Eastern Bay of Plenty locals will be some the first to enjoy this year's first harvest of Whakatohea mussels.

Five tonne of the beloved Whakatohea mussels were distributed across local Whakatane and Opotiki stores yesterday.

Whakatohea Mussels Opotiki, general manager Peter Vitasovich says the harvest will first go to the local communities.

“These mussels will be first sold in the Whakatane and Opotiki area, and tomorrow we'll be doing another harvest and they'll be going out nationwide.”

“We felt it was prudent to do this first harvest, we've had great local support from the Whakatane and Opotiki communities and we felt that they should try them first – so that's happening today.”

He says the harvesting season should continue for the next 5 or 6 weeks.

Looking for some today? Check out Gibbos on the Wharf, Gibbos Fresh Fish, Pak n Save Whakatane and New World Whakatane

News Source - Sun Live