1. Integrated Technical and Traditional Knowledge
2. Cultivation System with Longlines
Mussel farming in Machangulu involves several meticulous steps that require specific materials and aquaculture techniques. Long ropes, 50 meters long on which sachets with mussel seeds are hung, are prepared and are held fixed by a concrete weight to serve as an anchor on the seabed, a procedure that keeps the longlines stretched and where the signaling buoys are placed. This system keeps the mollusks submerged even during low tides and requires ongoing maintenance.
The main materials include nets, ropes better known as longlines, buoys, mussel seeds, hand tools and sea transport. The longlines, cotton nets are sewn in the form of sachets, where the mussel seeds are placed, with initial dimensions between 1 and 1.5 inches (small mussels). This system ensures that the mussels remain submerged in water, even during the lowest tides.
The production cycle lasts approximately eight months and requires continuous maintenance, including cleaning, adjustments, and regular monitoring the growth of the mussel. By the end of the cycle, each bag typically yields between 8 and 10 kilograms of mussels. Harvesting takes place based on market demand. The price per kilogram, initially set at 500 MZN, has since dropped to between 180 and 200 MZN, but is expected to rise again as markets expand.
Enabling factors: availability of basic materials and technical support. Lessons learned: Regular monitoring of growth is essential for the success of the production cycle.
3 Story
Maria, one of the first women to participate in the activity in Machangulo, says that initially there was mistrust about the cultivation. Today, she leads a small group of women who perform longline maintenance. 'Before, we only depended on fishing. Now we have a new source of income.'
Opportunities
Investments in value chains, including processing and packaging, along with the development of suitable export channels, can integrate local production into the domestic and international market, aligning with global sustainable trade trends. In this way, mussel aquaculture in Machangulo is not only a viable economic alternative, but also an opportunity to strengthen local communities in harmony with the environment.
Social and Environmental Impacts
Environmental: Mussels act as natural filter feeders, improving water quality by removing suspended particles. Their production contributes to reducing pressure on natural fisheries resources.
Social: Generation of local income, appreciation of traditional knowledge, inclusion of women and youth, and strengthening of food security in coastal communities.
Economic: Stimulation of the local and regional economy, with potential for integration into the tourism value chain and the urban market of the city of Maputo.
Key Elements of Success
Favorable natural environmental conditions (abundant plankton, calm and clean waters);
Combination of traditional and technical knowledge in aquaculture;
Low cost of implementation and operation;
Structured community organization, participatory cohesion among practicing members;
Institutional support in training, provision of materials and technical assistance.