Project Details
Description
The aim of the project was to improve fish habitats and fish populations in Nørrefjord by restoring blue mussel reefs in the fjord. This was based on the assumption that blue mussel reefs would provide complex habitats for fish, and improve the conditions and availability of prey organisms and hiding places for both juvenile and adult fish in the fjord.
Blue mussels (~ 44 ton) were produced on ropes in the fjord from the indigenous mussel larvae stock in 2 years, 2010 and 2011. Harvested mussels were distributed on sandy-muddy seabed in a study area in the southern part of the fjord mainly by use of volunteer, local fishermen. The mussel reefs were laid out as small patches (3 m in diameter) with 5 to 7 m in between to increase the complexity of the fjord substrate and covered in total an area of 121,000 m2. The design mimicked the observed distribution of existing mussel beds in the fjord. Different approaches for production of the mussels and deployment of the reefs were investigated to minimize costs and labor.
The production of blue mussels on suspended long lines/on hemp sacks was a more ecologically sustainable method compared to transplanting blue mussels by destructive dredging. Crowdsourcing allowed us to conduct the experiments cost-effectively although it did cause challenges in the planning and implementation processes.
A scientific monitoring program monitored the distribution of fish populations and prey organisms in the study area and a control area in 2010 and 2011, before and after the restoration of the mussel reefs in the study area. The establishment of blue mussel beds increased the abundance and diversity of fish on the mussel structures (Kristensen et al. 2015). Video observations revealed the presence of gobies were around the structures for extended periods but also larger fish such as cod, trout and flatfish were observed near the established mussel beds.
The project relied on a strong stakeholder involvement and cooperation with the local fisheries association and local users of the fjord. Field work, including mussel production and deployment of the mussel reefs was carried out by volunteers from the local Fisheries Association supervised by the Nordshell consultant and DTU Aqua staff.
The project was coordinated by DTU Aqua and funded by the Fishery LAG Funen (established under the Rural District Program in EU Fisheries Development Program) and the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.
Research area: Coastal Ecology
Blue mussels (~ 44 ton) were produced on ropes in the fjord from the indigenous mussel larvae stock in 2 years, 2010 and 2011. Harvested mussels were distributed on sandy-muddy seabed in a study area in the southern part of the fjord mainly by use of volunteer, local fishermen. The mussel reefs were laid out as small patches (3 m in diameter) with 5 to 7 m in between to increase the complexity of the fjord substrate and covered in total an area of 121,000 m2. The design mimicked the observed distribution of existing mussel beds in the fjord. Different approaches for production of the mussels and deployment of the reefs were investigated to minimize costs and labor.
The production of blue mussels on suspended long lines/on hemp sacks was a more ecologically sustainable method compared to transplanting blue mussels by destructive dredging. Crowdsourcing allowed us to conduct the experiments cost-effectively although it did cause challenges in the planning and implementation processes.
A scientific monitoring program monitored the distribution of fish populations and prey organisms in the study area and a control area in 2010 and 2011, before and after the restoration of the mussel reefs in the study area. The establishment of blue mussel beds increased the abundance and diversity of fish on the mussel structures (Kristensen et al. 2015). Video observations revealed the presence of gobies were around the structures for extended periods but also larger fish such as cod, trout and flatfish were observed near the established mussel beds.
The project relied on a strong stakeholder involvement and cooperation with the local fisheries association and local users of the fjord. Field work, including mussel production and deployment of the mussel reefs was carried out by volunteers from the local Fisheries Association supervised by the Nordshell consultant and DTU Aqua staff.
The project was coordinated by DTU Aqua and funded by the Fishery LAG Funen (established under the Rural District Program in EU Fisheries Development Program) and the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.
Research area: Coastal Ecology
| Status | Finished |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 01/01/2010 → 14/04/2012 |