Friedman, Kim J., and Southgate, Paul C. (1999) Growout of blacklip pearl oysters, Pinctada margaritifera collected as wild spat in the Solomon Islands. Journal of Shellfish Research, 18 (1). pp. 159-167.

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Abstract

This study assessed growth and survival of juvenile blacklip pearl oysters (Pinctada margaritifera) in a number of intermediate culture systems: lantern nets, panel nets, perforated plastic trays, and attached to ropes enclosed by mesh, Juveniles with initial dorsoventral measurements of 8.3 to 51.5-mm increased in size by 20.4 to 24.8-mm in 3 months, and 30.7 to 36.5-mm in 5 months. Growth rates of juvenile P. margaritifera cultured in the open reef systems of the Solomon Islands compared favorably with those reported from the established pearl culture operations in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. Initial experiments showed that survival of oysters in lantern nets in shallow reef areas was poor as a result of predation by fish and invertebrates. Siting of culture systems in deeper water decreased mortality by fish, although predation by invertebrates that recruited from plankton was still a potential problem. In general, there were no significant differences in growth or survival between juveniles held in lantern nets and panel nets; however, lantern nets were more difficult to clean and inspect for predators. Juvenile growth and survival did not differ significantly (p > .05) between panel nets and trays after 5 months, although the rigid trays were easier to clean of fouling organisms. Juveniles placed loosely into trays tended to aggregate, and rates of growth and survival of oysters glued separately into trays were significantly greater (p < .05) than those for oysters placed loosely into trays. There was no significant difference in growth between oysters glued into trays and those glued onto ropes and enclosed behind plastic mesh. Overall, this study shows that important criteria of the growout units needed for the intermediate culture of P. margaritifera in the Western Pacific include ease of cleaning and access for regular inspection and removal of predators.

Item ID:	27249
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1943-6319
Keywords:	pearl oyster, spat, Pinctada margaritifera, intermediate culture culture, growth, survival, predation
Related URLs:	Publisher http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/...
Date Deposited:	09 Jul 2013 04:31
FoR Codes:	07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0704 Fisheries Sciences > 070401 Aquaculture @ 100%
SEO Codes:	83 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8301 Fisheries - Aquaculture > 830104 Aquaculture Oysters @ 100%
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