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Key parameters for the consumption suitability of offshore cultivated blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) in the German Bight

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Abstract

The occurrence and composition of toxic algae, and presence of viruses and other human microbial pathogens in production areas of mussels are factors determining suitability of mussel products for human consumption. As bivalves feed by filtering large volumes of water, potentially toxic viruses, algae, and bacteria as well as phytoplankton are ingested. With the expansion of mussel aquaculture and subsequent increase in human consumption of mussel products, improved risk management is required for consumer protection. For example, shifting production to offshore areas (e.g. wind farms) can decrease the hazards of infection due to dilution of contaminants, and increase overall health of mussels. In addition, the deployment of off-bottom cultivation methods such as longlines increases the condition index, growth, and aesthetic appearance of mussels. However, other hazards like algal toxins not yet monitored on a regular basis, may play a more important rule offshore. Here, we present an analysis of biological, economic, and consumer health-related aspects of mussel cultivation under near- and offshore conditions.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the Water and Shipping Authority (WSA) of Bremerhaven and the Niedersachsen Port Authorities (NPorts), Wilhelmsahven, both Germany who generously allowed using the offshore test field in the Weser estuary near the lighthouse Roter Sand and the cargo bridge at the Jade estuary, respectively, for the mussel cultivation experiments in the years 2006 and 2007. Further, we would like to thank Mr. André de Leeuw, head of the Royal Frysks Mussel Company in Emmelsbüll-Horsbüll, Germany, who provided on-bottom cultivated mussels for comparison. This work was realised within the project FV 168 MytiFit financed by the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany and the Ministry of Construction, Environment, Traffic and Europe of the Federal State of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany

    Matthias Brenner

  2. Institute for Marine Resources (IMARE), Klußmannstraße 1, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany

    Matthias Brenner

  3. Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759, Bremen, Germany

    Matthias Brenner

  4. LAVES, Institute for Fish and Fishery Products, Schleusenstraße 1, 27472, Cuxhaven, Germany

    Sven Ramdohr, Stefan Effkemann & Michael Stede

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  1. Matthias Brenner
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Correspondence to Matthias Brenner.

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Brenner, M., Ramdohr, S., Effkemann, S. et al. Key parameters for the consumption suitability of offshore cultivated blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) in the German Bight. Eur Food Res Technol 230, 255–267 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-009-1159-0

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