Neither land nor sea

Green-lipped mussels growing amongst the kelp and shells on rocks at Langs Beach, Northland, NZ. Image: Su Leslie, 2017

Although almost all of the (abundantly available) green-lipped mussels we eat in New Zealand are farmed, it is not unusual to see rocks in the inter-tidal zone of many beaches covered with densely packed rows of tiny juvenile mussels. A couple of days ago at Langs Beach though, was the first time I’d seen any grow large enough to take on the distinctive green colouration of the shell from which the derive their name.

Green-lipped mussels growing amongst the kelp and shells on rocks at Langs Beach, Northland, NZ. Image: Su Leslie, 2017

I’m not sure why the wild mussels around Auckland don’t seem to grow to maturity; pollution perhaps? Or environmental damage to their ecosystems from so many other beach users.

I hope the Northland mussels have a better chance.

This is the seashore. Neither land nor sea. It’s a place that does not exist.

Alessandro Baricco

 

Written for Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge at Lens and Pens by Sally