Muscle-up: enhancing mussel collection and transplantation success with a biodegradable material

The primary objective of this research was to delve into strategies aimed to enhance the success of mussel transplantations, a critical aspect for both ecological restoration initiatives and the sustainable use of aquaculture practices. Central to this exploration was the investigation into the efficacy of utilizing innovative biodegradable structures known as BioShell-SMCs. These structures offer a novel approach to addressing the challenges associated with mussel transplantation. Results from this study showed the impact of deployment location on the efficiency of mussel seed collection. Traditional rope-based methods outperformed BioShell-SMCs in harsher, more exposed environments. However, under calmer conditions, both methods yielded comparable final biomass. This underscores the nuanced nature of mussel collection strategies, emphasizing the importance of tailoring approaches to specific environmental conditions. Despite variations in performance based on deployment location, BioShell-SMCs exhibited promising results in terms of enhancing the survival and establishment of larger mussel seed. This is particularly significant as it suggests the potential for fostering self-facilitating feedback mechanisms within coastal ecosystems, thereby contributing to their resilience and vitality. However, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of BioShell-SMCs was depending on mussel size, with smaller individuals being more susceptible to predation during the initial phases post-transplantation. Another advantage of BioShell-SMCs is their ability to provide protection against both hydrodynamic forces and predatory threats. This dual functionality addresses two key challenges faced in mussel transplantation efforts, potentially mitigating losses and promoting successful establishment. Furthermore, the high-density attachment of mussels to BioShell-SMCs created opportunities for dispersal, thereby reducing competition and enhancing overall survival rates. Interestingly, when scaling up, the survival rate of the mussels decreased significantly. Exact reasons are unclear, but one plausible explanation is the extremely high initial mussel density, which led to intense competition between the mussels. The study also revealed that mussel survival was largely unaffected by large-scale seeding patterns. This simplifies the implementation of mussel transplantation efforts, eliminating the need for intricate banding patterns. In conclusion, BioShell-SMCs hold significant promise in substantially improving the success of mussel transplantation endeavors. However, their effectiveness is contingent upon various factors, including deployment location, mussel size, and environmental conditions. By addressing challenges such as predation and competition, BioShell-SMCs offer a sustainable and scalable solution for enhancing mussel transplantation success, with implications for ecosystem restoration and aquaculture practices. As such, further research and refinement of these innovative structures can increase their full potential in supporting the health and resilience of coastal ecosystems and yield optimalization in mussel culture.