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Oyster, Pacific (Crassostrea gigas)

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Common name - Oyster, Pacific
Scientific name - Crassostrea gigas
Rating
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Farmed
Production method Bottom culture
Production country West Europe, Atlantic Coast
Production area All
Summary
Pacific oyster producers rely on spat from oyster hatcheries, as they generally do not spawn in British waters because the temperature is too low. However, recent mild weather patterns are inducing reproduction. Pacific oysters require temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C for reproduction.
Biology
Oysters belong to the commercially important group of bivalve molluscs which also includes mussels, clams and cockles. The Pacific oyster, now widely distributed, originated in northeastern Asia. Pacific oysters, as with many oyster species, develop first as males, spawn, and then later develop into females. Spawning occurs in the summer.
Production Information
Oysters are bred in hatcheries and then grown on in the sea - usually in semi-rigid plastic mesh bags, supported by steel trestles secured in intertidal waters.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.