Production of mother oysters of Pinctada fucata (Gould) by manipulation of stocking density

Abstract

Marine pearl culture is a multifaceted technique involving three different kind of works namely (i) seed production, (ii) farming and mother oyster development and (iii) nucleation and pearl production. To make the technique more viable and economically feasible it is imperative to make critical analysis of the various technicalities involved in the culture strategy. Hence a commercial level scheme on marine pearl culture in the inshore waters of Gulf of Mannar (GOM) was taken up during 1998-2004 at Mandapam Regional Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Critical analysis of the data revealed that a definite upgradation of pearl culture technology is required in many components coupled with policy decisions by the State Government. The present paper focuses on a single major problem of production of mother oysters for nucleation and pearl production on a continuous and commercial scale of operation. The culture method, appropriate farm management, stock density, growth and survival, culling and their effect on the production of mother oyster suitable for nucleation are presented in the paper.