Oyster farming

Abstract

Large quantities of the edible oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis (Fig. 1) growing wildly in most of the tidal creeks and estuarine regions along the east coast of India, are allowed to perish un-exploring the great strides made in this venture by developed nations. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute focused its attention in developing systems for the culture of edible bivalves, identifying edible oyster farming and mussel farming as priority areas for Research and Development. Evaluation of the resources potential, identification of suitable water spread and areas for culture, evolving proper techniques to collect required seed for farming, introducing an appropriate method of farming and establishing a model farm formed the broad objectives of the project initiated in 1975 on edible oyster culture. By employing suitable method for spat collection and providing better growing conditions for the seed so collected it appeared distinctly possible to raise large number of oysters achieving faster growth rate and better meat yield. Weighing the pros and cons of the different systems of oyster culture followed in other countries and bearing in mind the local conditions, it was decided to experiment with the 'rack' system of culture.