1. Oyster Farming In Maine (Crassostrea virginica)
Richard Clime, Bristol, Maine

2. Presentation Outline Geography Climate Oceanography
Developmental History
Current Methodology
Marketing & Sales
Problems & Solutions
Future Concerns

3. Coastal Conditions for Maine Oyster Aquaculture
Over 4000 miles undulating coastline.
Sunken, formerly glaciated valleys.
Cold winters, average snowfall ~60 in.
Cool summers, rarely over 90 deg. F.
Tidal range of 9-12 ft. - neap to spring.
Tidal currents ~ 0.5 – 1.0 knots at half tide in most growing areas.
Seawater temperatures
Winter min.- minus 1.5 deg. C.
Summer max.- 27 deg. C.
Salinities ~ 20 – 31 ppt in estuaries.
Chlorophyll A
Spring/fall blooms ~5-10 microgr/L.
August minima ~2 microgr/L.

4. Damariscotta River Estuary Sunken Arm of the Sea
Origin of 75 % of Maine farmed oysters.
Total acres under lease = 125
Shellfish acres for entire state = 720
Total number of leases = 24
Shellfish leases for entire state = 76
Annual production > 2.5 million oysters
Production for state = 3.2 million oysters Expected to rise by >20% in 2008.

5. Long Lines Flat Oysters in Suspension 1974-1986
First Attempt
Stacked Trays

6. Pearl Nets to Wooden Frame Trays Evolution of Surface Nursery
Problems
Piles in Corners
Silt, Fouling
Heavy Lift

7. Light Weight But… Losing the Battle Against Fouling
Suspension Culture
Lantern Nets
Juveniles to Adults
Light Weight But… Losing the Battle Against Fouling

8. New Approaches 1987-Present
Changing the Oyster- Ostrea edulis to Crassostrea virginica
Disease resistance Longer shelf life
Winter hardiness Customer familiarity
Changing Methods
Enhanced efficiency Lower costs
Larger crops
Changing Sales Strategy
Sell within North America Lower price, higher volume

9. Hatchery Production – Algal Feeds
Maintaining Algal Cultures
Batch Production of Algal Cells

10. Hatchery Production – Spawning & Larvae
Straight Hinge Larvae
Conditioning Selected Brood stock

11. Hatchery Production of Juveniles
Feeding Post Set Juveniles in Downwellers
Post Set Juveniles on
Shell Chips

12. Floating Upwellers Advantages High flow rates Large juvenile capacity
Fast, uniform growth
Small area
Easy maintenance

13. Floating Bag Nursery Bags Strings Attached to Parallel Long Lines
Rapid Growth in Bags to mm by October

14. Spreading Oysters on Sub tidal Lease – October & November
Collecting juveniles from nursery

15. Small Boat Harvest by Dredge
Hydraulically powered stern hoist
Deep cycle battery powered winch

16. Small Boat Harvest by Dredge
Details of Small Dredge
Raft for Sorting and Washing of Dredged Oysters

17. Alternative Hand Harvesting
Through Sea Ice
Areas Where Dredges Hard to Maneuver

18. Preparing for Shipment
Floating Storage of Newly Harvested Oysters
Transferring Oysters from Boat to Truck

19. Marketing & Sales Strategies
Brand Oyster- e.g. “Farmed Maine Pemaquid”.
Distribution area- Eastern & Midwestern North America.
Network- Wholesale distributor to metropolitan restaurant.
Logistics- Boston as transport hub.
Price by each/ sell by count.
Availability- nine months April – December.

20. Problems & Solutions Reliable, timely hatchery production.
Correct species for the market and the environment.
Cost efficient, optimal growing methodology.
Market recognition and acceptance.
Juvenile oyster disease (Roseovarius).
Biosecurity and best management protocols in place.
Industry trade association/ R & D backing.
Community support.

21. Present Trends & Future Challenges
Consolidation of businesses, vertical integration.
Maintain permanent selective breeding program.
Determine biological/sociological carrying capacities.
Be sustainable.
Adapt to changing climate & expensive energy.
Diversify on lease sites and in marketplace.

22. Deepest Appreciation Thank You To the Shellfish Association
of Great Britain
for your invitation and support
which made my trip possible.
Thank You