Hatchery Seed
Hatchery spat are grown in laboratory conditions and fed nutrients that can enhance growth. Using hatchery spat allows oyster Farmers to cut down on labour costs while beginning the growing process with healthy, certified seed that are resistant to disease.
Technological advances have been made to develop non-spawning oysters. Invented in 1979 by Standish Allen, triploid oysters have three sets of chromosomes which making them sterile. Triploids do not spawn and continue to grow throughout the year. They can be harvested at any time, including the summer months (depending on local conditions). Most hatcheries are now offering triploid oyster seed, given the benefits.
