Hatchery-based rearing and early grow-out of the common whelk Buccinum undatum
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Subject: Marine Biology
Start: Spring/Summer 2026
Level: Bachelor or master’s thesis (30–60 hp)
Supervisor: Susanne Lindegarth
Location: Tjärnö Marine Laboratory
Background
The common whelk (Buccinum undatum) is a commercially important marine gastropod in northern Europe, widely used in seafood markets but almost exclusively sourced from wild fisheries. Due to late maturity and low recruitment, wild stocks are vulnerable to overexploitation, creating interest in hatchery-based production and aquaculture development.
Whelks exhibits direct development, with juveniles hatching as crawling snails rather than planktonic larvae. This life-history trait makes the species particularly suitable for hatchery rearing, as no larval feeding is required. Previous studies have shown that juvenile whelks readily accept animal-based feeds such as blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), but data on early post-hatch rearing and feeding strategies remain limited.
Project aim
To evaluate hatchery-based rearing and early grow-out of Buccinum undatum, with a focus on mussel-based feeding strategies.
Research questions
- Can Buccinum undatum juveniles be successfully reared from hatching under laboratory conditions?
- How do different animal-based diets affect early growth and survival?
- What husbandry conditions are suitable for nursery and early grow-out stages?
Methods
Egg capsules of whelks will be collected from the field or obtained from captive broodstock and incubated in the laboratory until hatching. Newly hatched juveniles will be transferred to nursery tanks supplied with filtered seawater and appropriate shelter.
A feeding experiment will be conducted with replicated treatments, for example blue mussel as a sole feed and a mixed animal-based diet. Juveniles will be fed regularly, with uneaten food removed to maintain water quality. Growth, survival, and basic environmental parameters will be monitored over the experimental period.
Contact
Susanne Lindegarth,
Project coordinator
Email: susanne.lindegarth@marine.gu.se