Food-Limited Growth of Mytilus edulis L. in Relation to the Benthic Boundary Layer

The hypothesis that depletion of organic particles near the sediment limits the growth of benthic suspension feeders was tested. In situ growth of Mytilus edulis L. was significantly depressed at the sediment–water interface, as compared with growth 1.0 m above the mussel bed, in studies at two shore levels. Flesh dry weight was sensitive to treatment effects, but not shell growth. We conclude that mussels from the bed were food limited.