(spxuiboedpoejujpojoefyo Two Important Factors in Mussel Farming

Introduction Bivalves from the genus of Mytilus are present throughout the world oceans and seas. Among them, family of Mytilidae is represented with 5 species, from which two are commercially important in Europe: Mytilus edulis (Blue mussel) and Mytilus galloprovincialis (Mediterranean mussel). Mediterranean mussel is distributed throughout the Mediterranean coast, but is also found on the coast of the Atlantic and even in Central and Southern California, endangering the native Mytilus trossulus (Dardignac-Corbel, 1990; Braby and Somero, 2006). In the Adriatic Sea, this species is widely distributed and commercially produced in aquaculture. In contrast to other species of Mytlidae, M. galloprovincialis can be considered invasive and highly successful in inhabiting new areas, with potential to jeopardize seed collection of already present species (Wonham 2004). For example, recent studies in area of Bay of Mali Ston (Croatia) indicate that mussel feeding on bivalve larvae is one of the main causes of reduced collection of oyster spat (Peharda et al. 2012). Wild populations of mussels inhabit coastal intertidal zone with rocky sea bed but dense colonies are also found on various substrates such as plastic buoys, anchored ships, anchors and ropes, aquaculture facilities, etc. Largest populations in the Adriatic Sea are found in Bay of Mali Ston, Krka estuary, Novigrad Sea and Lim Channel (Figure 1.). Figure 1. Distribution of mussel – intertidal zone