Estimating the dispersal capacity of the Scottish blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)

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The overarching objective of this thesis is to advance current knowledge and methods in mussel farming planning, conservation, and management practices. This will be achieved by using biophysical models in combination with genome-wide sequencing to investigate larval dispersal and population connectivity. Tracing and understanding the source of seed mussels is both a national and international problem and the most significant challenge for the expanding industry. To accomplish the objective, the following three goals will be pursued:* Obtain the whole genome assembly of the blue mussel to correctly identify molecular markers for evolutionary, population genetics, and conservation studies.* Use an unstructured tridimensional hydrodynamic model to examine patterns of larval movement on the West coast of Scotland. This will allow the quantification of variability and connectivity between regions and the identification ofthe most probable sources of larvae.* Conduct a blue mussel population structure study and validate the hydrodynamic model for key bivalve production locations in dynamic places such as the West coast of Scotland.