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ABSTRACT
This work examines socio-cultural and economic potential of seafood oyster. The main objective of the study is to investigatethe socio-cultural and economic potentials of oyster crassostreagasar. Crassostreagasar, the edible mangrove oyster is a conspicuous inhabitant of the mangrove ecosystem. Being a hard substrate bivalve it is usually found attached to any hard substrate in the estuarine/coastal environment such as prop roots of mangrove trees. It has a wide salinity tolerance range of 10-25ppt and grows and develops well at temperature of 23-31oc. the oyster has a high economic value and is widely accepted both locally and on the international market. The flesh of the oyster could be eaten raw, or after it I boiled or smoked. The mangrove oyster is usually harvested from the wide though it is cultivated the harvesting is done mainly by the women-folk in Nigeria. The oysters are harvested by cutting the roots of the mangrove trees on which matured oyster are found. Subsequently, these are taken to shore for further processing. The cost of the oyster depends on the extent to which they have been processed. Shell-on oyster cost N18 kg -1; freshly shucked meat cost N450 kg -1, while the smoked meat cost N2, 000 kg -1.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Oyster Crassostreagasaris one of the most widely cultivated marine species in the world. The mangrove oyster is an inhabitant of estuarine/coastal mangrove swampland. It is naturally available in wild and thrives well in water with 10-25ppt salinity and temperature range of 23-31oc.
As far back as 1st century BC, the Romans were reported practicing a simple method of oyster culture by collecting oyster seed growing them for food (CMFRI, 2000). According to Chew (1986) and CMFRI, (2009) countries like Japan, republic of Korea, France, USA and China are highest producers of cultured oyster and together they contribute 78.7% of the world’s total.
In Nigeria, oyster Crassostreagasarculture is in its infancy and experimental trials were carried out in eighties at African regional aquaculture centre. Buguma station, Rivers State (Afinowi, 1983).
The oyster Crassostreagasar can be cultured in brackish mangrove swamps. Shattered areas with a water debt ranging from 2-5m offering protection from strong waves and free from pollution are suitable sites for oyster Crassostreagasar culture (Afinowi, 1975, Ajana, 1779).
The mangrove oyster crassostreagasar are important habitants in terms of coastal ecology, providing shelter, food and reproductive areas for many marines and estuarine species (Alongi, 2002). Mangroves also have great socio-economic importance, sustaining human communities based on coastal fisheries and products derived from the forest (Kathiresan, & Bingham 2001, Krause et al, 2001; Glaser, 2003). Their role in providing important ecological services (Kathiresan, & Bingham 2001). Such as coastal protection (Alongi, 2001) and nutrient cycling (Wolff, et al 2000), is also well known, increasing population growth around the mangroves of north eastern brazil is resulting in greater pressure on coastal resources.
The mangrove oyster crassostreagasar is a renewable ecological resource which is in high demand locally and on international markets. It is a bivalve mollusc characterized by the possession of two hard calcareous shells or value enclosing a soft body. This oyster species is a conspicuous inhabitant of the mangroves in Niger Delta region, Nigeria. It serves as food for many households and also harvested and sold for income. Oyster may be farmed in open water bodies. Creeks Rivers and lagoon. (Iversen, 1976) Oyster may also be farmed in shallow pond in integration with finfish such as tilapia and mullets. The oyster has a high economic important and value and is accepted both locally and on international market. (Afinowi, 1975, Ajana, 1979. Ansa, and Bashir, 2007).
The table size of mangrove oyster sold in Nigerian markets is from the wild. The culture potential of the oyster is yet to be explored by culturists. Despite the fact that details of techniques for culture of mangrove oyster have been July documented by scientists at Arac.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Mangrove oyster Crassostreagasar is a conspicuous inhabitant of the mangrove in the Niger delta region, Nigeria. It serves as food for many households and harvested and sold for income. The harvesting of mangrove oyster Crassostreagasar are done by women. The fishery of this bivalve is dominated by women who are involved in harvesting and processing of oysters from the wild. However, due to the hazards and risk of going far into the creaks to harvest oysters and gradual depletion of wild stocks the farming of oyster on the large scale is realistic option.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
For this research work to be carried out, the main objective of this study is to investigate the socio-cultural and economic potential of seafood oyster (Crassostereagasar). Specifically, the following objective of the study is;
- To investigate the economic potential of oyster Crassostreagasar.
- To examine the socio-cultural application of oyster Crassostreagasar.
- To determine the microbiological quality of oyster (Crassostreagasar).
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This research work is significant enlighten the public and the marketers of the socio-cultural and economic potential of oyster Crossastreagasar. This work will be of great benefit to governments, students mostly science laboratory, scholars carrying out a research of this kind. The market women and harvesters of oyster Crassostreagasar of it economic and socio-cultural potentials. Also the study will be beneficial to even the consumers of oyster Crassostreagasar and the scientist; and the culturist
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The research work is on the socio-cultural and economic potential of seafood Oyster (Crassostreagasar).
1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
For carrying out this research work, the researcher encounter challenges, such as time constraints, finance, access to relevant information about the study.
Time Constraints: The period within which the study was to be done was very short; therefore the research employed fire brigade approach to beat the deadlines.
Finance: there was no enough money to extend the research to as far place.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Oyster CrassostreaGasar: It is a bivalve mollusc characterized by the possession of two hard calcareous shells or value enclosing a soft body.
Socio-Cultural: Refers to relating to, or signifying the combination or interaction of social and cultural elements.
Economic Potential: It refers to the potential of a region, nation, or corporation for economic development and growth and creation of surplus value.
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