Assessment of the morphological variation in the Rewa River oysters

Identification of many rock oysters using morphological characteristics varies in technique and is often considered not sufficient for accurate taxonomic classification, however it is a useful tool that can be used by field workers to identify oysters using external morphological characteristics.

 

Dr. Monal Lal taking photographs of the external surface of the oysters

As such picture taking and annotation of morphological characteristic descriptions of the 3 species of oysters harvested by the women of the local communities in Rewa is important in establishing the first steps towards better understanding the species.

 

A sample of a plate that will be used in the field guide and study report

It is hoped that local oyster farmers/harvesters, local students and other interested parties will be able to use the field guide as a resource to correctly identify some wild oysters and make informed decisions on sustainable harvests and the conservation of wild populations.