Technology of oyster farming

Abstract

Among Hornell's(1910,1916,1918,1922) suggestions for the future fisheries developmental programmes in the country was his indication about the vast scope in the realm of oyster farming in the Madras State. He initiated some experimental farming on the model of that in France. However, his attempt remained unaccomplished in the sense that there was no oyster production of significance, nor was there any organised effort in exploiting the natural resources due to the general disinterestedness of the public in oyster meat consumption. But the advancement of science and technology over the past three decades has brought about a reversal of the attitude of the public with greater awareness to utilise the protein rich marine organisms in their dietary needs, this is partly due to the reaUsation that agricultural production is reading a stage where the human needs will find it difficult to meet their future requirements on account of population explosion. It is in this context oyster culture assumes special significance as the oysters are easy to grow in farms and plenty in national abundance to supply the seed.