Experimental spat collecting and growing of the oyster, Crassostrea rhizophorae guilding, in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia

Abstract

Experiments were carried out in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta on the northern coast of Colombia using methods best suited to the local conditions for the collection of larvae (spat catching) as well as the growing of the oyster, Crassostrea rhizophorae. The spat collectors included mangrove roots or branches, automobile tires, oyster shells and ‘eternite’ and plastic trays. The plastic trays showed by far the best results with 10–12,000 oysters per m 2. The greatest possible increase in meat content together with the least possible mortality rate was reached by growing the oysters during the first phase of growth (up to the fourth month) in closed and then later in open suspended baskets. After 8 months the oysters reached a length of 7 cm. The mortality was about 2%.