Overwintering American oyster seed by cold humid air storage

Young-of-the-year hatchery produced American oysters (Crassostrea virginica ) were successfully humid air stored at 0 degree to 6 degree C for monthly periods up to 6 months. Survival of oysters between 6 and 55 mm length was uniformly high, over 80%, and equalled or exceeded that of seawater stored controls in nearly all cases. There is an indication that premature replacement back to ambient sea water before April was detrimental to survival. Measurement of growth and survival after the subsequent summer season revealed continued high survival, but those returned to water after April had grown less. The decreased growth rate is probably due to lack of exposure to the complete growth season. Trials with local industry indicate that air storage of juvenile oysters may be practical on a commercial scale.