The Basic Methods of Pearl Farming: A Layman's Manual - CTSA

Handling and transportTransporting pearl oysters in coolersPearl oysters can be transported without water if kept cool and moist.The best way to do this is by using a Styrofoam or plastic cooler (also called ice chests or chiller bins).First, scrub the cooler with clean seawater. Then put a layer of paper or cloth dampened with cleanseawater in the bottom. Next put in a layer of pearl oysters. Cover the pearl oysters with more damppaper or cloth. More layers of alternating pearl oysters and wet cloth or paper are then added. Keep thecooler cool by placing it in the shade. You can add a very small amount of ice, but be careful not to letwater collect at the bottom of the cooler (use a cooler with a drain if you plan to use ice). Pearl oysterswill die if left soaking in accumulated water, whether freshwater or seawater. It is better to use icepacks, which can be frozen and reused. Although pearl oysters have been shipped successfully usingthis method for periods up to 24 hours, try and limit the time in the cooler to 5 or 6 hours. Keep thetemperature inside at 26-28°C (about the same temperature as the seawater from which they came).The pearl oysters should be kept cool, but not cold, since this may weaken them. Handle the coolergently without allowing it to get jostled in the boat.Transporting pearl oysters on the deck of a boatAvoid transporting pearl oysters where contaminated air or water is present.Transporting pearl oysters on the deck of a boat is a common practice, but if the pearl oysters areexposed to oil, gas or heat in the air or in the water, they could die. The deck of a boat is often full ofwater that contains oil or gas from the outboard engine. Try and keep the oysters on a platform or in acontainer away from this oily water.Pearl oysters should never be kept in standing water in an enclosed area like a boatdeck, or in a bucket.When pearl oysters sit in a small amount of water, they open their shells and try to breathe and feed.The oxygen in this small amount of water is used up quickly and the pearl oyster will suffocate and die.It is better to transport pearl oysters in baskets, panels or damp sacks so that any water will drain out.Pearl oysters do much better if kept just a little moist and cool, but not wet.Pearl oysters must be protected from the heat of the sun.Always cover pearl oysters with a moist sack or palm leaves when exposed to sun. Try to transportpearl oysters during the coolest times of day. You can also occasionally douse them with fresh seawater,as long as this water does not accumulate around them.Page 37