Shengsi mussel is a national geographical indication product. [Photo/wifizs.cn]

Construction on a mussel research and development base is now underway in Shengsi county, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province.

The base, which will cost 24.95 million yuan ($3.42 million) to build, is expected to be put into operation in 2024 and will cultivate high-quality mussel seedlings.

The 20-mu (1.33 hectares) base will play a key role in bolstering the county's mussel breeding industry, according to Shan Shan, a local official.

The mussel was designated as a national geographical indication (GI) product by the National Intellectual Property Administration in 2012.

The GI is a label given to products that have a specific geographic origin and possess certain qualities or a reputation related to that origin.