For this experiment, mussel long lines were taken from a previous experiment carried out in Neetje Jans, in Zeeland, The Netherlands. Four lines were obtained, and put into a flow through tank, shown in Figure 14. Also taken from the lines were the starfish used in the first part of the experiment. Ranging in size from 2.5-8.5 cm in diameter, there were 15 starfish collected in total. These starfish were stored in a sealed crate with small holes, allowing for oxygenated water to enter. Mussels were also placed into the crate to provide food for the starfish.
There were two sets of trials carried out to test the effectiveness of a highly concentrated spray on starfish removal. One set of trials involved a concentrated hydrated lime solution, while the other assessed the effectiveness of a highly saline brine solution. Most of the original mussels had fallen off of the lines by the time experimentation had begun, new mussels lines had to be set up. Mussels ranging in size from 30mm-65mm were placed into mussel socks, and allowed to sit in turbulent water in a aerated flow through tank for 72 hours, again seen in Figure 14. The mussels stuck to each other, and the mussel sock with their byssal threads, creating new lines with which to work. Also, the original 15 starfish had died, either from testing, or from a lack of optimal conditions in the crate, and therefore a new group of 42 starfish was obtained.