Gametogenesis of the oyster Crassostrea gigas in southern Ireland

Abstract

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas (Mollusca: Bivalvia) was introduced to Ireland in 1965 and is farmed at many sites around the coast. The reproductive biology of 1377 oysters from two sites on the south coast of Ireland was examined from April 1996 until December 1997 for variations in maturation rate and condition indices. Qualitative data were compiled by staging gonadal development using histological sections. Environmental parameters of temperature, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a levels, as well as parasites and pathology were monitored. Unusually high sea temperatures led to oysters in Dungarvan (site 1) spawning in both years of the study. Although sea temperatures were significantly higher, oysters in Cork Harbour (site 2) did not spawn but instead reached ripeness and then started a process of gametic degeneration called resorption. Lack of spawning was not attributed to environmental conditions monitored but was tentatively attributed to levels of pollutants in the water. Oyster condition in Cork Harbour was significantly affected by the presence of blistering due to tributyltin levels in the water and also by Polydora sp. (Polychaete) in the shell. Oyster condition in Dungarvan was not affected by the presence of the exotic species Mytilicola orientalis (Copepoda: Cyclopoida).