Ecological Dynamics and Growth Patterns of European Flat Oyster (Ostrea edulis L. 1758) in a Mediterranean Mussel Farm
Articles > Article · 2026
Authors: Onurkan Antepli, Mehmet Güler, Selçuk YİĞİTKURT, Serpil SERDAR, Gamze TURAN, Ali ULAŞ, Şükrü YILDIRIM, Deniz Çoban
Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi, International Refereed University Journal, International, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), 2026, vol 23, pp 135-143
DOI: 10.25308/aduziraat.1949832
Summary
This study examined the growth and morphometric development of Ostrea edulis cultured in suspended net bags within an active mussel farm on the Erdek coast of the Sea of Marmara, Türkiye, from March 2018 to March 2019. Monthly measurements of shell length, shell width, shell thickness and wet weight were recorded together with seawater temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a concentration. During the study period, seawater temperature ranged from 9.0 to 25.9 °C, while salinity varied between 23.8 and 26.2 PSU. Mean shell length increased from 22.97 ± 6.48 mm to 84.03 ± 11.16 mm, and mean wet weight increased from 2.06 ± 1.82 g to 72.85 ± 18.97 g. Survival was 95%. The highest length- and weight-based specific growth rates were observed during the May–June interval, followed by a gradual decline toward winter. Growth showed a possible seasonal association with seawater temperature, whereas the relationship with chlorophyll-a was less direct. These results provide preliminary, site-specific information on the suspended culture performance of O. edulis within an active mussel-farm environment in the Sea of Marmara.