Longevity of subtidal mussel beds (Mytilus edulis) in eutrophic coastal areas

Abstract

Mussel populations (Mytilus edulis) around the coasts of Europe and the North Atlantic are often ephemeral and have notably experienced a large decline in abundance. Since 1993, annual blue mussel stock surveys have been carried out in the Limfjorden, Denmark. We used the stock survey data combined with electronic monitoring fishing data and Mechanistic Models for the Limfjorden, providing environmental data to investigate the impact of various stressors. Multiple factors were found to affect the longevity of subtidal mussel beds in Limfjorden. Predation by starfish, fishing activities, shell length of the mussels, amplitude in summer temperature and consecutive days of oxygen depletion decreased the longevity of the beds. Conversely, increased biomass, multiple cohorts and increasing water depth demonstrate stabilising effects. Water column stratification had both a negative and positive impact on bed longevity depending on the duration. These analyses can help inform environmental, conservation, and fisheries managers on the long-term trends of population dynamics and gain a deeper understanding of what factors can affect mussel bed longevity in the context of declining stocks.