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Influence of abiotic factors on the growth of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis nearby cage farming of European seabass

This study presents the results of measuring morphological characteristics of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis at two locations, near the sites of European bass farming. The measurements were carried out 6 months after settlement of mussels on collectors in Lake Prokljan and in the Middle Channel – the central eastern Adriatic Sea. The difference between the two locations is due to abiotic factors, mainly salinity. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of abiotic factors on mussel settlement and growth, and the influence of intensive fish farming on mussel growth. Therefore, the morphological characteristics (length, height, width and weight) of mussels were measured at two locations, near fish cages. The average measured length, width, and weight (total weight and wet tissue weight) of mussels after 6 months were higher in mussels from Lake Prokljan, while the average height and shell weight were higher in mussels from the Middle Channel. The results show faster growth of mussels in Prokljan Lake which is most likely due to the influx of low-salinity surface water (6.6 ‰). In addition, a higher settlement was recorded at the collectors in Prokljan Lake, which is most likely due to the fact that this location is less exposed to currents and waves throughout the year compared to the Middle Channel.

Mytilus galloprovincialis, integrated aquaculture, abiotic factors

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