Scott Lindell, DirectorScientific Aquaculture ProgramMarine Biological LaboratoryWoods Hole, MAslindell@mbl.edu 508/289-1113

Research and Improved Management for Offshore Mussel Farms in RI and SNE

Cooperators –• PI, Scott Lindell, MBL Woods Hole

Bill Silkes, American Mussel Harvesters, Salt Water FarmGreg Mataronas, Mike Marchetti, Sakonnet MusselsRick Karney, Alec Gale, Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group.Rich Langan, Ken La Valley, UNH extensionDale Leavitt, Roger William University, extension and res.

MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY

BACKGROUND – U.S. context

• U.S. production – 2 Million kgs (about 400,000 kgs in Maine)– Imports to US worth > $80 million per year - 26 Million kgs

• >85% of fresh imported mussels produced in Canada• 20 months to market in PEI vs. 10 - 12months in So. New England

• Experience shared here comes from the last 6 years leading federally funded collaborations between fishermen MBL and other cooperators

Canadian Mussel ProductionNewfoundland• 2,600 ha• 50 farmsPEI• 2,151 ha• >150 farmsNova Scotia• 2008 ha (?)• 116 farmsNew Brunswick• < 250 ha• <10 farmsQuebec• < 1,000 ha• < 10 farmsBritish Columbia• <100 t• < 10 farms

Totals: 8,000 ha - 24,000 t – 400 farms, 2,000 employed (FT/PT) >$125 million to rural economy

500 km

Rhode Island

Martha’s Vineyard

SWF

AMHProcessor

Sakonnet Mussels

MVSG

Permitted and unused sites

Massachusetts

MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY

Capital Costs

Equipment type unit cost # needed cost / line

Anchors 500lb $ 1,390 2 $ 3,280

Longline 600 fet $ 0.5 3 $ 300

Buoys - corner 24" $ 60 6 $ 360

Buoys - interm. 15 L $ 6 100 $ 600

High Flyer w/ lights $ 200 2 $ 400

Misc. hardware $ 150

Socking - CAN 1000m $ 220 1 $ 220 ORNZ Ropes 1000m $ 650 1 $ 650

Socking 1000m

1 $100

TOTAL $ 5,310 Consider Helical Anchors, too

Mussel Project Objectives

• Collect mussel seed; near shore and offshore sites • Tunicate eradication trials on mussel seed• Compare different types of socks and stocking

densities to optimize growth and yield at harvest• Develop staggered socking and harvests to extend

market season– Stockpile seed or extend growth cycle– Pilot scale mussel hatchery trials for out of

season seed production and back-up

Socking Experiments -Seed Density and Sock Type

• 3 types of socks– Canadian bisected cotton (3 to 5 m length)– Spanish with pegs (15m max. length)– New Zealand loopy ropes (continuous)

• 2 approximate densities– 600 per meter and 900 per meter

Socking Experiments -Seed Density and Sock Type

Canadian Bisected Cotton Socks

Socking Experiments -Seed Density and Sock Type

Spanish and New Zealand Ropes and Socks

Density = 900/m

Results of Density Manipulations

“Sandy” Mess off Newport RI

Market Product

• Product yield (3 kg/m) acceptable but need to target 6 – 8 kg/m

• 3.5mm per month growth

Remaining Challenges

• Consistent seed supply • • Suitable boats for open seas

• Robust, cost-effective anchors

Acknowledgements

• Funding from Rhode Island Sea Grant, and Northeast Regional Aquaculture Center Research Assistants – Emma Green Beach and Bill Rathjen

• MBL Interns: Hilary Ranson, Molly Peach, Morgan Beals, Charlotta Jornlid