Scots spat hatchery on the cards

A number of Scottish shellfish farmers have called for a hatchery for a number of years, in order to act as a safeguard against the vagaries of natural spat collection.

Projects

1. Genetic markers

Aim: To gather a set of genetic baseline data about current mussel stocks around the farming areas of Scotland

•             Understand where spat settling in certain areas comes from.

•             Perhaps measure results of first cross with defined populations.

•             Understand base markers to measure and ensure maintenance of natural biodiversity.

2. Live food

Aim 1: To assess a set of technologies to be used for algae production (focusing on methods of continuous production especially, including techniques for dosing of nutrients).

Aim 2: To assess the nutritional composition and ration of algal feeds and relate it to production performance in a mussel production system.

3. Bacteriology

Aim: To assess and improve microbiological control in a mussel larvae rearing system.

•             Carry out comprehensive study of the microbiological biota in mussel larva and components throughout the production cycle.

•             Understand the impact of bacteria on survival and ways to improve performance a hatchery system.

4. Metamorphosis

Aim: Technology transfer of mussel settlement systems for Mytilus edulis in Scottish waters.

5. Settlement

Aim: To optimise transfer of the settled stock to sea.

•             Build on project 4, metamorphosis.

•             Measure survival and growth in the marine environment up to a measurable end point.

•             Monitor health and look at effects of different stocks used at deployment.

The deadline for applications is 1 September 2015. To apply visit http://scottishaquaculture.com/call-for-interest-on-mussel-research/