A REVIEW OF PEARL OYSTER (Pinctada maxima) CULTUREIN GENERAL
ABSTRACT: Pearl oyster culture
is unique because the product is gem not flesh and one of the species that produce
pearl is Pinctada maxima (Silver or Gold lip pearl oyster). Stock for pearl
oyster production can be collected from the wild or hatchery. However, hatchery
production is a better solution to supply P.maxima for pearl production rather
than just depend on wild stocks. Spat from the wild or hatchery will be
grown-out for pearl production by longline or raft culture system method in
ocean. Raft culture provide a work platform to repair, clean and store culture
tools, while, longline culture has better design to deal with wave or wind exposure.
There are identified different culture systems according different species (for
example between P.maxima and P.fucata) and locations. Several constraints on P.
maxima culture also identify such as biofouling organisms, predations and
diseases that can reduce productivity and pearl quality. For example, mass
mortalities of P.maxima occurred in Western Australia due to viral infection
and it disrupted the pearl oyster industry. Therefore, several strategies are
needed to mitigate those problems to achieve maximal productivity by using good
management culture practice.
Key word: pearl oyster, P.
maxima, management, culture
Author: Ludi Parwadani Aji
Kode Jurnal: jpperikanandd110158
