Exploitation des huîtres en Nouvelle Calédonie échantillonnage des stocks naturels d'huîtres de paletuviers (Saccostrea cucullata) et aménagement des pêches

We analysed a few aspects of oyster culture in New Caledonia. Oyster culture there is not very important, one farm producing 30 tonnes of Japanese oysters per year and the other one, 3 tonnes of rock oysters. Mangrove oyster deposits are traditionally exploited, and this exploitation lead to a decrease of the densities and biomasses observed in the most exploited estuaries. On the four monitored sites, the maximum size observed is comprised between 7.2 to 10 cm, for a mode comprised between 3.6 and 4.8 cm. Densities go from 31 to 251 oysters and biomasses, from 0.751 to 2.553 kg/m2. Regulations focus on the minimum collection size (6 cm) and a fishing prohibition period of 8 months. Based on our observations, we suggest that these dispositions be maintained. We also suggest that a fishing licence for professional fishermen be created, and that leisure fishing be maintained.