A Study of Four Oyster Reefs in Mississippi

Abstract

A study of four oyster populations in Mississippi over 1 3 months (May 1978-May 1979) indicates that although oysters are sexually developed during most of the year (10 months), setting was variable in intensity, dependent upon location, and limited in all cases to one or two months. Mortality was variable, dependent upon location and was attributed to high predation at one station and to harvesting and fresh water at the other stations studied. Suggestions for management are discussed.