Shellfish culture in estuary zones and the sanitary restrictions

Abstract

The nutritional requirements of shellfish are satisfied by the phytoplankton and the nutrients of the estuary waters. Bivalves (mussels, oysters, clams, cockles, scallops and razors) can be there produced. The shellfish are cultured on the sea bottom or suspended. For shellfish culture no food is required and the investment cost is low. If the quality of the water is high then they can be considered as bio or organic products. The disadvantages concern their sanitary status (contamination by heavy metals, radio nucleotides, phytotoxines, viruses, bacteria and parasites). No medications or vaccines are applied.

Keywords

• shellfish
• oysters
• mussels
• phytotoxins