The overall objective of this research project was to determine if land-based culture of eastern
oysters (Crassostrea virginica) is a feasible option using recirculating aquaculture systems
with synthetically derived seawater. A twelve week grow out study was conducted in a closed-loop
recirculating system with zero discharge using synthetically derived seawater.Two species
of marine microalgae (Chaetoceros spp. and Isochrysis spp.) were cultured as oyster feed. Oysters were batch fed daily and amounts of algae cells offered to oysters were monitored Overall, oyster survival remained greater than 99% and growth was steady and averaged
1.3,1.1,and 0.33 mm per week for length, width, and thickness, respectively. Mean weight increased an average of 0.39 g per week.The means to maintaining suitable water quality was
nitrification and supplementation of calcium to maintain ambient levels representative of
their natural environments. Data collected is also useful for those who wish to study oysters in
controlled environments or for genetic and/or breeding programs.