Juveniles of hatchery-reared oysters (Crassostrea belcheri) were grown in a semi-closed recirculation system at water flow rates of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 l min −1 . Growth rate increased with increasing water flow rate (P < 0.05) over four weeks. No significant differences in survival were found among water flow rates (P > 0.05). Four stocking density treatments were compared: 4, 8, 12, and 16 juveniles cm −2 . Stocking density affected the growth of animals, with higher growth rates obtained at the lower densities. Optimum stocking density based on growth rate was obtained for oysters at 12 juveniles cm −2 . Survival of oysters declined with increasing density (P < 0.05) over four weeks. Among the treatments tested, a water flow rate of 4 l min −1 and stocking density of 12 juveniles cm −2 are suitable for nursing hatchery-reared juvenile oysters (C. belcheri) in a semi-closed recirculation system.
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