Bachelor Thesis Candidate Daniela Voss (2006)
Comparison of parasite infestation of Mytilus edulis depending on water depth and distance to the shore
Parasite copepod: Mytilicola intestinalis
Due to the economic importance of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) an exact knowledge about the appearing parasites within blue mussels is necessary. Although all known macroparasites of the blue mussel are harmless for consumers, macroparasites are an aesthetic problem and above all an economic one if mussels are highly infested. The infestation of mussels is depending on local conditions. In proximity to the shore high parasite loads are present, because here ideal conditions for the development of the partial complicated life cycles of parasite are given. More preferable locations for aquaculture could be selected by adequate knowledge of the expected parasite infestation in one area, so risks of an infestation could be minimized.
A new perspective represents the Open Ocean Aquaculture. Within the offshore range the load of macroparasites in mussels is lower. Infestation rates of micro parasites may follow the same pattern. The aim of this bachelor-thesis is to compare the parasite loads of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) with different locations (intertidal, subtidal, offshore, North Sea or Baltic Sea). Therefore in the MytiFit and River Jade Project samples of mussels will be taken from inshore and offshore locations (Helgoland, Wilhelmshaven, Kiel, Roter Sand, and ODAS) and analyzed in the lab qualitatively and quantitatively for fouling organism and macroparasitic infestation.
Supervisor:
Prof. Dr. Bela H. Buck (AWI)
Prof. Dr. Oliver Zielinski (University of Applied Sciences, Bremerhaven)