1Fisheries and Marine Technology Center, Hiroshima Prefectual Technology and Research Institute, Kure, Hiroshima 737-1207, 2Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8511, 3Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8511, Japan
Using a numerical model, organic matter load from oyster culture was estimated for different culture methods called “Yokusei”, “Ikisu” and “Nokoshi” conducted in Etajima Bay, Japan. Annual total organic load from oyster culture was 13.5 kg P eta−1 d−1, of which “Yokusei” contributed the most. On the other hand, the organic load of “Nokoshi” was 1.5 times higher than that of “Yokusei” on the basis of a unit raft. Judging from its highest value of load/production ratio, “Nokoshi” is an environmentally stressful culture method.