Assessing variation in oyster survival, growth, and parasite community prevalence between aquaculture methods
Olivia Griffin, Biology BS, Honors, 2027
Abstract
Oyster aquaculture uses multiple farming techniques, such as on-bottom cages and floating bags, to optimize oyster survival, growth, condition, and marketability. These different methods expose oysters to a variety of abiotic and biotic factors that can independently and interactively affect growth and survivability. In particular, the relationship between grow-out methods and parasite exposure, and the consequent effects on oyster survival and growth, merit further investigation. Here, we compared survival and growth of oysters grown on-bottom vs floating at four aquaculture sites in Massachusetts, and measured prevalence of micro- and macro-parasites. We found that oysters grown in on-bottom cages from July to December 2023 had consistently lower survival, decreased growth, and worse condition than oysters grown in floating bags. However, parasite prevalence varied across site x depth combinations. Our findings can be used to inform aquaculture in New England, specifically how variation in parasite community prevalence affects oyster survival, growth, and marketability.
Assessing variation in oyster survival, growth, and parasite community prevalence between aquaculture methods
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building University Commons
Oyster aquaculture uses multiple farming techniques, such as on-bottom cages and floating bags, to optimize oyster survival, growth, condition, and marketability. These different methods expose oysters to a variety of abiotic and biotic factors that can independently and interactively affect growth and survivability. In particular, the relationship between grow-out methods and parasite exposure, and the consequent effects on oyster survival and growth, merit further investigation. Here, we compared survival and growth of oysters grown on-bottom vs floating at four aquaculture sites in Massachusetts, and measured prevalence of micro- and macro-parasites. We found that oysters grown in on-bottom cages from July to December 2023 had consistently lower survival, decreased growth, and worse condition than oysters grown in floating bags. However, parasite prevalence varied across site x depth combinations. Our findings can be used to inform aquaculture in New England, specifically how variation in parasite community prevalence affects oyster survival, growth, and marketability.
