Overwintering survival in juvenile oysters: Understanding the role of energetic physiology for Crassostrea virginica seed
21-G-03
Description
Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are grown in shallow, ice-covered bays that experience harsh winter conditions in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This area experiences 3 to 4 months of below zero temperatures. To cope with the cold, oysters enter a hibernation-like state. They slow down all biological activity and draw on stored fat reserves to survive. The impacts of overwintering have been studied on adult clams, mussels and oysters. This project will explore how juvenile oysters (less than 10mm) survive the winter.
This project will study juvenile oysters to:
- determine if there is a link between survival and the amount of stored energy measured from August to May
- measured in both wild and cultured seed (small oysters 2-25mm long)
- for examples, measuring fats and metabolic rates
- measure their survival and energy levels before, during and after cold storage
- measured at many different storage temperatures and rates of acclimation
This research will help to understand how juvenile oysters survive harsh winter conditions. It will also provide the information needed to develop reliable quality oyster seed. High quality oyster seeds will improve the success and sustainability of oyster aquaculture.
Program Name
Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)
Year(s)
2021 - 2024
Principal Investigator(s)
Jeff Clements, Research Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Fisheries Centre, Gulf Region
Email: jeffery.clements@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Team Member(s)
- Martin Mallet, Research Scientist, Etang Ruisseau Bar Ltd.
- Claire Carver, Biologist, Etang Ruisseau Bar Ltd.
- Luc Comeau, Research Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Fisheries Centre, Gulf Region
- Réjean Tremblay, Professor, Institut des Sciences de la Mer de Rimouski, Université du Québec à Rimouski
Collaborator(s)
- André Mallet, President, L’Étang Ruisseau Bar Ltd.
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