Evaluation of a Leased Oyster Bottom in Mississippi Sound

Abstract

Pairs [24] of spat plates, strategically located on a 600-ha oyster lease, were monitored biweekly to determine the rate of oyster spatfall. Spatfall occurred from May 6 to July 31 and again from Aug. 15 to Oct. 24, 1979. The greatest spatfall occurred from Aug. 15 to Sept. 4, 1979. Data from shell bags that accompanied the spat plates indicated a maximum growth of 3.2 cm in 2 mo. Oyster spat which attached to the planted cultch materials of the leases grew up to 7.9 cm during the 17-mo. sampling period, ending Dec. 11, 1979. The lease area is capable of producing commercial-sized oysters in 2 seasons.