Biofouling Impacts on Eastern Oyster
(Crassostrea virginica)
Growth and Oyster Condition Index
Megan Reed(1)(2),Katie Lankowicz(2)(3)
(1)Eckerd College,(2)Quahog Bay Conservancy ,(3)Gulf of Maine Research Institute
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Pictures left to right: Katie and Megan measureing oysters on the boat, Megan labeling oysters, Katie, Megan
Abstract:
Aquaculture is a growing global industry. The Gulf of Maine has seen a consistent increase in eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) aquaculture in recent years, which has brought millions of dollars of profit to working waterfronts in Maine. Maine is near the northern range limit of oysters, and the colder waters in this area limit the duration of the annual growing season. In order to successfully grow oysters, negative impacts on oyster growth, like biofouling, must be kept to a minimum. Biofouling is the unwanted accumulation of non-target organisms on or near cultured species and infrastructure. This study investigated the impact of biofouling on oyster growth and condition over the summer of 2025. The oysters in the study were grown using floating cages, where one cage was biofouled and the other was kept clean. Differences were assessed using linear models and generalized additive models (GAM). Though growth rate and condition were not significantly different between oysters grown in clean and biofouled bags, oysters grown in biofouled bags had a high variance of achieved size by the end of the growing season. Variation in competition for food and speed of water flow within a single bag caused by spatially heterogeneous impacts of biofouling may have resulted in higher variation of oyster growth rates than for oysters that are grown in clean bags. This can make it more difficult for oyster farmers to grow a uniform product, potentially hurting their profits. It is important that oysters are kept free from biofouling in order for them to stay healthy and to produce a uniform product.
For more information email: mreed@eckerd.edu
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