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Alternate Title

The Effect of Depth on Survival and Growth of Oysters in Suspension Culture from a Petroleum Platform Off the Texas Coast

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The effect of depth on oysters in suspension culture from a petroleum platform off the Texas coast was monitored for 20 months. Growth and condition was similar for adult oysters cultured at five levels down to 8 m. Oysters had a growth rate of 1.2 mm (level 3) to 1.4 mm (level 1) per month,representing an increase in length of 94% to 150% for the 20 months. The condition was best in June 1973 after five months placement offshore (condition index of 14.8, 15.5, 14.7, 13.5 and 13.2 for levels 1 through 5, respectively). The condition was lowest in June 1974 (2.2, 2.1, 1.3, 1.4 and 1 .5 for levels 1 through 5, respectively). Ninety oysters died during the experimental period. Sixty-three percent were trom the upper two levels. One hundred forty-five oysters disappeared. Fifty-eight percent were from the bottom two levels. Most oysters disappeared in February 1974 (47% of all disappearances).

First Page

31

Last Page

37

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