EVALUATION OF VARIOUS APPROACHES TO MANAGEMENT OF BIOFOULING OF OYSTER CAGES IN COPANO BAY, TEXAS

Management of biofouling is the largest operational cost factor associated with oyster aquaculture due to the high cost of labor required. Biofouling can be a detriment to oyster growth and health as it limits water flow through the aquaculture baskets. To determine the appropriate management practices for removal of biofouling from oyster baskets in Texas bays, this study investigated: 1) the method of removing biofouling (desiccation vs. pressure spraying); and 2) the time interval between removal of biofouling (7, 14, or 21 days). Images taken of each basket prior to treatment were analyzed using ArcGIS ArcMap v. 10.8 to determine the extent of coverage. The strongest significant difference on biofouling coverage was between one and three week cages, and the second most between two and three week cages (Table 1). One and two week cages were also significantly different, however less so. There was not a significant difference between removal method on the percentage of biofouling coverage.

Survival, growth (i.e., length, height, width) and a condition index are currently being evaluated to evaluate overall impact of biofouling. Subsequent recommendations regarding methods of biofouling control will contribute to the development of best management practices specific to Texas oyster farming and ultimately result in improved sustainability of the farming industry.