Growth trials of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in Western Samoa, June 1990-May 1991
Winterstein H. 1991. Growth trials of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in Western Samoa, June 1990-May 1991. Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Apia, Western Samoa
Crassostrea gigas seed from North America were introduced and cultured in Safata Bay and Namu'a Island Aleipata, in Western Samoa. Seed grown in Safata Bay reached harvestable size of >60mm in 70 days. Maximum shell size for triploids after 270 days was 160mm and for diploids was 120mm. Significant variation in growth rates was observed within the triploid seed population, between triploid and diploid populations, as well as between sites. Mortality was very high (about 90%) from predation by Cymatium snails, loss of cages in rough weather, and overcrowding. Future research is required to refine the growout technique, reduce mortality, assess the potential of other sites, and examine the economic feasibility of large-scale commercial production in Western Samoa.