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By daybreak
Published: January 6, 2008
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A recent report from Virginia Institute of Marine Science brings new light on oyster species for USA East Coast aquaculture. Studies from several agencies found that the Asian oyster (Crassostrea ariakenisis) may be subject to disease in American waters. The oyster had been under intense study as a possible replacement for native East Coast oysters which have been decimated by disease. The native oyster (Crassostrea virginica) has declined in the last half century from a number of factors, including the diseases MSX and Dermo. Early tests in Virginia and other areas showed potential for Asian oysters as a candidate species for aquaculture operations along the Virginia coast and in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Further experiments in North Carolina discovered that C. ariakenisis was vunerable to a third waterborne parasite. The experiment found that a parasite from the Bonamia family was the cause of high mortality of young Asian oysters. Parasites of the Bonamia genus are well known for causing oyster deaths worldwide. The native Virginia oyster appears to be unaffected by the organism. Studies found that the Bonamia pathogen may have been introduced but is established along the Eastern seaboard and possibly the Chesapeake Bay region. The parasite is said to primarily affect seed-size oysters. The effects of the disease is also dependant on water salinity. Bonamia appears to be prevalent in salinities of 20 PPM and higher. Activity is very high around 25 PPM and levels of 18 PPM or less appear to be less hazardous to oysters. Outbreaks appear to be associated with high water temperatures. Research shows that two oyster species may provide breeding environments for the parasite. In addition to the Asian species C. ariakenisis, the parasite also attacks the crested oyster (Ostrea equestris), a species common in North Carolina waters. Apparently the crested oyster is less affected by the disease but does harbor it.
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Published: January 6, 2008
Print
EmailA recent report from Virginia Institute of Marine Science brings new light on oyster species for USA East Coast aquaculture. Studies from several agencies found that the Asian oyster (Crassostrea ariakenisis) may be subject to disease in American waters. The oyster had been under intense study as a possible replacement for native East Coast oysters which have been decimated by disease. The native oyster (Crassostrea virginica) has declined in the last half century from a number of factors, including the diseases MSX and Dermo. Early tests in Virginia and other areas showed potential for Asian oysters as a candidate species for aquaculture operations along the Virginia coast and in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Further experiments in North Carolina discovered that C. ariakenisis was vunerable to a third waterborne parasite. The experiment found that a parasite from the Bonamia family was the cause of high mortality of young Asian oysters. Parasites of the Bonamia genus are well known for causing oyster deaths worldwide. The native Virginia oyster appears to be unaffected by the organism. Studies found that the Bonamia pathogen may have been introduced but is established along the Eastern seaboard and possibly the Chesapeake Bay region. The parasite is said to primarily affect seed-size oysters. The effects of the disease is also dependant on water salinity. Bonamia appears to be prevalent in salinities of 20 PPM and higher. Activity is very high around 25 PPM and levels of 18 PPM or less appear to be less hazardous to oysters. Outbreaks appear to be associated with high water temperatures. Research shows that two oyster species may provide breeding environments for the parasite. In addition to the Asian species C. ariakenisis, the parasite also attacks the crested oyster (Ostrea equestris), a species common in North Carolina waters. Apparently the crested oyster is less affected by the disease but does harbor it.
Discuss this article in the Forum!
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