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 Farm Greg Mataronas, Mike Marchetti, Sakonnet Mussels Rick Karney, Alec Gale, Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group. Rich Langan, Ken La Valley, UNH extension Dale Leavitt, Roger William University, extension and res. Scott Lindell, Director Scientific Aquaculture Program Marine Biological Laboratory Woods Hole, MA slindell@mbl.edu 508/289-1113

BACKGROUND – U.S. context 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 Production Newfoundland 2,600 ha 50 farms PEI 2,151 ha >150 farms Nova Scotia 2008 ha (?) 116 farms New Brunswick < 250 ha <10 farms Quebec < 1,000 ha < 10 farms British Columbia <100 t Canadian Mussel Production 500 km Totals: 8,000 ha - 24,000 t – 400 farms, 2,000 employed (FT/PT) >$125 million to rural economy

Rhode Island Massachusetts Processor AMH SWF Sakonnet Mussels MVSG Martha’s Vineyard Permitted and unused sites

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 $ 400 Misc. hardware $ 150 Socking - CAN 1000m $ 220 1 $ 220 OR NZ Ropes $ 650 $ 650 Socking $100 TOTAL $ 5,310 Consider Helical Anchors, too MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY

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