Seasonal distribution of the oyster Ostrea edulis (linnaeus, 1758) larvae in the Bay of Mali Ston, Adriatic Sea

Study of spatial and temporal distribution of European flat oyster larvae in relation to temperature and salinity has conducted over a two-year period at four study sites in a Mali Ston Bay, largest bivalve production area in the Eastern Adriatic Sea. In 2000, significant number of larvae was noted in a period from May till September, with a peak in July at all study sites. Lower number of flat oyster larvae in 2001, than in 2000, were noted at three study sites, while larvae appeared to be similarly abundant in both years at site Bistrina. Maximal recorded number of larvae was 5029 ind/m(3) at site Bistrina in August 2001. Our results show between year and between site variations in distribution of oyster larvae.