Summary

This manual describes the methodology used by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) in the mass selection program for the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea glomerata, from January 1990 until March 2006. In Port Stephens, NSW, the program selected for fast growth, but in Georges River, NSW selection was for both fast growth and disease resistance (QX disease, Marteilia sydneyi and winter mortality, Bonamia roughleyi). The program successfully developed dual disease resistance against these two major diseases in Georges River. This was achieved whilst increasing the growth rate of the disease resistant oysters. When not exposed to QX disease, the weight of the disease resistant oysters increased by 36% over controls, but when exposed to QX disease this difference was much greater. The Port Stephens breeding lines, which did not suffer major disease problems, had a similar increase in weight and achieved a reduction of ten out of a usual 38 months in time to reach market size (50 g whole weight). Simultaneous selection for dual disease resistance and fast growth in Georges River was achieved by using large numbers of oysters for each breeding line, allowing for selection of fast growth amongst the survivors. This manual was prepared to assist with the development of an industry management and commercialisation plan for the Sydney rock oyster breeding program. Twelve scientific papers were published describing various aspects of the breeding program over this time.