Spatio-Temporal and Bathymetric Variability in the Intensity of Crassostrea tulipa Spat Collection in the Village of Niodior (Saloum Delta, Senegal)

Spat collection of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea tulipa is significantly more intense during the rainy season and is optimized by alternately submerged collectors, which yield up to 53 spats per cup compared to just 2 for permanently submerged ones. This enhanced collection rate is attributed to reduced predation and marine fouling due to exposure at low tide. The study, conducted in the Saloum Delta (Senegal) over a year, also found that site-specific bathymetric conditions influence spat collection, with Baobab Rasta performing better for permanently submerged collectors, while Akat proved superior for alternately submerged ones. These findings highlight the potential for modernizing oyster farming techniques in Senegal and West Africa to mitigate overexploitation of natural stocks.

Thiao, I., Tamigneaux, É., Fontaine, P.-O., Fall, J., Houménou, A. K., & Diouf, M. (2025). Spatio-Temporal and Bathymetric Variability in the Intensity of Crassostrea tulipa Spat Collection in the Village of Niodior (Saloum Delta, Senegal). Open Journal of Applied Sciences, 15(10), 3264–3273. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojapps.2025.1510210