The mytiliculture indicates the breeding of the Mollusques called moulds .

Methods of breeding

Three methods of breeding are practiced on the European coasts:

• by spreading,
• on Mussel bed S,
• suspended on “Tables of breeding” in the Mediterranean.

Species

Two species are exploited:

• Mytilus edulis : on the Breton coasts and in all the north of Europe,
• Mytilus galloprovincialis : coasts the Mediterranean, Spanish, Portuguese and Atlantic S.

Natural crossings take place on the French coasts, phenomenon known under the name of Introgression.

Production

With a production of 68  000 tons per annum, France places itself at the 6th rank world and in 2nd position to Europe. French consumption (100  000 tons per annum) is partly ensured by imports of the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain.

See too

• Aquiculture and Shellfish farming

References