Raft culture of mussels, Mytilus edulis L., in Portugal
Leal, A.M. (1989). Raft culture of mussels, Mytilus edulis L., in Portugal, in: De Pauw, N. et al. (Ed.) Aquaculture: a biotechnology in progress: volume 1. pp. 351-357 In: De Pauw, N. et al. (1989). Aquaculture: a biotechnology in progress: volume 1. European Aquaculture Society: Bredene. ISBN 90-71625-03-6. 1-592 pp., more |
| Available in | Author | | Document type: Conference paper
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| Abstract | Data concerning the spawning, settling, and growth of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis L. , on longlines and ropes suspended from rafts are presented. The study was undertaken in the Albufeira lagoon from 1985 to 1986. Two types of collectors for catching mussel seed were used: polyethylene ropes hanging from a raft and longlines. The main operations involved in this culture are the settling of the seed, the thinning out, and the marketing. Temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity of the water in the lagoon were monitored. The seasonal fluctuation of the number of larvae in the plankton indicated the occurrence of the two main spawning periods a year, one from March to May and another from October to November. The settlement occurred over a long period of time, from late autumn to late summer. The largest density of seed per 25cm was collected on longlines, 10-190 (mean 60) in 1985 and 23-246 (mean 94) in 1986. The results show a continuous and fast growth throughout the culture period. The spat of spring spawning attained a mean length of 70mm, after 11 months, and produced a mean weight of 12.2kg mussels.m-1. The spat of autumn spawning had a length of81-90mm after 13-15 months and gave rise to a weight of 13,5-15kg mussels.m-1. |
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