Evaluation of the carrying capacity of molluscan shellfish ecosystems

Type Proceedings paper
Date 1985-03-09
Language English
Author(s) Heral Maurice
Meeting Shellfish Culture Development and Management - Développement et Aménagement de la Conchyliculture
Source International Seminar for Research on planning and Development aids to the shellfish industry, Internationa Seminar in La Rochelle (France), March 4-9, 1985
Mot-Clé(s) Cochyliculture, Ecosytemes, Molluscs, Evaluation, Capacité biotique
Keyword(s) Evaluation, Carrying capacity, Molluscs, Ecosystems
Abstract Growth of molluscs raised in coastal zones, where the water exchange rate is low, appears to be limited, once a certain biomass level is attained, by the availability of food, making it necessary to determine as accurately as possible the trophic capacity of an ecosystem. This paper analyses the various sources of food for molluscs. It would appear that dissolved organic substances play a major role, providing up to half the energy necessary for their metabolism. Particulate material is filtered by molluscs in proportion to their size, with optimum filtration rates varying with species. The negative effect on meat production of high mineraI seston rates is demonstrated, and an analysis provided of the respective role of each component of organic matter. The trophic inflow represented by bacteria and organic detritus is discussed, and phytoplankton rations described. A method integrating current factors is proposed for calculating flows of food, and percentages of phytoplankton retained by molluscs raised in various she1lfishculture ecosysterns are presented.
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Heral Maurice (1985). Evaluation of the carrying capacity of molluscan shellfish ecosystems. International Seminar for Research on planning and Development aids to the shellfish industry, Internationa Seminar in La Rochelle (France), March 4-9, 1985. https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/2945/