COMPARATIVE STUDY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF GREEN MUSSEL (Perna viridis) CULTIVATED ON RAFT AND LONGLINE IN THE COAST OF BAY OF BENGAL

Abstract

Green mussel (Perna viridis) is one of the most potential mariculture shellfish species not only in context of Bangladesh but also for the world. Developing of P. viridis culture techniques can be a great source of livelihood for many people. A thorough study on the feasible green mussel culture method in the context of Bangladesh is essential for farmers and investors to adapt this new and non-conventional species for commercial aquaculture farming. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to compare the growth performance of the green mussel cultivated on raft and longline in the coast of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and investigate the relation of growth with the eco-physiological factors of P. viridis. Raft and long-lines were stationed in the coast of Bay of Bengal near Nuniar Chora, Cox’s Bazar for green mussel culture. Water sampling was done twice a month basis for a period of 13 months from November 2019 to November 2020 and P. viridis were sampled from February 2020 to November 2020 after naturally spat settlement. Collected green mussel samples were brought to the laboratory to measure live weight and shell length for analyzing the growth performance. From the study, the maximum live weight and maximum shell length of P. viridis was found 54.56 g and 12.20 cm, respectively which was cultivated in the raft. There was no significant variation in growth of P. viridis cultivated on longline and raft. The growth increment of P. viridis was higher in August than the other months in both raft and longline culture methods. All the water quality parameters of the two culture sites were suitable for green mussel culture and had influence on the growth of green mussel. However, the study will be helpful for local communities to develop green mussel culture near the coast adjacent to their homestead in Nuniar chora, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.