Mussel seed capture installations (MZIs)
Mussel seed capture installations (MZIs) are a new technique for extracting seed from mussels. This technique makes use of the life cycle of mussels. Wageningen University & Research is conducting research into the effects of MZIs.
Mussels produce larvae in spring. These larvae float in the water for several weeks before settling on a hard substrate. Generally, survival is much higher when the larval substrate is suspended in the water than when the mussel seed settles directly on the seabed. After settling, the mussel is called spawn and then grows into seed, the size that the mussel farmer can use for bottom culture. The substrates such as ropes and nets are placed in the water in spring, when there are many larvae in the water.
