quickly and efficiently with a minimum of effort. In this way, it is not difficult considerably to increase cost-effectiveness. Being able to re-tube ropes longer than 500m reduces the amount of time taken to complete the process. This is especially true if compared to the process used until now -that of re-tubing ropes, which are no longer than 10 m, one by one in length.

    Now, we will go on to explain the process of mussel culture and the equipment needed for this system, including the different types of vessel used in different areas.