Potential to produce brown mussel integrated to a net-cage fish farm in a Mediterranean bay

In this study, we investigated the potential exploitation of brown mussel Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1758) in an aquaculture farm (Monastir Bay, Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia). The quality seawater as well performance indicators such Condition Index, length, weight, growth and frequency distribution were determined over annual cycle; from July 2017 to August 2018. Interestingly, P. has extended sexual cycle during year with two main spawning periods, first spring second autumn, when suspended matter Chlorophyll a at their maximum concentrations seawater. Spat mussels young showed significant rates 1 31 October 2017. Adult exhibited negative allometric modal size 41 50 mm. Results that several potentially toxic microalgae species developed low densities marine zone. By using Solid Phase Adsorption Toxins Tracker (SPATT); lipophilic toxins including Okadaic acid yessotoxins detected levels may be involved positive LSTs (lipophilic shellfish toxins) mouse bioassays autumn. No other paralytic or amnesic nor pathogenic bacteria viruses perna. Altogether, our results suggest finfish farms Monastir Bay could suitable sites for farming