Growth rates of different populations of the edible mussel, Mytilus edulis, in north Norway

Populations of Mytilus edulis which were attached to the floats supporting the fish cages at the University of Tromsø's former experimental fish farm were found to have grown at a relatively high rate, and almost continuously. In contrast, mussels taken from other populations in the area which were not in the vicinity of any fish farm had grown more slowly and had marked growth-stoppage rings, probably laid down in winter. Mussels samples from a second fish farm in the area had grown at a rate similar to those from the University's fish farm. Possible reasons for the differences in growth rates among the populations sampled are discussed with reference to the possibilities of mussel farming in north Norway.