Specialized Operating Platform for the Husbandry of Mussel Lines and Management of Invasive Species

Summary:
P.E.I. mussel growers have been challenged by an increasing degree of marine bio-fouling on mussel lines which have an adverse effect on their product including poor growth rates, diminished quality, and reduced yields. The chief concern has been from invasive species of tunicates which are practically unmanageable due to their rapid rates of growth and reproduction. Existing control techniques are time and labour intensive significantly increasing input costs for growers. Through AIMAP funding, P.E.I. Mussel Farm found a solution based on an entirely innovative methodology. Instead of lifting lines out of the water, the mussel lines are cleaned in-situ. The combined action of rotating brushes and high-pressure water clean the socks as the aprons pass by.

From the initial trials, the benefits of the in-situ method were apparent. The obvious advantage to this system is, of course, the cost of operation. P.E.I. Mussel Farms maintains 1500 mussel lines in areas that are affected by vase tunicate. When this cleaning method becomes standard practice for a full season (2011), line cleaning costs are expected to be reduced by $150,000. For a company operating with marginal profits, this is very significant. Additionally, in the past, regular work crews have spent much of their time cleaning lines and buoys by hand. While there is still a need for some manual cleaning, much of this workload has been eliminated. In the 2010 season, buoying crews added floatation to lines of growing mussels but the cleaning was performed mechanically using the in-situ method. This resulted in a 100% increase in productivity for this task completing it three weeks earlier in 2010 than in 2009. This is an estimated cost saving of over $30,000.

Other benefits are yet to be seen, and will need to be measured throughout an entire product cycle beginning in 2011. It has already been observed (if not quantified) that growth rates improve when mussels are kept clean. Former methods for controlling bio-fouling involved growing mussels near the bottom where the water is less nutritionally enriched; the in-situ method allows mussels to be grown near the surface and accelerated growth is anticipated.

Project Lead: PEI Mussel Farms Inc.

Total Project Cost: $432,500
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $150,000

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient: PEI Mussel Farms Inc
• Federal Government: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOAS)

For more information please contact the regional coordinator.

Gulf Region: Stephen.Lanteigne@dfo-mpo.gc.ca