The effect of intertidal exposure on the growth and survival of hatchery-reared Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas Thunberg) kept in trays during their first ongrowing season

In a number of trials during 1971 and 1972 small populations of hatchery-reared Pacific oyster spat (Crassostrea gigas Thunberg) 0.07–4.1 g mean live weight, were grown intertidally in trays to measure the effect of exposure to air on growth and survival. In the Menai Straits, N. Wales, and at Paglesham Pool, R. Roach, Essex, several stations were selected above low water of spring tides (LWST) to cover the range of 0–30% exposure to air. Live weight, dry meat weight and dry shell weight were reduced with increased exposure to air, but the ratio of dry meat weight to dry shell weight (shell condition index), the gross biochemical composition, and survival were not affected. By extrapolation the point of no growth was found to be at 36 and 47% exposure to air at the sites in the Menai Straits and R. Roach, respectively.