1. 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 /

2. 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 months in So. New England
Experience shared here comes
from the last 6 years leading
federally funded collaborations
between fishermen MBL and
other cooperators

3. 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

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

6. MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY
Capital Costs
Equipment
type
unit cost
# needed
cost / line
Anchors
500lb
$ ,390 2
$ ,280
Longline
600 fet $ 3 $
Buoys - corner
24" $ 6 $
Buoys - interm.
15 L $
100 $
High Flyer w/ lights $ $
Misc. hardware $
Socking - CAN
1000m $ 1 $ OR
NZ Ropes $ $
Socking
$100
TOTAL
$ 5,310
Consider Helical Anchors, too
MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY

7. 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

8. 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

9. Socking Experiments - Seed Density and Sock Type
Canadian Bisected Cotton Socks

10. Socking Experiments - Seed Density and Sock Type
Spanish and New Zealand Ropes and Socks
Density = 900/m

11. Results of Density Manipulations

12. “Sandy” Mess off Newport RI

13. Market Product Product yield (3 kg/m) acceptable but need
to target 6 – 8 kg/m
3.5mm per month growth

14. Remaining Challenges Consistent seed supply
Suitable boats for open seas
Robust, cost-effective anchors

15. 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