Mussel ecosystem services increased by triploidy

Filter-feeding bivalves represent a significant area of aquaculture development and are widely recognized for their valuable ecosystem services. They are considered extractive species, capable of capturing excess nutrients from the environment and converting them into nutritious food for human consumption. Triploidy has been widely used in the oyster industry to enhance production, as triploid oysters allocate most of their energy toward growth. However, the reported productivity gains remain contentious, with some studies indicating that triploidy confers no significant advantage or disadvantage. This approach could also be applied to other shellfish species to boost productivity and improve other energy-dependent processes, such as byssogenesis in mussels. Mussels are one of the most extensively cultivated shellfish species globally and play a significant economic role in coastal regions of Canada. A major challenge in suspension-cultured mussel farming is the high rate of mussel fall-off from cultivation ropes, which reduces harvest yields. Additionally, mussel detachment affects the ecosystem services provided by these filter-feeding organisms in coastal habitats. Mussels remain attached in suspension culture through byssal thread production, a crucial attachment mechanism. Weak byssal thread attachment is a key factor contributing to detachment, and various environmental and biological factors influence this process. This review explores advancements in shellfish productivity through the use of triploidy and examines how this management strategy could be leveraged to enhance byssal attachment capacity in mussels.