Investigations on transplantation and culture of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) in bottom culture plots in Limfjord, Denmark

Transplantations of mussel seed from long lines and natural mussel beds to bottom culture plots were carried out. The seed was laid out at three different densities. On the long lines the seed grew to an average shell length of 17 mm and achieved a mean weight of around 0.90 g four months after settlement. The mean weight of the long-line-grown seed mussels was not significantly different at different levels below the sea surface (3-7 m). Production was between 0.6 and 15.2 kg m 1 of growth line. Growth of the transplanted mussels was followed throughout the growth season (1988). The average biomasses and number of individuals per square metre were calculated. No differences were found in the growth rate of mussels after transplantation compared with that of the natural stock. After transplantation. 3.5 cm seed mussels grew to the legal size of 4.5 cm in shell length within 6-9 months.

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