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

Disease and other causes of deathOther causes of death or poor healthPearl oysters can also suffer from predation or fouling that may ruin theircommercial value, health or even kill them.Fouling organisms such as sponges and burrowing worms (polychaetes) can damage and weaken theshell by boring into it. Other fouling organisms may not directly attack the pearl oyster, but as theyaccumulate and become heavy, they prevent the pearl oyster from feeding normally and thus weaken it.Prevent damage from fouling organisms by regularly cleaning the pearl oysters. Some lagoon areasmay have higher fouling rates. If your farm area suffers from a heavy degree of fouling, considermoving it to another area.Although more difficult, some animals also prey upon pearl oysters. These predators include certainkinds of snails, crabs, fish and octopus. Snails and crabs are most often a problem in lantern baskets orother containers. They must be removed by hand and killed. Fish and octopus can also attack largerpearl oysters, although small pearl oysters are still most vulnerable. Keep the spat in lantern baskets orcages if you have problems with mortality caused by these animals. Snails and crabs are most likely toattack spat because their shells are weaker.Page 49