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How to grow mussels
Maine researchers found that polypropylene rope with high surface area is the most effective collector for settling mussel larvae. They are investigating how to optimize growing conditions and practices in the farming of blue mussels.
Credit: Brian Beal, University of Maine at Machias, Division of Environmental and Biological Sciences
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Once they are mature, wild blue mussels live in beds in the area between high and low tides. Researchers in Maine are investigating how to improve techniques for culturing mussels for food. Marine ecologist Brian Beal said, "At present, mussel farmers rely on wild settlement, which can be very spotty from year to year and from place to place."
Credit: Andreas Trepte, www.photo-natur.de, CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/)
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Cultured blue mussels grow on a rope.
Credit: Brian Beal, University of Maine at Machias, Division of Environmental & Biological Sciences
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The Downeast Institute is using pens made for salmon farming to raise blue mussels in their study of cultivation practices and conditions.
Credit: Brian Beal, University of Maine at Machias, Division of Environmental & Biological Sciences
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