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The
Blue Mussel, or mytilus
edulis has a smooth, bluish black shell, which
is elongated and somewhat pear-shaped. The inside of the
shell is pearly violet or white, and quite beautiful. Projecting
out from between the shells on one side is a bundle of tough,
brown fibers called the byssal threads or byssus,
more commonly known as the beard. Mussels use these fibers
to anchor to rocks, pilings, and other mussels. This species
may grow to 4 inches long and can often be found living
with barnacles and seaweed on rocks and pilings in brackish
waters.
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In
the Gulf Region, virtually all mussels are grown in suspension
and the longline system specifically, is generally used.
The longline system (see image, right) consists of the backline,
socks, buoys, anchors and anchor rodes. The seed collectors
or plastic mesh socks are attached to the backline (headrope).
Most longline operations use long polypropylene ropes that
are anchored securely at both ends and are supported by
floats tied at intervals along their length. Floatation
devices represent a major cost of the mussel operation.
The most common floatation device is the standard styrofoam
lobster buoy coated with paint. There are many different
types of anchors, and the anchoring system choosen will
depend on cost, bottom type, current, ice and other local
factors. One common anchoring system that is found in the
Gulf Region are steel barrels cut in half and filled with
concrete put at the end of each line.
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