FOREWORD

Oysters are widely distributed throughout tropical waters. They are found in coastal regions from rocky shores to mangrove areas. In most of the Asian countries they are collected often as a cheap source of food, however in some regions they are certainly becoming a rather expensive food item. Consequently the interest in oyster culture is rapidly growing in a number of countries.
In recognition of the need of countries to develop their oyster industries, a regional oyster training course was organized in the Republic of Korea. The course, held in Pusan and Chungmu from 11 June to 7 July 1988, was sponsored by the FAO/UNDP, Seafarming Development and Demonstration Project RAS/86/024 and organized by the Department of Aquaculture of the Fisheries Research and Development Agency in Pusan. Sixteen participants were trained from five countries in the region, namely China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. Several of the trainees were supported by three other FAO projects: the Regional Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries Development Project (RAS/84/016); the Bay of Bengal Programme (GCP/RAS/040/SWE); and the Seafarming Development Project (INS/81/008).
The course reviewed the general biology and ecology of oysters, culture practices, postharvest handling and processing of oyster in Korea. Practical sessions and field trips were organized during the latter two weeks of the course aimed at familiarizing the participants with the day to day practical activities of this seafarming culture system.
During the first week of the course a paper on the status of oyster culture in each of the participating country was presented. The seminar session reviewed culture practices, postharvest handling, management and economics of oyster culture, developmental constraints and future research needs. The above aspects of the oyster industry appear in the status reports presented by participants at the meeting and included in this report.
A publication on the “Culture of the pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in the Republic of Korea” was prepared for the training course. It is hoped that this publication will be of practical interest and help to all who are engaged in the improvement of the oyster industry in the region.
The Seafarming Development and Demonstration Project wishes to express its gratitude to Dr. Byung Ha Park and the staff of the Fisheries Research and Development Agency for organizing and executing the course.