Abstract
The seasonal physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the Johore Strait, Singapore, were studied, and their effects on the reproductive patterns of the mussel Perna viridis a marine-fouling organism, were evaluated. Factors monitored included temperature, tidal height, pH, DO, salinity, bivalve larval density, total plankton biomass, gonad conditions of adult mussels, and mussel growth rates. Salinity, DO, gonad conditions, and bivalve density were highest in early November and in April, both intermonsoon months. This indicated that spawning of these mussels occurred during these periods. Chlorination of the sea water more regularly and intensely during the peak spawning and fouling months is recommended for the control of marine growth.