The effect of high-pressure spraying for tunicate control on byssal thread characteristics in the cultured blue mussel (Mytilus edulis Linnaeus, 1758)

A field trial to determine the optimal treatment regime for Ciona intestinalis on mussel socks

The invasive tunicate species Ciona intestinalis (Linnaeus, 1767) has had an economic impact on the aquaculture of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Prince Edward Island (PEI). This tunicate fouls mussel socks suspended on long lines in the water and reduces both weight and numbers of mussels, decreasing overall productivity. This study determined the relative effects of high p...

Seasonal influence of wave action on thread production in Mytilus edulis.

The blue mussel Mytilus edulis maintains a strong attachment to the substrate in high energy environments by producing byssal threads. On the shores of Rhode Island, USA, mussel attachment strength increases twofold in spring compared to that in the fall. While many factors could influence attachment strength (temperature, food supply, predator cues, etc.), it has been proposed that the variati...

Effects of wave exposure, temperature and epibiont fouling on byssal thread production and growth in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, in the Gulf of Maine

Seasonal variation in mussel byssal thread mechanics.

The blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, attaches itself to the substrate by producing a radially arranged complex of collagenous byssal threads. The strength of byssal attachment, or tenacity, has been shown to vary seasonally on Rhode Island shores, increasing twofold in spring in comparison with fall. It was previously assumed that this seasonality was due to increased thread production following pe...

Pressurized seawater as an antifouling treatment against the colonial tunicates Botrylloides violaceus and Botryllus schlosseri in mussel aquaculture

The development of effective mitigation techniques against Botryllus schlosseri and Botrylloides violaceus colonizing blue mussel aquaculture operations has not been well studied. The objectives of our research were to determine the efficacy of using pressurized seawater in the mitigation of colonial tunicate fouling and to identify optimal treatment timing and frequencies in reducing tunicate ...