OMEGA SEAFOOD - New Zealand Shellfish Company

You may not realize it, but most of the seafood you eat is shellfish. The culinary world has a plethora of delicious shellfish dishes. Because of their versatility, many people assume that it’s safe to eat all types of shellfish. However, some species cause an increased risk for illness when consumed raw or undercooked.  Keep reading to learn more about what you need to know about shellfish and its consumption rules in NZ. What is a shellfish? Shellfish refer to a wide variety of aquatic animals that live in or around the ocean. Shellfish include oysters, mussels, clams, scallops, and common shrimp. These animals are filter feeders and produce a shell made of calcium carbonate as a means of protection. Because shellfish are a living filter for the ocean, they are an important part of the water filtration system. Shellfish fall under the category of aquatic invertebrates and are grouped with insects, crustaceans and other small arthropods. Shellfish include shrimp, prawns, crab, lobster

Greenshell mussels are a common sight in the harbors and estuaries of New Zealand. They are often found resting on rocks, docks, pilings, breakwaters, and other structures where they can find shelter from the elements. Though green shells do not pose any danger to humans, they do have an adverse effect on the ecosystem of New Zealand. The presence of these mollusks in our coastal waters poses a number of risks to our environment and economy.  This article will give you everything you need to know about the green shell mussel invasion in New Zealand. What Are Greenshell Mussels? Greenshell mussels are bivalve mollusks within the family Unionidae. Native to the Baltic Sea, the mussels were first spotted in New Zealand in the early 2000s. According to a report by the Department of Conservation, the mussels have now spread to at least three other Pacific countries. The species of green shell mussel is Unio spinous, which is also known as the Baltic green mussel or the ship’s backlog. The

The littleneck clam is a unique mollusk that lives in the shallow waters of southern New England. It has a small size and grows in only one location, but don’t let that fool you—this little mollusk packs a punch. The littleneck clam spends most of its life filter-feeding microscopic phytoplankton from the water. To find food, this mollusk tends to be more of an opportunist, hiding out under rocks or in caves until it senses prey nearby. If it does happen to come across something tasty like algae or zooplankton, that’s even better!  The littleneck clam will use every part of what it finds and store it away for later consumption. How Did the Littleneck Clam Get Its Name? Amazingly, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that people started to call the clam the littleneck in reference to its shell. Back in the early 1600s, the American Indians of the area had a name for the clam—the “mash-a-muck.” The mash-a-muck name was likely given in reference to the clam’s small size and the fact that

New Zealand mussels are a delicious and nutritious food, but they can also be dangerous. If you’re thinking of eating mussels, it’s important to know if they are safe before diving in. Fortunately, there are several ways to find out if the mussels you plan to eat are safe or not. New Zealand has an extensive shellfish industry and that means there is a lot of information about which species are safe for consumption. The key is knowing how to interpret that information.  This article will cover everything you need to know about whether or not New Zealand mussels are safe to eat. What are New Zealand Mussels? New Zealand mussels are freshwater mollusks that are closely related to truffles. They are best known for their taste, which is described as meaty with a mild yet distinct mushroom flavor. New Zealand mussels are dark purple, slimy, and velvety when cooked. New Zealand mussels are native to New Zealand and grow in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ocean estuaries. New Zealand mussels a