Professional paper

Growth and condition index – two important factors in mussel farming

Ivan Župan orcid.org/0000-0002-2458-1482 ; University of Zadar, Department of ecology, agronomy and aquaculture. Trg Kneza Višeslava 9, 23000 Zadar.
mr. Tomislav Šarić, orcid.org/0000-0002-3480-6577 ; University of Zadar, Department of ecology, agronomy and aquaculture. Trg Kneza Višeslava 9, 23000 Zadar.

Abstract

Production of mussels is present in most of the Mediterranean countries, with Spain and Greece as the largest producers. Compared
to the total production, Croatian mussel production is continuously small – only around 3.000 tones of mussels a year are placed on the
market. Farming technology is relatively simple, while the whole sector is characterized with unorganized market and unconsolidated
small producers. Growth and condition index are important factors for mussel farming in terms of reaching the market sized length
and good meat yield. By knowing the hydrodynamics and trophic features of the production area and the biological characteristics of
mussels, along with the right zoo technical procedures, we can partially influence growth and condition index of cultured mussels. The
aim of this paper is to describe main ecological impacts on these two factors under aquaculture. The purpose is to summarize important
farming procedures, which can reflect with utilization of the natural potentials on the production site and with increased profitability for
the producer.

Keywords

bivalve farming; mussel; Adriatic Sea; aquaculture

Hrčak ID:

132388

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/132388

Publication date:

1.5.2014.

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