Mussel farming along the south-Swedish coasts - a possible solution to eutrophication?

Abstract: The concept of mussel farming as a mitigator to nutrient pollution is steadily spreading. The southernmost part of Sweden borders the Baltic Sea where the water quality differs between the costs, however, all are affected by eutrophication. The study presents a suitability analysis using GIS to find potential locations for blue-mussel farm establishment, and the outcome was produced as maps. A multi-criteria analysis (MCA) was done based on the environmental conditions needed for mussel growth (chlorophyll a, salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, currents, and water depth), possible disturbances (pipelines, cables, shipping, and nature reserves) and a short discussion on the spatial availability considering potential variations of eutrophication levels in the water based on adjacent land cover. The difference in salinity had a great effect on the location suitability, and adjustments showed that with lower salinity, the area availability increased, marginally along the west coast but to a pronounced degree along the east coast.