Helsingborg sea colony grows mussels in Oceanhamnen
The marine colony in the port area of Helsingborg started in the summer of 2023. Now it has around 50 active so called "marine colony friends" who take care of the mussel farm in groups.
Is it possible to grow mussels in a harbor in the middle of the city? With that question in mind, the City of Helsingborg initiated the marine colony located in Oceanhamnen. To include residents, the mussel farm has been running since the summer of 2023 together with a group of marine enthusiasts, with the aim of increasing local biodiversity conditions and giving residents an opportunity to learn more about marine farming.
– We want to raise marine awareness, says Ingvar Eliasson, one of the sea colony friends.
Interest in the Helsingborg mussel farm
The first information meeting in February 2023 was attended by 160 people. Just over six months later, the official opening was held at the floating jetty where 50 mussel stockings were attached, which will then be looked after by five groups on a rotating five-week schedule.
– So far it has been successful, the groups are working well with good attendance, says Ingvar Eliasson.
The plan is to arrange training courses on mussels and cultivation and to start a cooking group. The idea is that the mussels will then be harvested in 2025 and hopefully then be ready for consumption.
– We have high hopes of being able to eat the mussels, otherwise we have to conclude that it was a good attempt.
Text: Kajsa Centre
Helsingborgs havskoloni
What: Citizen-driven marine colony with mussel farming in Oceanhamnen in Helsingborg.
The aim: Test opportunities to grow edible mussels in a city port and see if it can bring citizens closer to the marine environment, as well as inspire and inform.
Read more about Helsingborgs havskoloni: https://t.ly/MgGIQ
