Experimental Long-line Culture of Mussels Perna indica and Perna viridis at Andakaranazhi, South India

Mussels were grown on long-lines for the first time in lndia at Andakaranazhi, 50 km south of Cochin. A long-line unit of 20 x 20 m was moored at 10 m depth, 2 km off Andakamnazhi. One hundred .seeded ropes of 4.5 to 6 m length. holding the seed of both, brown (Perno indica) and green (P. viridis) mussels were suspended from the long-line. For both the species 34 mm avenge length seed collected from natural grounds in October 1995 were used. The green mussel had grown to 63-87 mm, and brown mussel 63-82 mm in 6 months. The details of growth. meat yield and production nte are given in this paper. Slipping of the mussels during the later part of culture resulted in considerable loss of stock. The remedial measures for optimising the production are indicated. The potential of long-line seafarming of the mussels in lndia is discussed