PACIFIC OYSTER

Pacific oyster

Chris Langdon

Latin name: Crassostrea gigas

The Pacific oyster is the most commonly farmed species of marine mollusks on the US West coast. Prior to 1996, there was no breeding program established to allow farmers to improve production. In response, the Molluscan Broodstock Program (MBP) was initiated with funds from USDA. MBP has resulted in improved performance of oysters on farms as well as larvae in hatcheries. These improvements are especially important as farmers struggle with the impacts of ocean acidification.