In a first, Vizhinjam Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has developed the juveniles of Perna viridis or Asian green mussels through micro-nursery system. This is part of the efforts to make the mussels available to aquaculture farmers. The Asian green mussels are commonly found on the coasts of Kerala. However, juveniles of the mussels are not available on an industrial basis. In this situation, the CMFRI developed the mussels in the institute. In order to artificially produce the mussels, the natural habitat of the mussels was recreated in a special hatchery. Then the micro-nursery system was arranged and adult mussels were deposited. In the artificial system, each phase of growth since the egg laying to larvae stage of the mussels were observed. Though Asian green mussels are being produced in various marine research institutes in India, it is for the first time they are being produced in micro-nursery system. The mission was accomplished by a team including scientist Gomathi headed by CMFRI chief Dr. M. K. Anil. About 20 lakh juveniles of mussels can be produced at a time in the micro system developed at the CMFRI. Asian green mussels are one of the most delicious and less harmful variety among mussels. The authorities said that they will develop the juveniles on an industrial scale and distribute it to the farmers. The new hatchery will be inaugurated on Tuesday by union minister of state for agriculture Krishna Raj.