NANTUCKET, Mass. – Federal officials say the first shellfish aquaculture project permitted in federal waters off the East Coast is likely to begin in the spring off Nantucket.

The project is focusing on mussels.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says scientists and fishermen are partnering on a project to grow blue mussels within a 30-acre area in Nantucket Sound.

The structures utilized in the project consist of 480-foot polysteel ropes suspended in the water column at depths of 20 to 30 feet using anchor lines and buoys. Mussels are hung vertically from the rope.

NOAA officials say about 85 percent of the demand for premium fresh mussels in the country is imported from Canada.