Estimation of Bivalve Mollusk Plantation Productivity Based on Simulation Results

Abstract—The potential productivity of oysters and mussels was estimated for Voevoda Bay (Russky Island, Primorskii krai) using the FARM model. The main sources of primary production in the study area are seagrass (Zostera marina) and phytoplankton (diatoms). The area of Zostera growth was delineated based on the bottom survey of the bay. The parameters of organic matter production of Zostera and phytoplankton for each computational grid cell were modeled using the ECO BLOOM II Algae module, which is part of the DELWAQ model of the Delft3D software package. Spatial redistribution of organic matter, chlorophyll a and phytoplankton were simulated using the results of hydrodynamic modelling of the DELFT3D Flow. The values of biological (primary production) and hydrochemical (temperature, salinity, oxygen content) parameters, obtained for each computational grid cell were used as input to the FARM. The empirical exceedance probability curves of modelled productivity for pasture and cage cultivation of the giant oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and the Pacific mussel (Mytilus trossulus) were calculated for each cell. The spatial distribution for the potential productivity values of the representative exceedance probability (50, 75, and 95%) for both types of cultivation was mapped.