Culture feasibility of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in zero-water exchange recirculating aquaculture systems using synthetically derived seawater and live feeds

► Oysters can be cultured in synthetically derived seawater in recirculating aquaculture systems. ► Oyster survival was greater than 99% over an 84 day trial. ► Growth was steady for length (1.3 mm/week), width (1.1 mm/week), and thickness (0.33 mm/week). ► Carbonate chemistry was maintained at suitable levels for oysters by supplementing elemental calcium and alkalinity.