In addition to testing conventional commercial husbandry practices (re-immersion, chilling) this study also focused on different transport options including the use of ice (recommended by good practice codes; C-ASD, 2003; Macnamara and Pollock, 1988; SEAFISH, 1997;Seccombe, 1999). We showed that the use of ice and lid prevented weight loss of depurated mussels during 22 h transport in comparison to neither ice nor lid. This is most probably the combined effect of
lid and ice promoting an even and constant levels of humidity, cold environment and oxygen, which decreases mussels' metabolism and benefits the mussel capacity of acquiring oxygen when out of water,through gaping. Surprisingly, ice alone did not promote an obvious benefit on mussel survival and ammonium concentration
in the haemolymph (anticipated to reduce metabolic rate,and hence the accumulation of metabolites). Most studies reported that wet storage of mussels in ambient temperature water resulted in the lowest stress response. Melting
ice keeps the mussels damp and is used by the industry because it is more practical and less expensive than wet transport and likely reduces proliferation of spoilage bacteria, although this was not investigated.
This current study was performed on a calm day in beginning of March when water temperature is at its coldest around the UK, and prior to maturation of mussel gonads and the onset of spawning. The benefits of ice would likely be more apparent on windy, hot days over the summer and beginning of autumn, factors that can trigger spawning, promote desiccation and proliferation of spoilage bacteria.