This study compared conventional and experimental strategies, along a mussel supply chain, before (pre), during
and after (post) transportation at pilot commercial scale. The main focus was on depuration and re-watering
(immersion of mussels pretransport and reimmersion at post-transport) and the use of ice versus ambient
temperature (0 °C and 8 °C), and humidity (use of a lid or cover) during transport. Improvements to the supply
chain were measured via survival, batch weight dynamics and ammonium serum concentration (as a simple
physiological stress assay). We found that ice is not the key management component for keeping mussels
alive. Survival and stress were reduced via depuration and rewatering. We also present and discuss transport
measures strategies benefitting both producers and shellfish merchants, representing a total cost saving
of 14%.