| Biofouling is a particular problem in the pearl oyster culture. It may reduce the growth and survival rates of the cultured species. Foulers are often themselves filter feeders, and are therefore potential competitors for food resource with the cultured species. Fouling organisms may also reduce the oxygen supply. A study was conducted to measure the impact of foulers on feeding, oxygen consumption, and waste excretion. POM, ammonia, phosphate and oxygen concentration were measured in various treatments (cultured species，foulers). This study showed that fouling organisms had significant effect on food uptake, oxygen consumption and waste excretion. The clearance rate, ammonia and phosphate release rate, oxygen consumption rate of the fouled pearl oyster... |
