| This study is based on catched larvae data base produced since C. gigas was first imported into the Charentais Sounds (late 1960s, early 1970s). The method for catching larvae using a towed net remained unchanged between 1950 and 1998. Four sites have been sampled in the Bay since 1970, two situated in the Seudre estuary and two in the middle of the Bay. Two other sites from near the mouth of the Charente River have been sampled since 1982. For each sample, oyster larvae were counted in four size classes, from the young larva (1-4 days) to near metamorphosis (16-20 days). Each year, 100 to 150 captures were carried out at all sample sites between June and September. Captures from July and August represent 99% of the total. The main variables were: capture... |
