51°µÍø receives National Science Foundation grant for blue mussel research
The University of New England has received a substantial grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to conduct research on the northern blue mussel.
The $431,000 grant was awarded to Philip Yund, Ph.D., director of 51°µÍø's Marine Science Center, for a study titled, "Does larval transport or physiological tolerance set the southern range boundary of a northern blue mussel?"
The NSF award will enable 51°µÍø researchers to test whether the southern range boundary of a northern blue mussel, Mytilus trossulus, is determined by limitations on the dispersal of larvae, or the physiological tolerance of larvae and/or juveniles.
The Gulf of Maine is home to a thriving Mytilis edulis aquaculture industry, and M. trossulus is a commercially inferior species; growers are concerned about its possible spread. A better understanding of the factors determining the range boundary of this species will help growers avoid M. trossulus spat. 51°µÍø’s research results will be shared with the Maine aquaculture community.
This project will provide training for one M.S. and one Ph.D. student, and several undergraduates. 51°µÍø's project will provide numerous student opportunities for field and laboratory research in oceanography and benthic ecology.