Condition and biochemical profile of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) cultured at different depths in a cold water coastal environment

• Published in: Journal of sea research Vol. 126; pp. 37 - 45
• Main Authors: Gallardi, Daria, Mills, Terry, Donnet, Sebastien, Parrish, Christopher C., Murray, Harry M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.08.2017; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Aquaculture; Bacteria; Biochemical composition; Biochemical profile; Biochemistry; Chlorophyll; Chlorophyll a; Coastal environments; Coastal waters; Coastal zone; Coasts; Cold water; Cold water environment; Condition; Conflicts; Culture; Deep water; Deep water culture; Depth; Depth profiling; Environmental conditions; Environmental impact; Fatty acid; Fatty acids; Glycogen; Growth; Lipids; Marine molluscs; Mollusks; Mussel culture; Mussels; Mytilus edulis; Profiles; Runoff; Seasonal variation; Seasonal variations; Shallow water; Water; Water depth; Weather; Condition; Deep water culture; Mytilus edulis; Biochemical profile; Fatty acid; Cold water environment
• ISSN: 1385-1101; 1873-1414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seares.2017.07.001

The growth and health of cultured blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) are affected by environmental conditions. Typically, culture sites are situated in sheltered areas near shore (i.e., <1km distance from land, <20m depth); however, land runoff, user conflicts and environmental impact in coastal areas are concerns and interest in developing deep water (>20m depth) mussel culture has been growing. This study evaluated the effect of culture depth on blue mussels in a cold water coastal environment (Newfoundland, Canada). Culture depth was examined over two years from September 2012 to September 2014; mussels from three shallow water (5m) and three deep water (15m) sites were compared for growth and biochemical composition; culture depths were compared for temperature and chlorophyll a. Differences between the two years examined were noted, possibly due to harsh winter conditions in the second year of the experiment. In both years shallow and deep water mussels presented similar condition; in year 2 deep water mussels had a significantly better biochemical profile. Lipid and glycogen analyses showed seasonal variations, but no significant differences between shallow and deep water were noted. Fatty acid profiles showed a significantly higher content of omega-3s (20:5ω3; EPA) and lower content of bacterial fatty acids in deep water sites in year 2. Everything considered, deep water appeared to provide a more favorable environment for mussel growth than shallow water under harsher weather conditions. •Effect of culture depth on M. edulis condition and biochemistry was evaluated.•Deep and shallow water mussel culture sites differed for environmental parameters.•Deep and shallow water mussels differed for condition and fatty acids profile.•Deep water is more suitable for mussels under harsh environmental conditions.•Deep water mussel culture is feasible and beneficial in cold water environments.