Development and evaluation of mussel seed quality standards

Description

The main objective of this proposed study is to develop and assess seed quality criteria based on physiological and pathological health, to assist the mussel industry in reducing the risk of costly high mortalities throughout the growout phase, and more specifically during the pre-sale period that is commonly associated to high environmental (increasing temperatures) and physiological (reproduction) stresses. In addition, a secondary objective will be to examine the economical and ecological benefits of new culling techniques to maintain or increase seed quality, in order to optimize the feasibility of mussel seed production and culture in P.E.I. and N.B. while improving the environment interaction of this industry. In keeping with all of the above information, the overall rational of this project is to develop the tools and scientific capacity needed to optimise and sustain mussel production in P.E.I. and N.B. This project will also provide the basis for a long-term data gathering and analysis system that could be funded by the industry on a national application, similarly to other agri-food industry such as the seed classification program of the potato industry. The expertise developed from this project will equally provide a basis for further research on shellfish farm management.

Program Name

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)

Year(s)

2004 - 2006

Ecoregion(s)

Atlantic: Gulf of St. Lawrence, St. Lawrence Estuary

Principal Investigator(s)

Thomas Landry
Email: Thomas.Landry@dfo-mpo.gc.ca