Current Status and Potential of Tropical Rock Oyster Aquaculture

This review summarizes existing literature of tropical rock oyster aquaculture, investigates constraints to industry expansion and provides recommendations for the further development of a contemporary industry. Barriers to development of this industry are varied and complex, and include: a research and development deficit, under-reporting of research projects, lack of species-specific biological and taxonomic knowledge, and poor shellfish food safety reputation. These issues can be linked to the tropics being comprised of many developing economies and the associated challenges of a lack of resources and investment opportunities. Current global interest remains high despite this and tropical oyster aquaculture is considered as a valuable prospective industry. With appropriate support and a collaborative approach, there is an opportunity for developing oyster culture industries to support economic development in some of the poorest regions on Earth. This review provides five key recommendations towards further developing the tropical oyster aquaculture sector: (1) to invest in foundational knowledge to understand the biology of target species and adapt existing culture methods accordingly; (2) to utilize molecular tools to clarify taxonomic ambiguity and apply novel technologies; (3) to establish a stable spat supply by progressing hatchery production; (4) to promote collaboration and widespread dissemination of information; and (5) to improve industry reputation through research, education, and quality control.