Oyster farming techniques

There are several breeding techniques that vary depending on the environment, the oyster farming area, traditions, the oysters themselves, and the tidal flat profile. Current oyster farming includes three main breeding techniques: raised, suspended, and bottom cultivation.

Raised Oyster Farming

The raised oyster farming technique involves cultivating oysters on a structure (table, frame, or trestle) installed above the substrate in intertidal parks. Oysters are placed in pockets that are regularly turned to prevent algae proliferation. This farming method is most common along the Atlantic coast in Brittany and Normandy, thanks to the tidal system.

Suspension Oyster Farming

The absence of tides in the Mediterranean has prompted the development of suspension oyster farming techniques. Oysters are placed in pearl nets or lanterns, which are suspended from breeding tables, keeping the oysters continuously submerged. Once they reach a size of 2 to 3 cm (T15), the oysters are glued to ropes using cement and returned to immersion until they reach commercial size.

Another suspension oyster farming technique, known as "filières," allows for total immersion of the oysters. This method follows the same principle as Mediterranean breeding tables, but instead of being attached to breeding tables, lanterns or baskets are suspended from cables stretched between two buoys.

Ground Oyster Farming

There are two methods of ground oyster farming: on emergent ground and in deep water.

In emergent ground oyster farming, oysters are seeded in areas that are exposed at low tide (on the intertidal zone). Harvesting is then done through dredging.

Deep-water ground oyster farming involves fully submerging oysters in cages (cage farming). Thus, oysters are not directly on the ground as in emergent ground farming.

The Australian Basket

The Australian basket is a recent method that can adapt to both raised and suspension oyster farming.