A method for monitoring the spatfall of mussels (Mytilus edulis L.)

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Abstract
A method is described of monitoring the abundance of spat mussels (Mytilus edulis) in the sea, using rubberized hair sheet packing material. The spat are released from the hair pad collectors by immersion in sodium hypochlorite solution, and sieved into fractions for examination by reflected light under the microscope. Collectors may be preserved in 5% formalin without affecting the sieving of the spat. The collectors retain both “primary” and “secondary” spat, from lengths of 0.25 mm upwards, and they are more effective than polystyrene tiles. Their use over a three-year period in the Irish Sea has revealed the continuous presence of mussel spat over a wide range of abundance. Modifications of collector design are discussed.

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