GOM_Oysters_DigitalAtlas2011
American oyster Crassostrea
virginica Description Range: The American oyster, a bivalve
mollusc of the family Ostreidae, is found in the western Atlantic from the Gulf
of St. Lawrence to the Yucatan Peninsula. In the Gulf, this species occurs
throughout estuaries, shallow nearshore waters, and on reefs located near river
mouths. Habitat: Large populations of this benthic invertebrate are found in the
large estuarine bays and sounds of the Gulf (with most concentrations found
within 10-meter depths). Sedentary in character, this invertebrate attaches in
clusters to shell reefs, firm mud/shell bottoms and other hard substrates.
Feeding and Behavior: The American oyster filter-feeds principally on small
unicellular algae and incidentally on suspended detrital particles. It is found
in association with numerous predators, commensals, and parasites. Reproduction:
Spawning also occurs in estuarine habitats. In the Gulf of Mexico, April to
October are the most active months, although spawning has been reported during
all months except February and March. Nursery areas are found in estuarine
waters. Movement: Planktonic larvae drift with the tides and currents until they
settle on solid substrate. Fisheries: This species is commercially harvested
throughout its range for its meat, the seasonality for harvesting being state
regulated. The fishery for this species is the fourth largest in the U.S. Gulf
of Mexico and there is also a commercial fishery in Mexican waters. The species
is harvested recreationally.
Complete Metadata
| describedByType | application/octet-steam |
|---|---|
| identifier | gov.noaa.ncei:Oysters_GOM_2011 |
| issued | 2011-01-01T00:00:00.000+00:00 |
| language | [] |
| rights | otherRestrictions |
| spatial | -81.506342,25.886612,-97.517836,30.662095 |
| temporal | 1969-01-01T00:00:00+00:00/2009-01-01T00:00:00+00:00 |
