Growth of cultured mussels (Perna canaliculus Gmelin 1791) at a deep-water chlorophyll maximum layer |
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| Authors: | Shaun C Ogilvie Steve P Fox Alex H Ross Mark R James David R Schiel |
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| Institution: | National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Riccarton, Christchurch, New Zealand; National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Marine Ecology, University of Canterbury, Riccarton, Christchurch, New Zealand; National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Hamilton, New Zealand; Zoology Department, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | We tested the hypothesis that yield of the mussel Perna canaliculus (Gmelin 1791) could be increased by placing culture ropes deep into the water column to take advantage of deep‐water chlorophyll a maxima. The study site, in Pelorus Sound, New Zealand, showed periods of thermal stratification of the water column, causing a high concentration of phytoplankton in deeper water, at the thermocline. Mussels were grown simultaneously at 5 and 17 m, for up to 96 days. Mussel growth and condition index data showed no significant differences between the two depth treatments, indicating that in this system there may not be substantial mussel productivity benefits from lowering mussel farms to the deep‐water chlorophyll maximum layer. |
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| Keywords: | Perna canaliculus mussel growth deep-water chlorophyll maxima |
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