Preliminary model of tunicate infestation impacts on seston availability and organic sedimentation in longline mussel farms

The growing importance of bivalve aquaculture combined with its vulnerability to environmental conditions compels to ensure its sustainable development and management. Biofouling can potentially disrupt farm productivity and become a nuisance with profound socio-economic consequences. The numerical tool developed in this study provides valuable information for the management and mitigation of fouling by filter-feeding species on mussel farms.