Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Pacific Northwest). Olympia Oyster

Abstract

Species profiles are literature summaries of the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history, and environmental requirements of coastal aquatic species. They are designed to assist in environmental impact assessments. Olympia oysters initially spawn as males then alternate their functional genders. Spawning begins at 13-16 C and occurs from spring to fall. After a short planktonic stage, larvae attach to the substrate. Olympia oysters thrive at salinities of 25 ppt or above; they are killed by freezing temperatures. Olympia oysters once supported large sustenance and commercial fisheries. Olympia oysters have not returned to pre-exploitation population levels which declined because of pollution and loss of habitat. Keywords: Estuaries, Oysters, Salinity, Temperature, Life cycles, Pollution, Sediment, Suspended solids, Feeding habits, Growth, Water pollution, Aquaculture, Competition.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA225231

Entities

People

  • David E Couch
  • Thomas J. Hassler

Organizations

  • California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aquatic Organisms
  • Army Corps Of Engineers
  • Birds
  • California
  • Cells
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Engineers
  • Environment
  • Fish
  • Fisheries
  • Habitats
  • Invertebrates
  • Low Temperature
  • New York
  • Puget Sound
  • United States
  • Wildlife

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aquatic Ecology