The European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) seed is in short supply for both oyster production and restoration efforts. The primary methods for seed production include sea-based collection, hatcheries and spatting ponds. Spatting ponds offer advantages such as lower resource demands and higher genetic diversity, but their performance can be unstable and different operational considerations exists depending on the size of the pond.
To address this, this pond production protocol, informed by studies and pilot experiments, compile a comprehensive set of methodologies for flat oyster seed production in both large-scale and small-scale pond systems. The protocols aim to serve as guides for initiating or optimizing oyster seed production to enable the expansion of flat oyster seed production in Europe. Validation and adaptation to local contexts are recommended for successful implementation.
Other Research funders: AquaVitae (European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program).