About the project
The knowledge about the freshwater mussel’s environmental requirements and the factors influencing its growth is still very limited, as no established cultivation systems or commercial production currently exist. The aim of the project is to test growth in various natural waters in Ostrobothnia in order to draw conclusions about how, or in what types of water, proper cultivation of delivery-ready "seed mussels" could be carried out, as well as what level of nutrient binding the mussels can be expected to provide as an ecosystem service during their growth.The long-term goal is to initiate freshwater mussel farming in Finland and to have them approved as a food product.
The freshwater mussel has many potential uses, and this project is a step toward developing utilization and business opportunities around it.
Project goal
The project will produce:A recommendation on where mussels could be cultivated and in which environments the freshwater mussel thrives.
An analysis of the factors affecting mussel growth and mortality.
Insights into how fast the mussel grows.
Data on the water conditions in the environments where the mussels are being test-cultivated (e.g., nutrient levels, plankton presence, etc.).
UN's Sustainable Development Goals
Anita Storm
Project Leader