Abstract
ABSTRACTA mechanical oyster harvester has been developed for the intertidal oyster (Crassostrea virginica). The harvester is hydraulically powered and mounted on a 16 m steel hull vessel designed for its operation. The objective of this research was to produce a machine that would efficiently harvest oysters while doing minimum damage to the oysters and the fragile shell matrix that supports them. Results of three years' testing show harvest rates of 18 m3 /hour. Damage to the shell matrix was almost undetectable and damage to the harvested oysters was about 5%. The harvester can operate at depths of one to 3 m with the head controlled automatically. Bottom contact force is adjustable and regulated automatically during harvest to minimize bottom damage. The harvesting head can pitch or roll 0.35 rad to follow bottom contour. Future plans for the harvester include leasing to the L. P. Maggioni Oyster Company for commercial harvest during the 1982‐83 season. Eventually the harvester will be used by the state of South Carolina for oyster bed management and transplanting of oysters from polluted areas to public shellfish grounds.
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