Investigation oyster spat settlement in different areas of the Dutch delta
HZ University of applied sciences started the project ‘Improving settlement and development of oyster spat’ in June 2020. This project has as aim to develop methods that can improve higher catch efficiency and better survival of oyster spat in the first grow-out year. This project will be carried out in close collaboration with oyster farmers. Different methods of spat collection will be tested: at different locations, positions and times in spat collection areas of the Oosterschelde esturay and Lake Grevelingen. Trials of oyster spat collection are planned at various locations in order to investigate the relationship between the factors; timing, plot location, position and catch efficiency.
We are looking for an enthusiastic intern/minor student that will be focusing on mapping the collected spat, and if possible analyze how capture is related to the materials that have been used, water temperature and other environmental variables within the system. Students will have the opportunity to assist in different kind of research activities, including desk studies and data analysis and can contribute in setting up (field)-experiments. There are also possibilities to help out with ongoing field- or lab- research and monitoring in other oyster related projects. Affinity with shellfish, lab work and deskwork is a prerequisite.
