Trial aims to prevent runaway mussel floats 25 Feb, 2021 09:00 PM 3 minutes to read The Country A Tasman-based company has begun a one-year research trial aimed at reducing the number of mussel floats that get lost at sea each year. Aquaculture float specialist SS Floats has teamed up with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to devise an improved float and attachment method for longline mussel farming. MPI is contributing $72,500 towards the $145,000 project through its Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures. The new design must be able to withstand the unpredictability of open waters better than the existing floats, lead designer for SS Floats Paul Smith said.