Interaction between mussel cultures and hydrodynamics : a preliminary study in Thessaloniki & Thermaikos Gulfs

Abstract

Preliminary study for the interaction between mussel culture and hydrodynamics is presented. The study was based on the use of a mathematical simulation in combination with field data of weather parameters and recorded extreme biological events related to mussel cultures. More specifically, the application of a mathematical model was realized for the calculation of currents that prevailed in the coastal region of north-west Thermaikos Gulf in July 1998, a period with mass mortality phenomena of mussels. The model runs revealed the correlation of unfavorable phenomena with the wind conditions and the hydrodynamics in the coastal area. The use of such models may contribute effectively to the sustainable management of the mussel cultures in relation to the hydrodynamics and the ecohydraulics of the aquatic environment in which they are settled.