Title: Developing a protocol for the sustainable culture of microalgae for mangrove oyster (Crassostrea rhizophorae) under hatchery conditions in Jamaica.

Algae produced for feed can be extremely beneficial to all growth phases of oyster development. The biophysiological makeup of algae offers key nutrients and minerals to bivalves that aid internal specialization, shell growth and the overall health of oysters. Culturing oysters is meant to supply food readily and at any period needed especially within and enclosed environment. Jamaica has over the last 41 years had a small-scale operation of growing mangrove oysters Crassostrea rhizophorae in the Bowden Bay area of Saint Thomas. Through the World Bank Project, plans are being put in place for the construction of a hatchery allowing Jamaica, to expand its production in mangrove oysters. Understanding different types of algal production methods and those that may be best suited for production, is the focus of this paper. Literature was examined; a site visit to SMEL to intern at their facility to produce alga , was conducted in Blainville-sur-Mer, Normandy France and a questionnaire developed to gain knowledge on existing protocols and how they can be tailored to the needs of Jamaica. Presenting this information in an easy to follow protocol, dealing specifically with indoor algal culture for Juvenile (D shaped larvae) to spat and some emphasis on broodstock in a simple guide, is the basis on which this paper was written. It is intended to meet the needs of Jamaica when the hatchery is built. Efforts to address the nutritional needs for Mangrove oysters must be made in order to: reduce mortality, increase production and ensure the provision of good quality and quantity of algae. This will determine the success of the Hatchery.