Investigating the Thermal Biology of Norwegian Mussels Using Novel Technologies

Mussels are ectothermic organisms, and consequently, their performance, growth, and survival are strongly linked to their thermal
environment. As mussels are commercially important species in Norway, understanding how they will respond physiologically and
behaviourally to elevated temperatures is ecologically and economically important. This project was therefore designed to address
two main objectives: (1) Investigate the thermal performance of mussels in Norway over a range of existing and projected
temperatures, and (2) collect high resolution temporal data using novel technologies to analyse multiple traits simultaneously
under natural seawater conditions. These objectives will be examined by exploring three research questions concurrently: how
does the (1) feeding rate, (2) metabolic rate, and (3) valve movements (opening and closing behaviours) of mussels change over
a range of ecologically relevant temperatures? The project will expand our knowledge of mussel thermal biology on a global scale
and provide training on the newest technological approaches used in mussel research, placing our working group at the forefront
of the field.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ramon Filgueira

Student:

Partner:

University of Bergen

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Aquaculture and Fishing; Environmental Science and Technology; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: