Abstract:
This project was initiated to understand the reproductive biology and to determine the larval concentrations and the spatfall of Crassostrea virginica Gmelin 1789 for the 1981 season in Pamet Harbor of Truro, Massachusetts. The environmental factors of salinity, temperature, pH, sedimentation, benthic substrata and hydrography were also monitored. These factors are important in providing conditions which may be either stressful or nonstressful for both juvenile and adult forms of C. virginica. It was determined that the four hour exposure period during lowtide in which the oysters are exposed can be very stressful for the reproductive and larval activities of C. virginica. Yet, during high tide these parameters in Pamet are conducive for C. virginica. Predation in the estuary is a minor nuisance at this time, the most abundant predator being Asterias sp. A limit of adequate areas for larval attachment exist here further hindering oyster spatfall. As far as this study is concerned, for C. virginica to achieve high productivity in this area a simple aquacultural plan must be developed.
Description:
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