Using a biodegradable substrate to increase transplantation success: Effect of density and sediment on aggregation behavior of mussels

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2023.107096
• Publication Date: 2023-09-13T20:55:46Z
• Authors: Lisanne A. van de...; Jildou Schotanus; Jacob J. Capelle; Tjeerd J. Bouma
• Keywords: Ecosystem engineer; Mesocosm; Blue mussel

Habitat restoration through transplantation of ecosystem engineering species has become an increasingly popular conservation strategy. However, the success these efforts depends largely on ability transplanted organisms to establish and persist in their new environment. Ecosystem engineers typically occur large numbers rely self-facilitating feedback mechanisms overcome physical and/or biological stressors for successful establishment. These can only arise when a certain density or size threshold is reached are driven by interplay facilitation competition. To initiate establishment mechanism, we used biodegradable structures known as "BioShell-SMCs". innovation nylon seed mussel collectors (SMCs) commonly cultivation. They consist net based compound aliphatic polyesters, filled with empty cockle shells around coconut fiber rope. In mesocosm experiment, investigated competition processes comparing aggregation performance between loose seeded blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) already attached BioShell-SMC at two different densities (high vs. low) sediment compositions (mud vs shell). Our results revealed that showed more pronounced clustering compared mussels, particularly low density. Mussels high dispersed from SMC both compositions. Furthermore, higher survival rates had better condition than mussels. Overall, our study emphasizes importance considering ecological such designing implementing projects. It provides case optimizing including temporary substrate provide positive establishment, effectively creating window opportunity.