Blue mussel hatchery technology in Europe

Kamermans, IMARES, The Netherlands, T. Galley, Bangor University, Wales, P. Boudry, IFREMER, France, J. Fuentes, CIMA, Spain, 

Abstract To date, European mussel culture has relied entirely on wild seed from suspended collectors or mussel beds. One problem faced by blue mussel producers is the unpredictability of seed supply, the amounts of wild seed available being extremely variable from year to year. A second problem is that recently spawned mussels cannot be sold due to insufficient meat. Hatcheries can complement wild seed supply. Hatcheries also allow triploid induction that produces non-maturing mussels. In this chapter, the different steps in hatchery production of mussel seed are described. A final section addresses future trends. 

Key words Mytilus, broodstock, larvae, spat, hatchery, triploid. 

From 2005-2007 an EU-funded project called BLUE SEED was carried out. The objectives were to secure a reliable supply of blue mussel seed and 

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