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Media type:
E-Article
Title:
Growth and Mortality of Ostrea edulis at Two Sites on the Damariscotta River Estuary, Maine, USA
Contributor:
Carnegie, Ryan B.;
Barber, Bruce J.
imprint:
Wiley, 2001
Published in:Journal of the World Aquaculture Society
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1111/j.1749-7345.2001.tb01099.x
ISSN:
0893-8849;
1749-7345
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The Damariscotta River estuary is a center of oyster culture in Maine, yet the comparative performance of flat oysters <jats:italic>Ostrea edulis</jats:italic> at different locations in this now <jats:italic>Bonamia ostreae</jats:italic>‐enzootic estuary has not been assessed. Juvenile <jats:italic>O. edulis</jats:italic> were deployed in July 1997 among replicate floating trays at one estuarine (Little Point) and one marine site (Lowes Cove), and growth, mortality, and <jats:italic>B. ostreae</jats:italic> prevalence were compared through December 1999. Growth was faster at Little Point though oysters at both locations reached market size in less than three full growing seasons. Mortality was similar between locations except following a June 1998 rain event that decreased salinity more precipitously at Little Point. Cumulative mortality was greater at Little Point (45.8%) than Lowes Cove (26.7%). Surprisingly, <jats:italic>B. ostreae</jats:italic> was observed in only a single oyster from Little Point in May 1998. These data indicate that flat oysters in Maine may grow well across a wide range of environments, yet may demonstrate better survival at marine sites where salinity fluctuations are less extreme. While <jats:italic>B. ostreae</jats:italic> is likely still a threat, selection of sites where rapid growth to market size is possible may reduce its impact.</jats:p>