Blue mussels in decline in the Baltic Sea. Illustration: Marc Hauber.

Project: Blue mussels in decline in the Baltic Sea -The effects on mussel-eating seabirds and possible solutions

The blue mussel is an important species in the Baltic Sea, but some studies show a decline in its body size and biomass. Seabirds such as the common eider depend on the mussel as prey. Therefore, the Björn Carlson Baltic Fellows network plans to collect and analyze data on blue mussel abundance and health to understand the causes of the decline and provide recommendations for the management and recovery of blue mussels and seabirds.

Project information

Project manager
Samuel Hylander
Other project members
Jenny Ask, Johan Eklöf, Jan Dierking, Camilla Gustafsson, Stefan Heinänen, Magnus Huss, Agnes Karlsson, Monika Kędra, Linda Kumblad, Isabell Klawonn, Elin Lindehoff, Tiia Möller-Raid, Francisco Nascimento, Cintia Quintana, Szymon Smoliński, Solvita Strake, Jonas Sundberg, Petter Tibblin, Sofia Wikström, Mindaugas Zilius
Collaborative partner at Linnaeus University
Marc Hauber
Participating organizations
Linnaeus University, Stockholm University, Umeå University, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Poland, Tartu Universitet, Institute of Oceanology Polish Academy of Science, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Novia University of Applied Sciences, Finland, University of Southern Denmark, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemuende, Klaipeda University, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology
Financier
Björn Carlsons Baltic Fellows
Timetable
1 Feb – 2025 - 31 Dec 2027
Subject
Ecology (Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences)
Research groups
Ecochange: Ecosystem dynamics in the Baltic Sea in a changing climate perspective, Fish Ecology, Food Web Ecology, Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS), Marine phytoplankton ecology and applications (MPEA)
Knowledge Environment
Linnaeus Knowledge Environment: Water

More information

The blue mussel (Mytilus edulis trossulus) is a crucial species in the Baltic Sea, serving as an ecosystem engineer, primary filter feeder, and key prey item. However, recent studies indicate a decline in their body size and population biomass over time. The blue mussel is vital for various bird and fish species, including the common eider, European flounder, and the invasive round goby. The decline of the common eider is particularly concerning due to its significant ecological, cultural and recreational value.

The Björn Carlson Baltic Fellows network aims to:

  1. Collect and analyze monitoring data on blue mussel abundance and biomass across the Baltic Sea to determine if declines are widespread. This includes studying abiotic and biotic variables to understand the causes.
  2. Gather data on spatial variation in blue mussel health and quality as food for birds and fish, using metrics like fatty acids, stable isotopes, and thiamine. This will help assess the impact on benthic-feeding birds.
  3. Utilize the network's expertise in food web ecology and time series analysis to provide management recommendations for blue mussel and seabird recovery. This includes disseminating knowledge to society, decision-makers, and managers.

The project is part of the research in the research groups Ecochange: Ecosystem dynamics in the Baltic Sea in a changing climate perspective, Fish Ecology, Food Web Ecology, Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS), Marine phytoplankton ecology and applications (MPEA) and in the Linnaeus Knowledge Environment Water

Project members