9-29-03 1st batch 3N C. ariakensis to 6 growers and 3N C. virginica		10-8-03 2nd batch 3N C. ariakensis to growers		10-24-03 3rd batch 3N C. ariakensis to 4 growers
		10-6-03 1st batch 3N C. ariakensis to 2 growers and 3N C. virginica		10-22-03 3rd batch 3N C. ariakensis to 4 growers

Deployment

Counting

Each size class (through sieving) was kept separate. Each size class was counted prior to deployment. A random sample of oysters from each size class was placed in a beaker up to 100 milliliters and counted.

The oysters from each size class were distributed equally among the eight growers and stocked 5000 to a bag (3/8th inch ADPI bags). Two bags of 5000 oysters were kept for each grower.

Each sieve group was kept separate. Upwellers with > ½ inch (20mm) animals of a particular sieve group were dumped into a orange basket lined with clam netting. There was an average of 10 baskets per sieve group. One liter of oysters was sampled from every other basket (no water was used, oysters were placed in the beaker and knocked around 3-4 times to allow oysters to settle). That liter was counted for total number of animals and then weighed (lbs). Each basket was also weighed (lbs). The total weight of all the baskets in one sieve group was added and that number divided by 8 (the number of growers). The average count per liter was figured so we had both an average number of oysters from each sieve group that would go to each grower as well as a number of pounds to each grower.

Distribution "Nitty Gritty"

Pictorial Timeline of Deployment

First round of 3N C. ariakensis field deployment from Cherrystone Aquafarms.

Open the gallery to follow the rest of the deployment.