Producing bigger, better quality oysters through S&T

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) is undertaking a program aimed at  improving production.

The program aims to address the poor quality of  oysters, which are considered one of the most important commodities for aquaculture.

It promotes  the use of raft and longline culture methods for mass production of oysters.

These types of culture methods are sustainable and environment-friendly compared with the traditional stake method, which causes pollution and sedimentation. 

According to the DOST, the raft and longline culture methods can produce oysters with harvestable weights of 75-90 grams seven months after transplanting oyster spats. 

The raft method employs floating bamboo rafts where oysters grow on lines hanging from the raft.

For the long line method, lines of oysters are hung in posts anchored underwater.

To produce bigger oysters, the program recommends the use of the pouch and tray methods, which are designed to grow single oysters.

The technology produces oysters with almost uniform weight, good meat quality, and have a survival rate of 96-99 percent after seven months of culture.

It is also ideal for the high-end market such as five-star hotels and restaurants and for pearl culture.  

The program aims to establish the sanitary quality standards for oysters following the European Union  standards.

These quality standards cover the culture environments based on bacterial quantity and composition in the water, physio-chemical quality of the water and sediment, heavy metals, and pesticide residues in the oyster’s flesh.

This will ensure that the oysters produced meet the export quality standards required by importing countries. 

The technology on producing oysters, along with the Council’s leading research and development initiatives in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sectors, was  showcased during the National Science and Technology Week.