CROSS-SECTIONAL PATTERNS OF OYSTER SPAT IN THE CAYANGA RIVER ESTUARY

Abstract

Oyster farming is one of the earliest forms of aquaculture. Throughout the world, there has been an increase in the industry in recent years, driven by rising needs and worries regarding the viability of stock populations. In the Philippines, there has been an growth in oyster production, as projects have advanced technologies to enhance culture methods and raise output levels. This study investigates the cross-sectional distribution of oyster spat in the Cayanga River Estuary situated in the municipality of San Fabian aiming to determine most abundant area for spat collection. The study utilized sampling method described and adapted from the methodology described in the PHRDC Annual Report 1985. Data gathering was conducted across different depths (UD, MD and LD) in five stations along the estuary using standardized collection methods. Sampling occurred only for the month of November. Spat counts and density were analyzed using statistical tools to assess the patterns and significant difference cross-section. Results revealed significant difference between depth with p value of 0.000. Subsequently, LD and MD were significantly different with UD, but LD and MD had no significant differences. Furthermore, data revealed that most sites, mean spat densities progressively increased from the upper to lower depth. Whereas, most densities with highest recorded value were observed at lower depths. The findings of this study highlighted the significance of cross-sectional patterns zone of the estuary in optimizing production of spat. Further studies are recommended to observed temporal distribution for precise spat recruitment in different cross-sectional zone of the estuary.