| This paper investigates the biological responses of Crassostrea gigas under traditional culture conditions on a mudflat in Marennes-Oleron bay. Summer mortality has been regularly observed in recent years in oysters reared using "on bottom" culture conditions. The present study attempts to provide a better understanding of the mortality phenomenon through biological parameters. Classical 'field parameters' such as mortality and growth rates, and quality index (dry meat weight/ dry shell weight x 1000) were monitored. Additional parameters, as biochemical composition of oyster meat and glucose incorporation capacity, were included as potential new bioindicators. The work highlighted a critical timing (May-June) preceding the summer mortality and... |
