Modelling the effects of seed mussel collectors on the western Dutch Wadden Sea ecosystem

The bottom fishery for seed mussels is bound to be replaced by alternative methods of seed collection. This change is a result of an agreement between the Dutch Government, fishermen and nature protection organizations. Seed mussel collectors (abbreviated: MZI) are most promising as an alternative for the bottom fishery: ropes or nets are placed in the water column in spring, and form a good substrate for settling mussels in late spring and early summer. It has to be tested what seed mussel collectors mean for the western Dutch Wadden Sea ecosystem