Biofouling of the Mangrove Oyster (Crassostrea tulipa, Lamarck, 1819) Cultivation: The West African Perspective

Abstract

Oyster, Crassostrea tulipa cultivation in the West African subregion is largely carried out in estuarine and mangrove ecosystems on a small scale. These coastal water bodies generally present favorable biotic and abiotic conditions that impact positively oyster propagation. Some environmental factors including coastal flooding, eutrophication, and biofouling could hamper the culture of oysters in the wild. Biofouling is the attachment of organisms to the object of interest. It is also described as unwanted living things that occupy the same ecological niche as the desired species, causing harm by contesting for available food and living space, which is crucial in the culture of oysters where the biofoulers have deleterious effect on the growth and survival of oysters. The injurious impact of biofouling could result in en masse mortalities or reduced growth rate. Interventions to mitigate the effect will result in increased cost of operation, thereby making the business less profitable. However, existing studies in West Africa Indicate that fouling organisms may have no harmful impact on C. tulipa cultivation. Good water quality, a well-managed culture system, and adoption of best practices in post-harvest handling will enhance the production of oysters to provide food and nutrition security, livelihoods, and employments.