![]() ![]() Find out how to get started in aquaculture. ![]() Commercial oyster culture is managed under strict environmental guidelines designed to ensure that oysters are only grown in areas with appropriate water quality. As oysters are filter feeders, the selection of maturing grounds is very important to avoid possible contamination. Through trial and error, the oyster grounds in the western part of Moreton Bay (in particular the estuaries) are the best areas for fattening oysters.Įstuary systems are particularly good at producing the populations of phytoplankton that oysters predominantly feed on. Access to markets also needs to be considered, particularly when moving live stock to be processed. Offshore areas may be problematic if they are not close to a suitable land-based facility and long distances must be travelled each time stock is to be placed or maintenance carried out. The substrate should be firm enough to walk over, and to work on, although this is not always the case. Some balance must be struck between currents and tidal flows to ensure that they supply the oysters with suitable water that is a nutrient-rich food source. These adverse conditions place additional stress on the oyster furniture, damage oysters, and make working these areas difficult. Areas that are prone to shifting sand or sediment can also be problematic. Oyster banks should not be exposed to strong currents or wave action under normal tidal conditions or during times of flood. In general terms, no single set of conditions can dictate the suitability of a site for oystering. Many estuarine areas tend to use racks and trays whereas offshore areas with vast tidal flats are more suitable to BST longline systems. Other factors, such as the availability of suitable growing areas, may pre-determine the methods used for culture. Relaying, which involves moving stock from one area to another, can overcome the problems associated with poor fattening areas. Some areas that are suitable for spat production may not be suitable for fattening. any restrictions that may be placed on the growing/oyster areas.suitability of the area for growing oysters.From these classifications, Fisheries Queensland then determines: The classification is based on the amount, and type, of pollutant impacts on the various growing/oyster areas. Growing areas are classified according to the criteria above. The program monitors heavy metals, biotoxins (toxins produced by some phytoplankton species) and bacterial contamination (in particular, coliform bacteria species). If these areas are inclined to be influenced by sewage, stormwater run-off, industrial pollutants or other influences that are considered detrimental, the authority will not be issued.įisheries Queensland runs a water quality program for commercial oyster-growing areas in the Moreton Bay area. Before issuing an authority, Fisheries Queensland assesses oyster areas to determine any likely environmental impacts on oysters. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |