Abstract
ABSTRACTRaft culture of mussels was investigated to increase supply and quality while mininizing labor costs. Two types of spat catching rope and four types of growing rope were used. Mussel yields of 4–6 kg/m and lengths of 60–70 mm were obtained in the first year. Histological sections of gonads, planktonic samples and test settlement ropes were studied to facilitate settlement prediction. Spawning occurred with a fall in water temperature in late autumn and often continued to early summer. Major settlement occurred from winter to early spring. Harmful associates of mussels were investigated. Trematodes, polydorid polychaetes and pinnotherid crabs were most noticeable. Infestation levels, however, were very low. Mussels containing pea‐crabs had significantly lower meat yields. Raft mussels had lower infestation levels than wild mussels. Fish predation was very severe on mussels of less than 30 mm, in certain estuaries.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
