Growth Performance of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 under an Innovative Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture System (IMTA) in the Mar Grande of Taranto (Mediterranean Sea, Italy)

The cultivation of the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819, has been tested in an innovative Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture system (IMTA) Mar Grande Taranto, as part EU-funded Remedialife project. This farming method could solve several problems including low growth rate mesotrophic environments while reducing environmental impact fish mariculture. Three productive cycles have carried out. first (2018–2019, traditional experiment) was conducted three long lines around six cages farm order to evaluate total mussel production under IMTA and quality for human consumption by analyzing concentration culturable heterotrophic bacteria, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli Salmonella spp. tissues. In addition, 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 16 EPA priority compounds seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are indicators PCB contamination environment, were analyzed using gas chromatography conjunction with a mass spectrometer. second cycle (2020–2021, horizontal distance aimed test influence on placing mussels near far from cages. third (2021–2022, vertical overcome phenomenon “heat waves” that can occur Taranto during summer testing performance at two different depths (1 12 m). following parameters measured: Shell Length, L (mm); Dry Weight, SDW (g); Flesh FDW Condition Index, IC = FDW/SDW. results showed best obtained depth m. Moreover, microbial concentrations chemical tissues cultured compliance reference values European regulations.