Within the framework of the FIPA 2031-01 project “Characterization and ecological and genetic evaluation of natural mussel banks and their contribution to the availability of larvae for seed collection activity. Stage 1: Reloncaví fjord and the communes of Hualaihué and Castro,” the Fisheries Research Program from Universidad Austral de Chile, IFOP and INCAR, have initiated sampling campaigns in the Reloncaví fjord, Hualaihué, and Castro Estuary.
The initial campaign took place in the Reloncaví fjord, where a total of 15 stations were sampled along the fjord. These stations were specifically chosen to capture images of the banks, which will subsequently undergo processing to obtain indicators that reflect their status. Additionally, samples were collected to genetically characterize the natural banks of the Chilean mussel Mytilus chilensis, including an assessment of the vertical gradient. To achieve this, cutting-edge markers were utilized to identify other species belonging to the Mytilus genus that may potentially exist within the study area. Moreover, this campaign aims to establish a correlation between the geographical origin of new recruits within the natural banks and the seeds collected in the collectors.
Sampling campaigns will continue throughout the remainder of August and during the month of September. During these campaigns, a comprehensive assessment of the overall state of the natural banks will be conducted, considering their abundance, coverage, density, biomass, vertical distribution, size structures, and associated community.
