Size Related Predictions of Meat Growth & Yield in Reef Oysters from the Mississippi Sound

Abstract

Meat weight versus shell length relationship in oysters, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin), was established during 4 seasons of the year for males and females separately. During the seasons tested, males and females exhibited polynomial increase in meat mass as the shell length increased. Oyster meats increased in mass from October to April but wasted away from April to October. Sex influences were seen with males gradually losing weight for a longer duration than females. Data on meat weight per unit length revealed variations in absolute weight or heaviness of the oyster mflat. Females were heavier but the degree fluctuated depending on shell length and season. Small males (30 mm) were heavier from July to October while females of the same size were heavier from October to April.