Temporal variation in mussel performance- role of aggregation and mussel density on mussel patch scale
Relaying of mussel seed to sites with favorable conditions is an important practice for professional mussel farmers. However, initial mussel losses after relaying is often extremely high. Seeding density is an important factor for minimizing this initial loss. Relaying in high densities will result in dense mussel patches that increases intraspecific competition for food and space. Competition inhibits mussel growth and promotes mussel losses. Simultaneously mussels need each other for protection, a facilitation effect that might be more beneficial at higher densities. We expect that food levels play an important role in the relation between competition and facilitation. This is tested in a field experiment where the effect of mussel density and fluctuations in food levels, are related to mussel aggregation and performance.
Research level: minor/internship/final thesis (BSc. level)
Perquisite: Driver license, technical skills, dedicated, creative
Partners: Several major Mussel farmers, Centre of Expertise Delta Technology
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jacob Capelle & Eva Hartog)