Oyster resources of Ashtamudi lake southwest coast of India

Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala has a rich oyster resource dominated by the Indian oyster Crassostrea mu~lrasensis and the rock oysterSaccostreu cucullatu. This resource which is extensively distributed in the estuary sustains a minor fishery. Studies were conducted to understand the seasonal variation in the density and biomass of these two species in the intertidal and subtidal system. The variation in the epifauna associated with the oyster population in different points of the estuary is given. Results of the experiments conducted to study the oyster spatfall season in the estuarine and marine zones is presented and discussed with reference to site selection in oyster farming and periods for setting oyster spat collectors in the estuary