ABSTRACT
Long-line off-bottom culture, the same used for kelp (Laminaria japonica) culture, is the method for mussel culture in China. China is renowned as a leader in aquaculture, especially of freshwater fish, with pond culture dating back to ancient times. The extensive culture of marine algae provides tons of food for its population of over 1 billion. The most common species of oyster cultivated is Crassostrea plicatula, which accounts for over 80% of the yield. Crassostrea rivularis occurs in estuaries of low salinity and is cultivated to a lesser extent. Spatfall occurs from June to August, the period of highest temperature and lowest salinity. Cultch material to collect spat has traditionally been oyster shell and gravel. Three commercial species of mussels occur in China: the thick-shell mussel, Mytilus corucus; the blue or common mussel M. edulis Linneaus; and the green mussel, Perna viridis.
