Journal article
Growout of blacklip pearl oysters, Pinctada margaritifera, on chaplets in suspended culture in Solomon Islands
Journal of Shellfish Research, Vol.18(2), pp.451-458
1999
Abstract
This study, conducted in the 'open' reef systems of Solomon Islands, assessed growth and survival of blacklip pearl oysters (Pinctada margaritifera, L.) on chaplets in suspended culture. Oysters were robust and mortalities after handling and drilling were low (<0.6 %). Survival of an initial batch of P. margaritifera was 87% after 1 year. Groups of oysters with mean dorsoventral measurements (DVM) of 63 and 71 mm showed mean (± SE) annual growth rates of 64±2 and 60±1 mm, respectively. Growth rates compared favorably with those reported for P. margaritifera in Polynesia and indicate that oysters caught as spat (approx. 11 mm, DVM) would reach acceptable size for 'seeding' (110 mm DVM) in around 16 months. Oysters on chaplets were subject to significant fouling by algae, however, survival of oysters cleaned every 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks was 96-97% over a 7-month period. Growth of oysters cleaned every 3 weeks was significantly greater than those cleaned every 2 or 6 weeks. Oysters became detached from chaplets (through drill-hole breakage) in significant numbers; this problem was greater for smaller oysters. When oysters were attached singly on chaplets, approximately 54% made byssal attachments to the rope; however, 90% of oysters held in pairs on chaplets made byssal attachments to each other. Although paired oysters could be cleaned more rapidly than oysters hung singly, shell growth (DVM) of paired oysters was significantly reduced.
Details
- Title
- Growout of blacklip pearl oysters, Pinctada margaritifera, on chaplets in suspended culture in Solomon Islands
- Authors
- K J Friedman (Author) - James Cook UniversityPaul C Southgate (Author) - James Cook University
- Publication details
- Journal of Shellfish Research, Vol.18(2), pp.451-458
- Publisher
- National Shellfisheries Association, Inc.
- Date published
- 1999
- ISSN
- 0730-8000
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 1999 National Shellfisheries Association. Reproduced with permission of the publisher.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449256702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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