MICROECOLOGICAL FACTORS IN OYSTER EPIZOOTICS

Abstract

On oyster beds as elsewhere, mud–water interfaces exhibit a biological film harboring saprobic microorganisms. The abundance of these is directly proportional to the amount of decomposing organic matter present. Different communities of protozoa and bacteria characterize each of the levels of organic pollution, which may be defined biologically in terms of a modification of the "Saprobiensystem" of Kolkwitz and Marsson. While the microorganisms concerned are not conspicuous on clean substrata except where especially favorable conditions are afforded certain of them by some dead animal or plant, their general abundance is indicative of pollution. This follows overaccumulation of reducible deposits, initiated by irregular tidal flushing, freshets, and winter icing, and rendering the microenvironment anaerobic. Ostrea edulis and Crassostrea virginica survive temporary exposure to the direct effects of such conditions as well as to near-lethal temperatures, but, weakened thereby, become vulnerable to invasion by saprobes from the enriched biological film. Unless environmental conditions improve before the oysters lose ability to recover, abnormal mortalities will be hastened by the activities of these microorganisms, notably Hexamita inflata (Protozoa). Relevant literature is reviewed, and possible local remedies are discussed. Canadian data are supported by original observations from Wales and Pakistan. Among other new host and locality records, Cristispira balbianii (Spirochaetales) and cercariae of a bucephalid trematode are listed from Ostrea belcheri from Karachi.