In contrast to the extensive research and advances in the cryopreservation of animal cell lines and tissues, few methodologies are available for the cryopreservation of invertebrate cells. Several research groups have reported methodologies for marine invertebrate gametes (1-3); these predominantly concentrate on the spermatozoa of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). Marine invertebrate gametes, embryos, and larvae have been extensively deployed to monitor marine pollution and to assess the biological quality of coastal and oceanic waters (4-7). This interest stems from the relative ease of their laboratory culture and the sensitivity of the early developmental stages to environmental pollutants, when deployed in biological effects monitoring programs (4,5,7). The use of cryopreserved oyster larvae as material for use in bioassays of water quality has recently been advocated (7).
