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Regional Studies in Marine Science, vol.78, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in bivalve and gastropod species (Mollusca phylum) due to their high nutritional value compared to terrestrial organisms. Bivalve species, in particular, hold significant potential for both aquaculture and fishing industries worldwide. Among shellfish, mussels play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. Parameters such as meat yield and condition index are essential for determining consumption strategies of bivalve species. Thus, this study focused on monthly collections of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from Çanakkale Gelibolu Ilgardere Mediterranean Mussel Cultivation Farmers between March 2019 and February 2020. During this period, analyses were conducted for condition index, meat yield, shell component index, as well as protein, carbohydrate, lipid, and ash content. The temperature variations in the study area aligned with seasonal changes maximum value and minimal value were recorded as 8.7 °C in March and 27.3 °C in July. Salinity values ranged from 15.2 ‰ in November and January to 24.01 ‰ in December. The length of mussels ranged from 52.54 mm to 68.53 mm, with total weights ranging from 11.18 g to 25.37 g. The length-weight relationship of Mediterranean mussels was determined as Weight = 0.0002 * Length2.806. Condition index, meat yield, and shell component index exhibited significant variations across months (P < 0.05). There was no relationship between these parameters and environmental factors. Fluctuations in protein content were observed, with the lowest recorded in May (41.88 %) and the highest in November (61.19 %). Lipid, carbohydrate, and ash content ranged between 12.49 % and 18.59 %, 9.69 % and 34.31%, and 6.95 % and 18.06 %, respectively. Overall, it can be concluded that aside from the summer months, the harvesting and consumption of cultivated mussels are more suitable in terms of meat quality and biochemical profile.