A new method of growing bivalves in suspended culture

Description

Bivalve aquaculture currently utilizes two main farming practices: intertidal (bottom, or beach) and deep-water (off-bottom, or suspended) culture. Suspended culture offers a number of advantages over beach culture, during both nursery and grow-out production phases; however, two issues are commonly encountered in suspended culture: biofouling and shell deformities. The goal of this project is to assess the efficiency of expanded clay aggregates (trade names include Hydroton Grow Rocks, LECA, Lecastone, Hydrokorrels) and lava rock as novel growth media for bivalves in suspended culture. Both media are lightweight, natural, pH neutral, chemically inert, affordable, and reusable. This project aims to improve the condition of the Pacific Oyster, Manila Clam, and other bivalves in suspended culture and reduce biofouling during grow-out and on seed collection.

Program Name

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)

Year(s)

2010 - 2012

Ecoregion(s)

Pacific: Vancouver Island West Coast

Principal Investigator(s)

Anya Dunham
Email: Anya.Dunham@dfo-mpo.gc.ca