Galveston Bay Oyster Studies, 1971

Date

1971

Authors

Hofstetter, Robert P.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Abstract

Galveston Bay oyster stocks were studied to detect changes which might affect the public reef oyster harvest. A mild winter and above normal salinity values favored increased disease (Labyrinthomyxa) incidence as well as increased predation from oyster drills (Thais) and stone crabs (Menippe). These factors resulted in annual death rates of 52% to 55% among older oysters groups. Oyster spat in an epidemic area were Labyrinthomyxa-infected by fall and suffered above normal mortality.

Description

pages 107-124; available for download at the link below.

Keywords

oysters, stock assessment, oyster reefs, oyster fisheries, predation, fungal diseases, oyster drills, stone crab, seed, spat, larval settlement, mortality, survival

Citation