Spat Settlement and Growth of Mediterranean Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in Fish Cage Farms in Southeastern Black Sea Coast

摘要

Timing and density of spat settlement on artificial collectors Polypropylene (PP) and hemp with growth and culture potential of Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis were studied at two sites (Trabzon-Sana and Rize) in the Southeastern Black sea coast. The growth of the mussels and environmental parameters were measured monthly from May 2003 to April 2004. Two different spat collectors (PP and hemp) hung on long-line mussel systems in April 2003. First observation of spat settlement at each sites was started in May. Mean value of spat settlement was determined as 7659±1495 mussels/m in Sana and 5774±1438 mussels/m in Rize. There was no significant difference found between spat collector ropes. Mean value of spat length was determined as 0.07±0.003 mm in Sana, 0.09±0.004 mm in Rize. At the end of the study, shell length of mussels reached 40.39±1.184 mm in Sana and 46.20±0.547 mm in Rize. In conclusion for mussel culture enough seed can be collected but spats must be stripped in 1 or 2 months after settlement and that mussels would be market size in 1+ years.