The oyster larva monitoring pilot program helps to provide information on the status of seasonal oyster larvae development in Nova Scotia for the oyster aquaculture industry. This program is provided by the Centre for Marine Applied Research (CMAR) and funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA). In collaboration with industry partners, CMAR conducts five-minute passive plankton tows at locations around the province near known wild oyster beds, to assess the abundance and development stage of oyster larvae. This information is used to estimate oyster spat settlement timing, which helps inform farm operators when to deploy spat collectors. Data on water temperature, salinity, and the size of oyster larvae, are also collected. The information is passed on to nearby oyster growers within 24 hours of collection. For more information on this pilot program or, to be added to an email distribution list for related information, please email info@cmar.ca.
