A comparison of feeding physiology in cultured and wild blue mussels Mytilus edulis and M. trossulus

Mooney, Melissa (2000) A comparison of feeding physiology in cultured and wild blue mussels Mytilus edulis and M. trossulus. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The objective was to improve carrying capacity models by providing standardized values for clearance, ingestion, filtration and oxygen uptake for cultured and wild, Mytilus edulis and M. trossulus from Newfoundland. Clearance and ingestion rates of small and large M. edulis and M. trossulus were also compared. -- Measured physiological rates were not significantly different between cultured and wild mussels. Mytilus trossulus demonstrated significantly higher rates of clearance and ingestion compared with M. edulis. Rates of clearance and ingestion generally increased with an increase in food supply. Seasonal patterns were observed for all variables. Larger mussels had higher rates of clearance and ingestion than smaller mussels and should be socked at lower densities. Smaller mussels should be socked at a lower biomass per sock as they have higher clearance per unit biomass. -- Stock size and species proportions, in addition to temperature variability and food availability, contribute to the overall stock food demand. Socking and stocking biomass and site layouts should be adjusted to minimize the risk of exceeding site carrying capacity.

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