The Acclimatization and Growth of the Pacific Oyster (Gryphaea gigas) in Australia

Abstract

A trial shipment of Pacific oysters, Gryphaea gigas (Thunberg), natives of Japan, was brought to Australia in 1940. The shipment was condemned on arrival. Successful shipments were made in 1947 and 1948. The stock set out in Oyster Bay, near Albany, Western Australia, failed to survive the first winter, but those in southern Tasmania thrived. Growth rate was similar to that shown by the species on the west coast of North America. A slight spat-fall occurred in the summer of 1949–50 and a heavier one in 1950–51. It is doubtful if this is gufficient to replace the parent stock. An augmented brood stock is probably needed.