Institute of Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.
Fondazione IMC, Torre Grande, Oristano, Italy.
Commun Biol. 2024 Feb 9;7(1):166. doi: 10.1038/s42003-023-05498-3.
The mussel industry faces challenges such as low and inconsistent levels of larvae settlement and poor-quality spat, leading to variable production. However, mussel farming remains a vital sustainable and environmentally responsible method for producing protein, fostering ecological responsibility in the aquaculture sector. We investigate the population connectivity and larval dispersion of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) in Scottish waters, as a case study, using a multidisciplinary approach that combined genetic data and particle modelling. This research allows us to develop a thorough understanding of blue mussel population dynamics in mid-latitude fjord regions, to infer gene-flow patterns, and to estimate population divergence. Our findings reveal a primary south-to-north particle transport direction and the presence of five genetic clusters. We discover a significant and continuous genetic material exchange among populations within the study area, with our biophysical model's outcomes aligning with our genetic observations. Additionally, our model reveals a robust connection between the southwest coast and the rest of the west coast. This study will guide the preservation of mussel farming regions, ensuring sustainable populations that contribute to marine ecosystem health and resilience.
贻贝产业面临着一些挑战，例如幼虫附着率低且不稳定，幼贝质量差，导致产量不稳定。然而，贻贝养殖仍然是一种生产蛋白质的重要可持续和对环境负责的方法，在水产养殖领域培养了生态责任感。我们以苏格兰水域的贻贝（Mytilus edulis）为例，采用结合遗传数据和粒子模型的多学科方法，研究了贻贝的种群连通性和幼虫扩散。这项研究使我们能够深入了解中纬度峡湾地区贻贝的种群动态，推断基因流模式，并估计种群分歧。我们的研究结果显示，贻贝幼虫主要呈从南到北的运输方向，存在五个遗传聚类。我们发现研究区域内的种群之间存在显著且持续的遗传物质交换，我们的生物物理模型的结果与遗传观察结果一致。此外，我们的模型揭示了西南海岸和西海岸其他地区之间的紧密联系。这项研究将指导贻贝养殖区的保护，确保可持续的种群，为海洋生态系统的健康和恢复力做出贡献。
