Bio-filtering mussels
Project Leader: Dr Wera Leujak
Background
Dr Wera Leujak
Recent research has highlighted the potential use of cultured bivalves, notably mussels, not only as a source of food and a potential indicator of water quality, but also as bio-filters for improving water quality in regions of nutrient and detritus effluent, and therefore playing a potential role as components within polyculture systems.
Research
The potential of using mussels as bio-filters mean there is currently a significant interest in exploring practical options for their use, both in temperate waters and in tropical, predominantly coral reef systems. As a result there are several collaborative research projects underway, both in Europe and North America, including one linked to pilot studies undertaken at Eilat, in the northern Red Sea.
Aims & objectives
In broadening its research portfolio to embrace aquaculture, water
quality and bioremediation aspects of the marine environment, SOSF is
currently exploring possible research and development options. Project
leader Dr Wera Leujak, a specialist in marine invertebrate ecology, is
undertaking a detailed assessment that covers both published work and,
so far as practicable, ongoing research and existing aquaculture
practices. This should lead to recommendations either for or against
further involvement and, if the former, in identifying one or more
research opportunities to be taken forward.