RESEARCH - Research Summary

Animal Production Theme

Research Summary

Mussel aquaculture is a profitable multimillion-dollar industry in P.E.I. Predation on mussel crops by a number of species of ducks, migrating through the region each fall is estimated to cost the industry $1-2 million per year. The qualities of cultured mussels that make them appealing to people, such as the thin shells and high meat content, are the same that attract ducks. Foraging ducks dive near mussel lines and remove mussels to eat, often at the same time knocking others off, and resulting in even greater losses for the industry. Mussel farmers have used scaring techniques that are disruptive for ducks and only partially effective.

For the past two years project researchers we have been examining the relationship between diving ducks and mussel aquaculture in P.E.I. They have identified techniques that will prevent duck predation at mussel sites while at the same time avoiding disturbance of ducks during their important fall staging period in P.E.I. Hanging mussel socks late in the season and using large mussel seed is of some benefit. However, it is expected that the only effective means of preventing duck predation is to physically keep ducks away from mussels. The researchers will be testing a newly-developed protective socking material that will prevent ducks from accessing mussels. If it is successful, the next step will be to assess the effect of this material on mussel growth and survival by sampling mussels from protected socks and comparing them with mussels from regular socks. Using computer models, the research findings will help mussel growers choose between a variety of options to increase their mussel yield and, at the same time, reduce the number of mussels taken by ducks. The ultimate goal of the research is to develop a method that will allow ducks and mussel aquaculture to peacefully coexist on P.E.I.

Network Investigators

Myriam Barbeau, Dept. of Biology, UNB, Fredericton, NB
A. W. (Tony) Diamond, Atlantic Cooperative Wildlife Ecology Research Network, UNB, Fredericton, NB
Greg Robertson, Canadian Wildlife Service, Mount Pearl, NL