Phenotypic analysis in the Chilean oyster, Ostrea chilensis Philippi 1845: relationship between juvenile and adult growth rates

Abstract. The Chilean oyster, Ostrea chilensis Philippi, shows high phenotypic variability for growth rate within populations. In order to determine if the serial correlation of growth rate in oysters is positive, the correlation between shell height and live weight at different stages of the life cycle in a cohort of the Chilean oyster was estimated. Four size groups of individually tagged oysters selected on the basis of their shell heights were examined. The relationships for juvenile and adult oysters were found to be positively correlated throughout the study period. The correlation coefficients ranged from r = 0.28 to r = 0.83. For shell height the coefficient of determination for market size oysters was higher in 2-year-old (r²=0.88) than in 1-year-old oysters (r²=0.09). Shell height and live weight were more highly correlated at later stages of the life cycle. The results indicate that 2-year-old oysters have a size that is indicative of performance to market size and hence is an appropriate age to select the parents to be used in breeding programmes to improve the growth rate in O. chilensis . A high mortality was detected after the natural spawning period. A physiological stress hypothesis is proposed to explain the high summer mortality in O. chilensis in the Quempillen estuary, southern Chile.     

Monthly variation of condition index,energy reserves and antibacterial activity in Pacific oysters,Crassostrea gigas,in Stansbury (South Australia)

This paper investigates the temporal responses of 2-year old Crassostrea gigas to environmental changes in Stansbury, South Australia from September 2005 to October 2006. A total of 360 oysters were grown in one-line baskets on the farm using six replicates that were sampled monthly. A range of environmental parameters were assessed and correlated against biological indicators for oyster condition, metabolism and antimicrobial activity. Food availability by chlorophyll a, was low throughout the study period (0.5–1.5 µg L^? 1) and was significantly correlated to phosphorus concentrations. The condition index and shell weight of oysters significantly increased over the year, with the condition index dropping after spawning but then recovering within one month. Significant temporal variation in energy storage and utilization were observed in different tissues over the year. Glycogen in the mantle tissue was influenced by reproduction and correlated to chlorophyll a levels, but not in the gill or adductor muscle. The mantle glycogen and gill protein reached the lowest level in February when spawning occurred and presented evidence for seasonal variation in oyster metabolic activity. However, mantle and adductor muscle proteins did not drop after spawning indicating that these proteins contribute little to gametogenesis. Hemolymph protein was negatively correlated to water temperature and chlorophyll a, reaching the lowest level during summer. Hemolymph antibacterial activity significantly decreased after spawning, implying that the period of post-spawning is critical for oyster health. This study revealed trade-offs in the energy budget between immune resistance, growth, and reproduction. The results indicate that in a lean water environment, spawning events significantly regulate metabolic and immune capacities of oysters and a second year of rearing increased meat and shell weight but not the shell length. These findings are applicable to the management and development of oyster aquaculture within temperate southern hemisphere.     

The potential for Chilean oysters, Tiostrea chilensis (Philippi, 1845), from two populations in northern New Zealand as a source of larvae for aquaculture

The use of the Chilean oyster. Tiostrea chilensis (Philippi. 1845), for aquaculture has been hampered by difficulty in obtaining commercial quantities of larvae due to the low fertility of the existing broodstock of this species taken from well-known populations in Chile and the South Island of New Zealand. The larval productions of two wild populations of this oyster in northern New Zealand were assessed as potential alternative sources of broodstock for aquaculture. The study found both populations produced larvae from young, small oysters, and that a much larger proportion of the population was brooding larvae each year than has been reported elsewhere. The mean fertility of one of these populations, at 71 056 ± 3701 (SE) larvae per oyster, was the highest reported for any population of this species. The significantly higher fertility of these populations makes them well suited for further development as broodstock for aquaculture.     

广西茅尾海的香港巨牡蛎(Crassostrea hongkongensis)在不同养殖区的性腺发育变化

为探究香港巨牡蛎(Crassostrea hongkongensis)的繁殖特性以及春季死亡原因,采用肉眼观察、活体镜检和组织切片方法研究了茅尾海沙井的香港巨牡蛎苗种吊养于大风江黄场的1龄牡蛎的性腺发育周年变化,并建立了快速判断香港巨牡蛎性腺发育程度的方法.对比分析了吊养在茅尾海沙井、大风江入海口内的黄场和入海口外的鑫丰场的2龄牡蛎性腺发育的启动和发展过程.结果显示,广西茅尾海的香港巨牡蛎每年只有1个繁殖周期,性腺发育过程可划分为未分化期(1-3月)、分化期(4月)、成熟排放期(5-10月)及休止期(11-12月)4个阶段;1龄和2龄牡蛎的性腺发育基本同步;大风江入海口外的牡蛎的性腺发育较入海口内的牡蛎提前约15d,而比茅尾海内海的牡蛎提前约30 d,入海口外的牡蛎的性腺4月即发育到成熟排放期,冬季饵料的丰富程度和温度、盐度等因素可能是造成这种差异的原因.研究还发现,高温少雨天气下,海水盐度高,抑制了牡蛎性细胞的排放,导致入海口外侧吊养牡蛎的大规模死亡,濒临死亡的牡蛎性腺处于退化和崩解状态.鉴于此,认为4月初即需密切监测吊养于入海口外的牡蛎性腺的发育状况和天气状况,及时收获性腺饱满的牡蛎,或将吊养牡蛎的蚝排放置在河流入海口内区域过冬.     

Gametogenesis, reproductive investment, and spawning behavior of the Pacific giant oyster Crassostrea gigas: evidence of an environment-dependent strategy

The progress of gametogenesis was studied in oysters Crassostrea gigas having the same origin (Tremblade), but cultured during 1 year in two distinctive French marine areas, the Baie des Veys and Marennes-Oléron. We assessed seasonal changes in the reproduction cycle on the basis of stereological techniques to estimate reproductive investment and measurement of gonad evolution area by quantitative histology. From a qualitative point of view, both oyster groups presented typical reproductive stages, but showed differential timing, in particular during the sequence of spawning and duration of the re-absorption stage. Oysters in Baie des Veys had a single partial spawning in August and a re-absorption stage that extended until winter. Oysters in Merennes-Oléron had a partial spawning in July and massive release of gametes during August. Spawnings in both the areas were related to maximum temperature (19°C). The quantitative analysis showed, on an annual basis, a higher reproductive investment by oysters from Baie des Veys, 86% against 53% in the other group. Larger gonads, higher gamete production, and more intensive spawning were the characteristics of oysters in Baie des Veys. Recently, the reproduction pattern and investment has been related with summer mortalities; therefore, a quantitative understanding of reproductive processes becomes necessary for C. gigas. Environmental conditions at each site may explain differences in the progress and intensity of gametogenesis. While temperature regulated the time and speed of gametogenesis, results suggest that the intensity was influenced by the quantity of available food but may need further research. However, nutrient recycling from unreleased gametes in the gonads of oysters from Baie des Vey is a factor to be considered in the results of this study.     

Quantitative measurement of reproductive output in the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin), using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Abstract. A quantitative gonadal index was developed for oysters, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin. 1791), using polyclonal antibodies from eggs and sperm. Percoll used in the purification of oyster eggs and sperm greatly improved the purity of antigens compared to filtering the egg or sperm through a fine mesh only. The antigen-antibody reaction was tested with indirect sandwich ELISA using alkaline phosphatase-conjugated goat anti-rabbit igG as a secondary antibody. Rabbit anti-oyster egg IgG and anti-oyster sperm IgG initially exhibited a weak cross-reactivity over somatic tissue. Absoring with acetone-dried oyster tissue powder removed this cross-reactivity. Both antisera exhibited strong specific immunological reactions to oyster eggs or sperm respectively. The quantity of eggs or sperm was measured using ELISA and a quantitative gonadosomatic index (dry wt of egg or sperm/dry wt oyster) (GSI) calculated. GSI from ELISA correlated with gonadal stage measured histologically. Monthly mean GSI of female oysters was highest during late spring to early summer (0·157–0·201) and lowest during early winter to early spring (0·002-0·000). Maximum GSI observed during the study was 0·422 for female oysters and 0·446 for male oysters. Female oysters produce 3·7–65·4 million eggs, with an average of 21·1 million during each spawning. A positive correlation was observed between the number of eggs produced and oyster size; the number of eggs in the gonad increased as oyster size (i.e. total dry wt) increased (r= 0·67); however, the relationship was non-linear. Large oysters contained proportionally fewer eggs. Prevalence of Perkinsus marinus parasitism was high, 90–100%, during the study, as was weighted incidence, 1·33 to 2·67, No statistically significant correlation was observed between infection intensity and the per cent weight of oyster eggs or egg number.     

Assignment of parentage in triploid species using microsatellite markers with null alleles,an example from Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

Triploid production in aquaculture is increasing because of their more profitable growth and reproduction traits. Triploids are mostly produced through mass spawning techniques, meaning that exact pedigree is unknown. The ability to trace the pedigree of high performing triploids would allow selection of broodstock to perpetuate triploids of greater economic value. This study aimed to develop a method of determining parental assignment in triploids and test its accuracy on triploid oysters. Using a likelihood approach and accounting for null allele frequencies, a method was developed which proved to be efficient at determining the pedigree of triploid oysters. This method was able to provide accurate pedigree on simulated data and two commercial cohorts of triploid oysters. The analysis of the triploid cohorts showed that mass spawning to produce triploid oysters, like that for diploid and tetraploids, results in a strong bias in parental contributions, with the effective population size being 34‐49% lower than the census population. This highlights the need for pedigree control in breeding programs and indicates that the ability to determine parentage of triploids will be a valuable tool for breeding programs.     

A comparative study of the survival,growth and gonad development of the diploid and triploid Hong Kong oyster,Crassostrea hongkongensis (Lam & Morton 2003)

The Hong Kong oyster, Crassostrea hongkongensis is an economically important and widely cultivated oyster species in southern China. Aiming to improve the aquaculture potentials of C. hongkongensis, a triploid organism was generated by inhibiting the second polar body formation in the fertilized eggs, using 0.5 mg L^?1 cytochalasin B. Triploids exhibited significantly higher growth and were larger than the diploids throughout the life cycle. Much of the triploid growth advantage can be attributed to resource reallocation to structural development due to gonadal sterility. Most of the triploid oysters exhibited polymorphic sterility with atrophic gonads and abnormal gametogenesis. Only few ‘dysfunctional’ sperms were produced by the triploid males, thus ruling out reproductive and genetic contamination of natural oyster populations from triploid cultivations. This advantage in addition to the superior growth of triploids makes it a potent alternative in Hong Kong oyster aquaculture industry. Triploid survival was mostly found to be similar to that of diploids except for day 360, when a significant triploid advantage in terms of survival was noted. Furthermore, we found that growth and survival of Hong Kong oyster is significantly higher at the Zhuhai site in comparison to the Beihai site. Our results indicate a strong environmental effect in Hong Kong oyster cultivation and points to the fact that Zhuhai site was more suitable for oyster farming than the Beihai site. Overall, this study provides valuable information to the aquaculture industry of southern China.     

Gametogenic patterns of the larviparous oyster Ostrea nomades from Karachi, Pakistan (northern Arabian Sea)

The larviparous oyster Ostrea nomades from two different localities was examined histologically and found to be mostly hermaphroditic. However, pure males, pure females and indifferent oysters were also found. The hermaphrodites of O. nomades were classified into three categories: ambisexual, predominantly female and predominantly male. Gonadal development appears to take place throughout the year with increasing activity and ripening in the winter months, leading to immediate spawning and later resorption. The number of brooding larvae of O. nomades was low at both collection sites.     

The effect of temperature on physiological energetics of a fast‐growing selective strain and a hatchery population of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

Growth is an important aquaculture trait, which has been one of the most important traits for genetic improvement in aquatic species. Numerous fast‐growing domesticated aquaculture organisms are being cultured, but the physiological processes underlying growth remain largely unexplored. The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is one of the most widely farmed bivalves. In order to improve the productivity traits, a fast‐growing selective strain of C. gigas was established. In this study, we compared physiological energetics of the fast‐growing selective strain and an unselected hatchery population of C. gigas under different conditions of temperature. Components of energy gain (clearance rates, ingestion rates, absorption efficiency and absorption rates), energy loss (metabolic rates) and resulting energy budget (scope for growth) were analysed at four temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30°C). The results indicated that selective breeding oysters had a higher energy gain compared to unselected oysters, but the selected strain and hatchery population of oysters did not significantly differ in metabolic rates at all tested temperatures (p > 0.05). The enhanced energy gain resulted in almost two times higher scope for growth in selective breeding oysters compared with unselected oysters. Physiological characteristics of C. gigas were greatly affected by temperature and showed a fluctuation with the increase in temperatures. The selective breeding oysters outperformed those of hatchery population in growth performance by an increased energy gain along with a similar energy loss. This study provided insight into physiological energetics accounting for growth improvements in fast‐growing selective strain of C. gigas.     

长牡蛎壳金选育群体性腺发育与营养成分的周年变化

为了评估长牡蛎(Crassostrea gigas)壳金选育群体的繁殖周期及营养价值,自2013年11月至2014年10月,对山东省刘公岛海区长牡蛎第三代壳金选育群体的性腺发育、营养成分(总蛋白、总脂肪、糖原)季节变化及其与环境因子的关系进行了研究,并比较了与普通养殖群体营养成分的差异。结果表明,长牡蛎壳金选育群体雌雄比例接近1︰1,性腺同步发育;配子发生开始于2月,全年只有1个产卵季节(6―8月),7月为两性配子排放高峰期。配子成熟及排放期间,水温处于较高水平,食物充足,可为性腺发育提供能量,也有利于幼体的存活和生长。卵母细胞直径从配子发生开始逐渐增大,并在产卵前达到最大值(36.88μm),产卵后则降低。营养成分分析表明,脂肪含量在性腺–内脏团中随配子发育积累储存,产卵后显著降低;糖原在性腺发育到4月时开始下降,为配子的发育提供能量;蛋白质在配子发育过程中大量合成,与繁殖活动存在密切联系。长牡蛎壳金选育群体外套膜的总蛋白含量显著高于普通养殖群体(P0.05),糖原和总脂肪含量显著低于普通养殖群体(P0.05),其他组织的一般营养成分未出现显著差异。研究表明,长牡蛎在壳金群体选育过程中营养成分已表现出分化,这为长牡蛎壳色选育提供了重要参考依据。     

Characterization,fluctuation and tissue differences in nutrient content in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in Qingdao,northern China

The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is one of the most important aquaculture species worldwide. Its meat quality is vital for consumer satisfaction, and nutrient content, especially glycogen, is closely associated with oyster fatness and meat colour. Fluctuations in nutrient content of short‐term starvation have not been previously reported, and seasonal variation in glycogen content in different tissues has rarely been reported. In the present study, we investigated these important aspects of oyster production and found that short‐term starvation (50 hr) did not significantly alter glycogen, protein or lipid content. The seasonal variation assay showed that glycogen and lipid accumulation was high in autumn and winter and that seawater temperature and protein content were inversely related to glycogen content. Glycogen content of the whole flesh was higher from January to April and was positively related to the condition index before the onset of gametogenesis. Glycogen content was higher in the gonad, labial palp and mantle compared to the gill or adductor muscle. Relative expression of genes encoding proteins involved in glycogen metabolism (glycogen synthase, glycogen phosphorylase, glycogen debranching enzyme and glycogen branching enzyme) was closely associated with the glycogen content in the corresponding tissues. Glycogen content in the gonad was regulated by glycogen metabolic and glycolysis pathway genes (6‐phosphofructo kinase, phosphoglycerate kinase, pyruvate kinase, hexokinase and glucose transporters), and stored glycogen was the main energy source for gametogenesis. These findings contribute to oyster aquaculture management and glycogen improvement and expand our understanding of glycogen metabolism in oysters.     

The fertility of the Port Lincoln oyster (Ostrea angasi Sowerby) from West Lakes,South Australia

During 1977–1978 the spawning season of the Port Lincoln oyster (Ostrea angasi Sowerby) extended from about mid-October to early March. Between 5.6% and 21.4% of randomly sampled adult oysters (larger than 68 mm in length) were incubating larvae and between 0.91 and 1.33 broods of larvae were produced per adult oyster. Large oysters (68–94 mm in length) had a mean of 12.1 × 10⁵ larvae per brood. The incubation period under natural and laboratory conditions ranged from 15–22 days and there are similarities in the breeding biology of O. angasi, the European oyster (Ostrea edulis L.) and the Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida Carpenter).     

Gametogenesis and breeding of Ostrea edulis on the west coast of Ireland

Gametogenesis, spawning and larval production of the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis L. were studied in sublittoral beds in Ballinakill Harbour and Kilkieran Bay, Co. Galway, from April 1977 to November 1978 and from November 1978 to May 1980 respectively. Histol ogical preparations of gonads and percentages of oysters brooding larvae were used to monitor breeding.Maturation began in March/April with ripe gametes appearing in some oysters in mid-May. Incubating oysters were observed from mid-June to August/September. Spent oysters were numerous in September. Gametogenesis was at a minimum from October to February depending on the year of study. Ripeness as measured by four different parameters was observed to peak around 29 June 1977 and 4 July 1978 in Ballinakill Harbour, and on 10 July 1979 in Kilkieran Bay. The onset of maximum ripeness in both populations could be predicted using the formula:

$\text{D=}\text{∑}\text{i=1}\text{N}\text{(t}{}_{\mathrm{i}}\text{? t}{}_0$

where D is the thermal constant in degree-days, n = the number of days required to reach ripeness, t_i = temperature to which the oysters were exposed daily (°C) and t₀ is the developmental zero for gametogenesis. The mean thermal constant as calculated from the gametogenesis study was 554.52 ± 44.52 degree-days. Redevelopment of gametes began during late winter at mean seawater temperatures above approximately 7.0°C.     

Defining Dermo resistance phenotypes in an eastern oyster breeding population

Perkinsus marinus, the causative agent of Dermo disease, is responsible for mass mortalities and negatively impacts aquaculture production of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Selective breeding is a viable option for Dermo disease management; however, fluctuations in natural selection pressure and environmental noise hinder accumulation of genetic gains acquired through field performance trials. The purpose of this study was to adapt and apply laboratory disease challenge methods to eastern oysters, better characterize resistance‐specific traits and assess the potential for genetic variation in Dermo resistance among distinct families within a breeding population. Two challenge experiments were conducted, one in 2014 and the other in 2015. Significant treatment (control vs. challenged) and family effects on survival (measured as per cent survival and days to death) were detected in the 2014 challenge, while overall high survival precluded the detection of a significant family effect in the 2015 challenge. An alternate measure of resistance, parasite elimination rate, was also measured in the 2015 challenge, and this varied significantly among families. Thus, both survival and the change in parasite concentration in oyster tissues over time represent Dermo resistance phenotypes that can be measured accurately with the adapted laboratory disease challenge protocol described here. The obvious next step is to incorporate the challenge protocol in eastern oyster breeding programmes to assess whether well‐defined, accurately measured, Dermo‐resistant phenotypes result in enhanced genetic improvement for this commercially important trait.     

Assessment of metabolic and immune changes in postspawning Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas: identification of a critical period of vulnerability after spawning

This study investigates the vulnerable period in postspawning Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) through physiological and immunological assessments. After spawning, the oyster condition index reduced by 50% and required 70 days to recover to the prespawning level. The mantle glycogen reduced quickly while the reduction in tissue protein occurred slowly. The mantle tissue also lost more protein than gills. The analysis of adenylate energy charge indicated that oysters were stressed in the first 8 days after spawning. As a result of spawning, haemocyte phagocytosis was reduced and remained at a low level for 3 days. In contrast, the reduction of haemolymph antimicrobial activity did not occur until 3 days after spawning and continued to decline until day 8. This immunesuppression was not directly correlated to the changes in haemocyte density. Our study suggests that the first 8 days after spawning are a critical period for oyster survival due to the loss of energy and low immunity. This study further improves our understanding of the coincidence between spawning and summer mortality in oyster aquaculture.     

IMPACTS OF INTRODUCED AQUACULTURE SPECIES ON MARKETS FOR NATIVE MARINE AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS: THE CASE OF EDIBLE OYSTERS IN AUSTRALIA

Economic competition between introduced and native aquaculture species is of interest for industry stakeholders since increased production can affect price formation if both aquaculture species are part of the same market or even substitutes. In this study, we focus on the Australian edible oyster industry, which is dominated by two major species—the native Sydney rock oyster (grown mainly in Queensland and New South Wales) and the non-native Pacific oyster (grown mainly in South Australia and Tasmania). We examine the integration of the Australian oyster market to determine if there exists a single or several markets. Short- and long-run own, cross-price and income flexibilities of demand are estimated for both species using an inverse demand system of equations. The results suggest that the markets for the two species are integrated. We found evidence that the development of the Pacific oyster industry has had an adverse impact on Sydney rock oyster prices. However, our results show that both species are not perfect substitutes. Demand for Sydney rock oysters is relatively inelastic in the long run, yet no long-run relationships can be identified for Pacific oysters, reflecting the developing nature of this sector.     

Spawning Characteristics of the South African Mudcrab Scylla serrata (Forskål) in Captivity

Scylla serrata is a potential aquaculture species in Southern Africa. Information about its reproductive biology is required as a prerequisite to establishing hatchery technology. Adult female S. serrata were caught in the Umlalazi estuary on the subtropical east coast of South Africa and kept in captivity to observe and record spawning characteristics. Data collected included crab size and mass, time in captivity prior to spawning, fecundity per batch, relative fecundity, individual egg mass and size, size of zoea 1 larvae, incubation time, and hatch success rate. Of the 119 crabs kept in captivity 83% spawned in the maturation system– most within 40 d of capture. The crabs were highly fecund (mean relative fecundity per batch = 10,655 ± 4,069 eggs/g female) and the majority of the batches hatched within 288 h (12 d) at 27 C. Spawning in captivity occurred throughout the year, with a peak in late winter/early spring. This differs slightly from records of ovarian maturity stages of the crabs in the wild. A pattern of synchronous spawning was recorded where the females were observed to extrude their eggs in groups, commonly within 3 d of one another, separated by long periods of inactivity, suggesting an exogenous spawning cue. A total of 1,374,488 zoea larvae were obtained per kg of female per month. This means that if sufficient mature females can be caught from the wild, these could be used for stocking hatchery operations. The crabs were easy to maintain, mature, and spawn in captivity. This will facilitate future domestication which will eventually reduce the need for wild caught broodstock. The spawning characteristics of South African 5. serrata At in well with those observed for the genus throughout its distribution implying that ecological and fisheries management could be similar.     

Culture feasibility of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in zero-water exchange recirculating aquaculture systems using synthetically derived seawater and live feeds

The overall objective of this research project was to determine if land-based culture of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) is a feasible option using recirculating aquaculture systems with synthetically derived seawater. A twelve week growout study was conducted in a closed-loop recirculating system with zero discharge using synthetically derived seawater. Two species of marine microalgae (Chaetoceros spp. and Isochrysis spp.) were cultured as oyster feed. Oysters were batch fed daily and amounts of algae cells offered to oysters were monitored. Overall, oyster survival remained greater than 99% and growth was steady and averaged 1.3, 1.1, and 0.33 mm per week for length, width, and thickness, respectively. Mean weight increased an average of 0.39 g per week. The means to maintaining suitable water quality was nitrification and supplementation of calcium to maintain ambient levels representative of their natural environments. Data collected is also useful for those who wish to study oysters in controlled environments or for genetic and/or breeding programs.