Selection of areas for the commercial collection of spat of the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea commercialis, in subtropical Moreton Bay, Australia.

Abstract

Seasonal and tidal settlement patterns of the rock oyster Saccostrea commercia/is and competing barnacles were studied at four locations in Moreton Bay over a 16 month period to select the most promising areas for commercial spat collection, and to provide basic information on spatfall for oyster farmers. A scallop (Amusium balloti) shell spat collector adapted from Japanese spat collectors was used throughout the experiment. Spatfall occurred from November to April with a peak in December (early summer) or February. Spatfall was generally heavier in the lower part of the tidal range, and on the upper surfaces of the scallop shells. One of the experimental sites showed excellent promise as a commercial spat collecting area.