Assessing the performance of the blue mussel (mytilus edulis) in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) setting

Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) uses extractive organisms such as mussels to reduce wastes of fed organisms such as finfish and provide additional product for the growers. The physical and biochemical properties of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) wastes (feces and uneaten feed) were analyzed...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Both, Adrianus
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2010
Subjects:
Online Access:https://research.library.mun.ca/9467/
https://research.library.mun.ca/9467/1/Both_Adrianus.pdf
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Summary:Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) uses extractive organisms such as mussels to reduce wastes of fed organisms such as finfish and provide additional product for the growers. The physical and biochemical properties of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) wastes (feces and uneaten feed) were analyzed and the waste remediation potential and performance (growth and biochemical composition) of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), were assessed. Waste generated daily by Atlantic cod represented 24.9% of the feed added to the system. Effluent was composed of particles <70 µm (36%), 70-500 µm (31%) and particles >500 µm (33%). Particles <70 µm had significantly less organic matter, lipids and fatty acids and were expected to be ingested more frequently by mussels. Effluent contained the fatty acid zooplankton markers (22: 1ω11 and 20: 1ω9) which accumulated in mussels. Effluent fed mussels had an inferior performance and contained significantly more MUFA, 18: 1ω9 and the NMID 20:2a as well as less ω3 than algae fed mussels. It is believed aquaculture wastes have potential as a diet supplement when natural seston is low.