Projo Biz Blog

ST. GEORGE, Maine (AP) -- Great Eastern Mussel Farms has announced it is shutting down its business and laying off 40 full-time employees.

Great Eastern, located in Tenants Harbor in midcoast Maine, was a pioneer in mussel cultivation when it was founded 30 years ago.

The Portland Press Herald reported that the company cited competition from Canadian mussel farms, regulatory obstacles and rising energy costs as contributing to the its demise.

General Manager Michael Hallundbaeck said before Chip Davison founded the company, the mussel market was driven by mussel diggers and fishermen. He said Great Eastern established an entirely new seafood category with cultivated mussels.

-- Associated Press

 Tags  Great Eastern Mussel Farms maine mussel farm shuts down mussel farm mussels

Comments

Muscled out? said:

What exactly are these so-called "regulatory obstacles"? Nothing a few clams in the right baskets wouldn't cure, fer sure.

Link | July 21, 2008 10:27 PM
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Knox Grant said:

The shellfish industry is one of the most regulated industries in the country and often regulated for no discernible reason. I am not surprised that regulations are forcing companies out of business.

Link | July 29, 2008 12:00 PM
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joe nes said:

what specific obstacles are you refering to. what sort of permits/licenses does one need to be able to farm shelfish? what are good resources out there for one to become knowledgeable on how to begin a mussel farmer.

Link | October 6, 2008 4:07 PM
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