The effect of depth on survival and growth of oysters in suspension culture from a petroleum platform off the Texas coast.

Date

1977

Authors

Ogle, J.S.
Ray, S.M.
Wardle, W.J.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

The effect of depth on oysters in suspension culture from a petroleum platform off the Texas coast was monitored for 20 months. Growth and condition was similar for adult oysters culture at five levels down to 8 m. Oysters had a growth rate of 1.2 mm (level 3) to 1.4 mm (level 1) per month, representing an increase in length of 94% to 150% for the 20 months. The condition was best in June 1973 after five months placement offshore (condition index of 14.8, 15.5, 14.7, 13.5 and 13.2 for levels 1 through 5, respectively). The condition was lowest in June 1974 (2.2, 2.1, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 for levels 1 through 5, respectively). Ninety oysters died during the experimental period. Sixty-three percent were from the upper two levels. One hundred forty-five oysters disappeared. Fifty-eight percent were from the bottom two levels. Most oysters disappeared in February 1974 (47% of all disappearances).

Description

p. 31-37.

Keywords

oyster culture, off-bottom culture, growth, mortality, oysters, Crassostrea virginica, offshore structures, survival

Citation