Depth and Seasonal Effects on the Settlement Density of Mytilus galloprovincialis L. 1819 in the Dardanelles

The seasonal pattern of recruitment of the mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, on artificial collectors, situated at four different depth (0.5, 4, 8, 12 m) in the Dardanelles. The presence of pediveliger mussels throughout the year and their abundance in march reflects the presence of spawning mussels throughout the year and the occurence of a major spawning period during beginning of spring. Different densities of mussel settlement were detected at the different depths. Mussel seed density was higher at 0.5 m (surface) and 4 m than 8 and 12 m throughout the year. Artificial collectors should be hung within the first 8 m (especially within 4 m) of the water column in order to exploit the highest settlement in the upper parts.