Spatfall of pearl oyster, Pteria sterna (Gould), on experimental collectors at Bahía de La Paz, South Baja California, Mexico

Spatfall of pearl oyster, Pteria sterna (Gould), was analysed at two sites, stations Gaviota and Merito, at Bahía de La Paz, South Baja California, Mexico, during an annual cycle in 1991-1992. and from surface to 15 m depth. Sampling was carried out monthly using experimental collectors which remained immersed for 60-65 days. Four different substrates were tested for spat settlement preference: a native bush called ‘chivato’, dry palm leaves, and red and yellow plastic onion bags: temporal variations, and horizontal and vertical spatfall distribution patterns were evaluated between and within stations. Spat settlement showed significant differences depending on the structure and texture of the substrate type. Chivato bush was in general the best spat collector, but was difficult to handle for large-scale operations; plastic onion bags were more suitable and spat yield was adequate; palm leaves were poor spat collectors. There was no evidence for colour preference of spat settlement between red and yellow onion bags. Pteria sterna spat were present throughout almost all of the study period. Main spatfall was detected in winter-spring, coinciding with low temperatures; most spat then occurred from surface to 4-5 m depth. Few spat were present in summer and most then occurred below 7-9 m depth. The distribution patterns of spat within substrate replicates were apparently influenced by the abundance of spatfall. Aggregated spatial patterns were evident in shallow water during months of maximum spatfall but not when spat was less abundant. These events did not occur in the same substrate type, and differences were also detected between stations. Trends were related to oceanographic conditions prevailing at each site. Two patterns of spatfall abundance and vertical distribution were evident, one for winter-spring, and the other for summer. Samples at station Gaviota were grouped by spatfall abundance and spat vertical distribution patterns, while the latter defined better the grouping of samples at station Merito. Geographical variations of spatfall characteristics for Pteria sterna itself, and in comparison with Pinctada mazatlanka (Hanley) in the Gulf of California, are discussed.     

Studies on triploid oysters in Australia: farming potential of all-triploid Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg), in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia

Triploid Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas farmed in Port Stephens, NSW had an exceptionally fast growth rate and reached a whole weight of 55 g in 13 months versus 20 months for diploids. Mortality of the triploids (24.5±2.94%) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of the diploids (40.0±2.26%) over the duration of the experiment (July 2002–February 2004). Unfortunately, this advantage was offset by discoloration of the meats of the triploids when they were in better condition than the diploids over summer (October 2003–March 2004). However, discoloration of meat of triploids had cleared up by April 2004 and neither did they suffer this problem from April–September 2003. The triploids also had a lower peak condition than the diploids. Oysters in peak meat condition, i.e. spawning condition, are preferred for the half shell trade in Australia and in this study, there was at least a six‐month period prior to discoloration, when the triploids were large enough and had sufficient meat condition for marketing on the half shell.     

Gametogenetic cycle and reproductive effort assessed by two methods in 3 age classes of Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas, reared in Normandy

Two methods were used to estimate the reproductive output of female Pacific oysters reared in Normandy: histology with image analysis and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) which allowed the quantification of egg protein. Condition indices, gonad area and gametogenetic stages of the oysters were determined in the entire population (males and females) between May and October 2005. All investigations were performed in 3 age classes: oysters in their first, second or third years (corresponding to spat, half-grown and market-sized oysters, respectively). Both quantitative histology and ELISA provided similar results in terms of reproductive effort (illustrated by the gonado-somatic index, GSI) except during the GSI drop, corresponding to spawning, which was less marked with the ELISA method. Growth depended on oyster age, the sex ratio was well balanced and the reproductive cycle was synchronized in all age classes. In the 3 age classes, most of the oysters were ripe and ready to spawn on August 8, and ten days after the post-spawning stage was observed in 40% of spat oysters and 70% of half-grown and market-sized bivalves. The major difference between age classes was observed in the reproductive investment, with spat having a lower reproductive output. For example, in males and females, the gonad area reached 78–79% in the median animal section at full maturity (August 8) in half-grown and marketable oysters while it attained only 59% in spat. At the same time, GSI in females was, respectively in spat and the 2 oldest age classes, 33% (quantitative histology)–36% (ELISA) and 55% (quantitative histology)–60% (ELISA). The mean assessed gonad weight and fecundities increased with the age of the oysters: 1.3 g and 12 million eggs, 7.8 g and 135 million eggs, and 11.5 g and 146 million eggs in spat, half-grown and market-sized oysters, respectively. Marked differences thus appear between 2 and 3-year-old oysters and spat. As early as their first reproductive cycle, the young oysters not only showed the reproductive features of the species in Normandy, but also a pronounced lower reproductive effort. This lower energy demand could explain their higher survival rate.     

Effects of the winter Monsoon on the growth,mortality, and metabolism of adult oysters in Kinmen Island,Taiwan

The Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, is cultivated intertidally in Kinmen Island by both a traditional way of growing oysters on the surface of stone blocks, nicknamed “rock oysters”, and a recently introduced and more efficient way of hanging them in clusters on horizontal nylon lines, i.e. “hanging oysters”. We investigated the growth and mortality of both types of oysters from late July to early December 2003, and measured condition index (CI) and rates of oxygen consumption and ammonium excretion for the hanging oyster. Growth of oyster shells stopped in early October for the hanging oysters and early December for the rock oysters. Mortality rates were higher for hanging oysters than rock oysters. Hanging oyster's O/N ratio and CI, determined by a home-made CI meter that measured the volume of oyster's inner shell cavity with high precision, decreased significantly in October. Hanging oysters were apparently in poor physiological condition during the winter Monsoon, which is characterized by cold and persistently strong wind. On Kinmen Island the monsoon season begins in late September and is accompanied by declining seawater temperature and high seston loads in oyster farms. Chlorophyll a concentrations and seston food quality decreased significantly in early October after the winter Monsoon began. The hanging oyster's poor acclimation to the local climate was probably caused by the import of its spat from southwest coast of Taiwan where it is warmer than Kinmen Island in fall and winter. We recommend that oyster growers collect spat locally or from areas of similar climate.     

The Sydney rock oyster Saccostrea glomerata (Gould 1850) breeding programme: progress and goals

In 1990, NSW Fisheries initiated a mass selection programme in Port Stephens, NSW, with the aim of breeding faster growing Sydney rock oysters Saccostrea glomerata (Gould 1850). After two generations of selection, an average weight for age advantage of 18% (range 14–23% per breeding line) was achieved. This equates to a reduction of 3 months in the time taken to reach market size. Experiments are planned to determine how much of this 3 months advantage is additive to the 6 months advantage this laboratory has already obtained using triploid S. glomerata. A parallel set of S. glomerata breeding lines was established on the Georges River, NSW, to include selection for resistance to the protistan parasite Mikrocytos roughleyi, the causal agent of winter mortality. The programme was disrupted by the outbreak of QX disease Marteilia sydneyi, another protistan parasite, in 1994. In 1997, the breeding programme was reorganized and expanded. New lines were bred from oysters that had survived both QX and winter mortality. After one generation, a small improvement in resistance to QX has been recorded; however, the exposure of further generations to M. sydneyi will be required to confirm an increase in resistance.     

Reproduction, condition and mortality of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) in Sonora, México

Starting in 1997, mortality outbreaks in cultured oysters Crassostrea gigas have been reported in northwestern México. Previous studies have shown that massive die‐offs result from multi‐factor processes related to reproduction of the species. We studied the reproductive cycle and the condition index of cultured oysters in the coastal lagoon of El Soldado, Sonora, as well as the relationship of the life cycle with environmental parameters. We used oocyte diameter to determine reproductive stages and the condition index to describe the physiological state of oysters. Additionally, the temperature, salinity, seston and chlorophyll a were recorded at the study site. The results showed that C. gigas began accelerated reproductive activity in March under the influence of high temperature and increased concentrations of food. No spawning events were recorded and gametes were reabsorbed within the gonad in September and October. The results showed a period of nutrient storage during autumn–winter and another period of gamete production in spring–summer. A mortality event occurred at the end of winter, tied to significant increases in temperature and availability of food and in accelerated reproductive activity and high condition index. These conditions were very similar to those reported in other countries during summer die‐offs of C. gigas.     

Relationships among environment, spawning and settlement of Queen scallop in the Ría de Arosa (Galicia, NW Spain)

This study examines the relationship of the reproductive and reserve storage cycles and spat settlement of the Queen scallop (Aequipecten opercularis) to environmental factors. The possibility of farming this species from spat settled on collectors is considered. The gonad condition index shows maximum values between mid-May and early August. Another peak occurs in mid-November. In spring and summer, the energy needed for gametogenesis is derived from food, although it is possible that direct transfer may occur from the digestive gland to the gonad. The glycogen and lipid content of the reserve organs reaches maximum values between late summer and early autumn. The energy requirements related to gametogenesis, which begins in autumn, involve the consumption of accumulated reserves with the resulting reduction in the condition indices. There is a positive correlation between temperature and the condition indices of the digestive gland, the adductor muscle and their lipid and glycogen content, respectively. Two settlement periods were recorded, one in winter, which could not be associated with the spawning of the experimental animals, and another in summer, which coincided with the spawning that took place in spring. The reduced gonad indices recorded at the end of the summer and in winter did not lead to settlement.     

When should pearl oyster,Pinctada margaritifera (L.), spat be transferred from the hatchery to the ocean?

Hatchery propagation of pearl oysters is relatively new and optimal hatchery protocols are still being developed. While in the hatchery, pearl oyster spat are supplied a constant and reliable food source and are protected from fluctuations in environmental conditions and predators. This study investigated the hypothesis that retaining blacklip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera (L.), spat in the hatchery for longer periods, prior to transfer to the ocean, would improve growth and survival during early nursery culture. Results showed that the longer spat were retained in the hatchery, the smaller their average size at grading (3.5 months of age). At grading, spat transferred 3 weeks after settlement had a mean dorso–ventral shell height (DVH) of 9.2 ± 0.4 mm with 34% of individuals retained on a 10‐mm mesh. However, spat retained in the hatchery until 5, 7 and 9 weeks after settlement, had a mean DVH of 9.0 ± 0.4, 7.8 ± 0.3 and 6.3 ± 0.4 mm respectively. Only 10% of spat transferred 9 weeks after settlement were retained on a 10‐mm mesh at grading. The results probably reflect superior nutrition available in the ocean and indicate that pearl oyster spat should be transferred from the hatchery as soon as possible after settlement in order to maximize growth.     

Shell shape and meat condition in selectively bred Sydney rock oysters,Saccostrea glomerata (Gould, 1850): The influence of grow‐out methods

The Australian edible oyster industry has been severely impacted by disease and declining yields since the 1970s. Selective breeding of Saccostrea glomerata is one measure addressing these problems by producing fast‐growing, disease‐resistant oysters. Farmers report that selected oysters have different growth characteristics than their wild counterparts using conventional grow‐out methods. This study investigated how different grow‐out methods influence commercially valuable oyster characteristics including shell length, shape, surface growth deformities and meat condition. In June 2015, selectively bred S. glomerata spat were deployed in two estuaries (Hawkesbury River and Georges River) in NSW, Australia, using three grow‐out methods (fixed trays, Stanway cylinders and floating baskets). In November 2015, oysters were transferred among grow‐out methods to test for the effects of changing grow‐out methods on oyster growth patterns. Oysters transferred from baskets to cylinders and from trays to cylinders had, on average, deeper and wider shells, a higher meat condition and fewer shell surface deformities than oysters in other grow‐out method combinations. However, these oysters were smaller than oysters not grown in cylinders. While there were some differences in growth patterns between the estuaries, overall it was the grow‐out methods that most influenced oyster characteristics. This was attributed to differences in the amount and magnitude of movement oysters experienced in the grow‐out methods, as recorded by motion sensors. This study demonstrates how grow‐out methods can be managed to achieve desired growth trajectories and therefore improve marketability among selective bred S. glomerata.     

Seasonal Fouling Stress on the Farmed Pearl Oyster,Pinctada fucata,from Southeastern Arabian Sea

Biofouling on the periostracum of pearl oysters and on the cages has been considered as a stress factor causing mortality of the farmed stock, reducing growth rates and also affecting pearl quality. In farming experiments using the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata, at Kollam Bay (India), biofouling was found to be a problem. This study was conducted to understand the effect of fouling on the mortality of pearl oysters kept in suspended culture, to identify the main foulers, the seasonal variation in biofouling and species successions in the community with reference to abiotic factors. The average monthly mortality rate (MR) was estimated as 0.117 ± 0.002 and the monthly variations were significantly different (P < 0.01). The total fouling (0.163 ± 0.002 g/g oyster) and biofouling weights (0.166 ± 0.007 g/g oyster) were high in December when the fouling community was composed of several species and dominated by the ascidian, Didemnum sp. December was also the period when the MRs peaked indicating that this organism was the main cause of mortality in pearl farms in Kollam Bay. A clear seasonality in the fouling community (25 species belonging to nine phyla) has been observed in the present study. On the basis of this study, monthly cleaning of oysters is advocated except during December, January, and March when the cleaning should be fortnightly.     

Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) spatfall prediction at Hiroshima,Japan, 1977

The spatfall prediction techniques used in Hiroshima Bay, Japan, are described. Data are given for the 1977 season. Plankton hauls from seven stations showed successive high peaks of small, medium and large larvae during early August. Small larvae (< 150 μm diameter) peaked at an average of 1,782 larvae per tonne of sea water (m³) on 10 August; medium larvae (151–250 μm) at 1,258/m³ peaked on 12 August as did large settling larvae (251–300 μm) at 350/m³. A small spatfall occurred on 14, 16 and 18 August when an average of 65, 64 and 65 spat per shell, respectively, attached on collectors during 2 days' immersion.A second, much bigger peak of small larvae built up from 16 August to reach an average maximum of 4,702 larvae/m³ on 24 August. Medium larvae peaked at 754 larvae/m³ on 28 August. A red tide then appeared consisting of vast numbers of a dinoflagellate tentatively identified as Gymnodinium simplex, and the anticipated main spatfall did not occur. The effects of red tides are discussed. By 17 September water conditions had improved and an estimated 50–100 spat were reported attached per shell on the collectors. This is about half the 200 spat per shell considered by the industry to be a good set.     

Comparative growth and survival of spat of the Caribbean pearl oyster,Pinctada imbricata cultivated indoor with microalgae diets and outdoor with natural diet

We report the results of survival and growth in size and dry mass of spat of the Caribbean pearl oyster Pinctada imbricata cultivated under outdoor (field culture) and indoor (Laboratory) conditions. Field group fed on environmental seston. Laboratory groups were fed with mono, binary and ternary mixtures of three cultivated algae: Isochrysis galbana (Ig), Tetraselmis chuii (Ig) and the Chaetoceros sp. (Ch‐A, isolated from north‐eastern Venezuela). After 30 days of trial, fatty acid profiles of spat were determined along with growth in length and height shell, adductor muscle and soft tissue dry mass. During the field grow‐out phase (field culture), samplings were performed at days 1, 15 and 30 to measure environmental variables of phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll a), dissolved oxygen, seston, temperature and salinity. A significant increase in size and soft tissue mass occurred in spat fed the diets including the tropical diatom (Chaetoceros sp.). In contrast, monoalgal diets of Tc and Ig yielded no significant differences in size and mass of spat, compared with the field culture. These results suggest that nutritional requirements of cultivated spat for specific fatty acids of physiological importance for marine bivalves, such as: 16:0, 16:1n‐7, 18:2n‐6, 20:4n‐6, 18:3n‐3 and 20:5n‐3, were satisfied from microalgal diets with Ch‐A, alone or in combination, compared with spat fed from the field culture.     

The effect of food quality on glycogen content,the fatty acid profile and winter mortality in cultivated oyster spat (Ostrea edulis)

Winter mortality in hatchery reared oyster spat (Ostrea edulis) that received three different diets during the summer period was investigated. Oysters fed a natural type diet had a winter mortality of 18.3 ± 6.3% while oysters fed cultivated algae (a mixture of Tetraselmis suecica, Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros muelleri) had a mortality of 73.0 ± 9.7%. A group of oysters fed a mix between the two diets had a mortality of 54.7 ± 10.6%. Tissue samples were taken at the start of the experiment, after the summer period and after the winter period in order to determine growth and the content of glycogen and fatty acids. The glycogen content decreased for all groups during the winter but the decrease was highest in oysters fed the natural diet. This group also contained the largest variety of fatty acids, but there was no difference in the content of the essential fatty acids EPA, DPA and DHA between the groups. It is concluded that transplantation of spat to the sea in spring and early summer may reduce winter mortality since the feeding period on a more varied natural algal diet is prolonged compared to transplantation of spat later in the season.     

Growth and survival of the Calafia mother-of-pearl oyster Pinctada mazatlanica (Hanley 1856) under different sequences of nursery culture–late culture at Bahía de La Paz, Baja California Sur, México

The Calafia mother‐of‐pearl oyster, Pinctada mazatlanica (Hanley), and the Rainbow nacre shell, Pteria sterna (Gould), represent an important resource for México because of their potential in pearl production. The present work deals with the effect of different sequences of nursery culture‐late culture on growth and survival of P. mazatlanica, from September 1993 to October 1994. The collected spat presented two main size groups: small (mean shell height of 7 mm), and large (13 mm). They were arranged into four experimental batches for each size group at a constant stocking density of 40–45 juvenile pearl oysters per Nestier cage. Three batches remained in nursery culture for 2, 4 and 6 months respectively, after which they were transferred to late culture in rail cages. A control group remained in nursery culture for 12 months. Growth was evaluated monthly and compared through anova and HSD Tukey tests. In addition to the shell height, width, depth (mm) and weight (g), data of shell volume (height × width × depth, in mm³) was also introduced to estimate and compare growth among the experimental groups. Mortality was estimated by counting the dead specimens every month and obtaining the percentage from a 100% initial survival at the start of the experiment. The juveniles showed different responses to the change from nursery culture to late culture; the level of each response varied significantly among the experimental groups at the end of the study. It seemed that a 6‐month period for nursery culture was propitious for P. mazatlanica.     

Culture of the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin 1971) in Rio Lagartos, Yucatán, México

This research was done with the purpose to ascertain the biological feasibility of the culture of Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin 1971) at Rio Lagartos lagoon in Yucatán, México. Spat from two localities of the Golfo de México were grown in Nestier boxes: spat from Tamiahua, Veracruz, which had an initial average height of 22.50 ± 5.10 (SD) mm and initial total wet weight of 2.90 ± 1.64 g and spat from Mecoacán, Tabasco, that were 32.05 ± 4.50 mm and 5.53 ± 0.03 g, respectively. Both groups of oysters reached commercial size after 10 months of culture. Veracruz spat reached 65.00 ± 6.80 mm in height and 33.26 ± 7.02 g in total wet weight. Those from Tabasco reached 62.90 ± 6.70 mm in height and 33.97 ± 9.95 g in total wet weight. The mean physiological condition index for oysters from Tabasco was 5.96% and from Veracruz was 4.52%. Total survival rate was 63% for spat from Veracruz and 55% from Tabasco. Environmental conditions in the culture area proved to be favourable for the rearing of C. virginica.     

Growth of the European flat oyster in the Mediterranean Sea (Murcia, SE Spain)

Growth of the natural European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis L.) spat from the Mar Menor (Murcia, Spain) was studied in the Mediterranean Sea over 18 months. The oysters were cultured in two types of containers, stackable plastic Galician trays and plastic mesh pots, deployed at a depth of 15 m hung from a long-line. Two size classes of spat were used, Class I spat (initially 53 mm in size and 19 g in weight) and class II spat (initially 31 mm, 4 g). The best results were observed in the class I oysters grown in the trays, which yielded a substantial biomass (24.77 kg m^–2), the survival rate was 69% and commercial size (60 mm) was attained by all the oysters within 9 months of the start of the experiment. The observed growth of the class II oysters was poor, attaining a mean of not more than 50 mm and 18 g; the survival rate ranged between 25–74% and only between 8–13% of the class II spat attained commercial size.     

Larval settlement,juvenile growth and the potential use of spatfall indices to predict recruitment of the scallop Pecten alba tate in Port Phillip Bay,Victoria, Australia

Settlement of the scallop, Pectan alba, in artificial collectors and the growth of juvenile scallops were examined in relation to separately obtained estimates of annual recruitment in Port Phillip Bay, Southeastern Australia. A single, annual settlement during October–December was observed during the 3 year study. Settlement was greatest in collectors immersed for 2 months in the middle of the water column. Spat grew to 60 mm shell length during their first 12 months and attained a recruitment size of 70 mm within 16–18 months. Settlement during one year can, therefore, be related to recruitment during the next. From the data available so far, high and low settlement has been reflected in subsequent differences in recruitment. Though more years' data are required, indices of spatfall may provide managers of this industry with the possibility of predicting major fluctuations in recruitment 1 year in advance.     

Fouling and predation; how do they affect growth and survival of the blacklip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, during nursery culture?

This paper reports on 5 experiments conducted to assess the effect of cleaning regime and predation on growth and survival of blacklip pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) juveniles in north Queensland, Australia. P. margaritifera juveniles with a mean (±SE) dorso-ventral shell height (DVH) of 4.5 ± 0.1 mm were placed into plastic mesh trays and cleaned either every 4 or 8 weeks or left uncleaned for 16 weeks. Cleaning regime had a significant effect on growth and survival (P < 0.005). Lowest DVH (16.2 ± 1.0) was shown by oysters in uncleaned trays during 16 weeks compared to oysters in cleaned trays; however, there was no significant difference in DVH between oysters held in trays cleaned every 4 (19.4 ± 1.2) or 8 weeks (21.2 ± 0.8). In contrast lowest survival was shown by oysters held in trays that were cleaned every 4 weeks (30 ± 5%), but no differences were noted between oysters cleaned every 8 weeks (63 ± 4%) and oysters that were left uncleaned for 16 weeks (75 ± 8%). Predators of P. margaritifera in northern Australia included crabs, stomatopods, flatworms, gastropods and fish. The stomatopod, Gonodactylus falcatus, was the most destructive predator with individuals consuming in excess of 20 juvenile pearl oysters per week. The leather jacket, Paramonocanthus japonicus, did not kill pearl oysters, but trimmed the margin of oysters shells significantly reducing DVH when compared to control groups cultured without fish. Removing predators monthly had a significant effect on growth of pearl oysters compared to oysters in non-inspected trays; however monthly inspection of culture trays did not significantly improve oyster survival. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Influence of season, initial size, depth, gear type and stocking density on the growth rates and recovery of sea scallop, Placopecten magellancius, on a farm-based nursery

Hatchery-reared sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) spat weremonitored for growth and recovery in three experiments to determine themost suitable system for nursery culture. In Experiment I, four size classesof nursery-sized spat held at two depths from October to July exhibiteddeclining growth rates over the winter period and increased growth ratesin the spring. Overall, season, depth and initial size had a significantinfluence on the absolute and specific growth rates of scallops. Recovery,defined as number of scallops remaining after mortality and loss of spatthrough gear mesh, was influenced by season and initial size, but notdepth. Scallops in the 3.0 mm⁺ size class had higher growth rates andrecovery than those in the 1.4–1.6 mm, 1.7–1.9 mm and 2.0–2.9 mm sizeclasses. In Experiment II, two gear types containing similar size spat werecompared. Growth rates were significantly higher in 3.0 mm pearl nets thanin 3.0 mm collector bags, although recovery was similar between the twoequipment types. Experiment III, two stocking densities of nursery-sizedspat were compared in collector bags. Neither growth rate nor recoverywere significantly different for the two densities (2600 and 5200spat/collector bag) tested. Overall, these studies indicated that importantparameters for optimizing the growth and recovery of scallops in a farm-based nursery system include season, initial spat size, deployment depthand gear type.