Pearl fisheries o f India are of ancient origin. The pearl oyster resources are loca-ted mainlyin the Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Mannar. They are subjected to wide fluctua-tions from year to year, particularly when they are exploited for natural pearls. In 1972, Veippalodai, near Tuticorin, was selected as a site for conducting experiments on pearl oyster farming and on the development of cultured pearls. Modem method of raft culture was adopted for raising mother oysters. This method proved successful despite the try-ing sea conditions prevailing during the monsoon months. The survival rate of the pearl oysters in the farm was about 78 % during the first year . The oysters grew fast in the farm in certain seasons and remained healthy throughout the experiments. Fouling by different organisms was a serious problem and, if not checked properly, led to mortality of oysters. Settlement of the spats of pearl oyster occurred at the farm from May to July.

by: K. ALACARSWAMI^ AND S.Z. QASIM^