大钦岛海区虾夷扇贝采苗试验

2010年在山东长岛县大钦岛南部海区进行虾夷扇贝采苗试验。采用规格为35cm×50cm的12目聚乙烯网袋组成的采苗器,垂挂于浮筏上,第一组网袋距离水面约3m,采苗器下端绑系质量约4kg坠石。试验结果表明,5月26日至6月1日投放采苗器平均采苗量40～50个/袋,6月6日投放采苗器平均采苗量10个/袋。3m、5m、8m采苗水层分别为30个/袋、48个/袋、71个/袋。远岸区平均采苗46个/袋,近岸区平均采苗24个/袋。     

The effects of temperature and food ration on metabolite concentrations in newly settled king scallop (Pecten maximus) spat

Juvenile king scallop (Pecten maximus L.) between 0.2 and 1.5 g wet shell weight per individual, reared at 10, 14 and 17 °C, were fed either a full ration equivalent to 0.5 g (ash-free dry weight of algae) g^− 1 (live weight of spat) week^− 1 or a restricted algal ration of 0.07 g (ash-free dry weight of algae) g^− 1 (live weight of spat) week^− 1. The algal food was a mixture of two microalgal species: Chaetoceros ceratosporum (Droop) Green and Pavlova lutheri Ostenfeld. Measurements were made of tissue concentrations of adenylate tri-, di- and mono-phosphate, lactate, succinate, acetate, pyruvate and l-alanine. The metabolite measurements were used as indicators of viability in animals exposed to a matrix of temperature and food supply conditions. It was found that the variations in metabolic responses could be correlated with those observed in a previous study that measured body condition in relation to the same set of variables. It was also found that the data from the present study were most strongly influenced by temperature-related effects and that there was an optimal temperature range between 10 and 14 °C. The metabolic responses, measured in terms of metabolite concentrations, would seem to confirm the existence of a bi-stable physiology in P. maximus in which there is a switch in state between 10 and 14 °C.     

Influence of season, initial size, depth, gear type and stocking density on the growth rates and recovery of sea scallop, Placopecten magellancius, on a farm-based nursery

Hatchery-reared sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) spat weremonitored for growth and recovery in three experiments to determine themost suitable system for nursery culture. In Experiment I, four size classesof nursery-sized spat held at two depths from October to July exhibiteddeclining growth rates over the winter period and increased growth ratesin the spring. Overall, season, depth and initial size had a significantinfluence on the absolute and specific growth rates of scallops. Recovery,defined as number of scallops remaining after mortality and loss of spatthrough gear mesh, was influenced by season and initial size, but notdepth. Scallops in the 3.0 mm⁺ size class had higher growth rates andrecovery than those in the 1.4–1.6 mm, 1.7–1.9 mm and 2.0–2.9 mm sizeclasses. In Experiment II, two gear types containing similar size spat werecompared. Growth rates were significantly higher in 3.0 mm pearl nets thanin 3.0 mm collector bags, although recovery was similar between the twoequipment types. Experiment III, two stocking densities of nursery-sizedspat were compared in collector bags. Neither growth rate nor recoverywere significantly different for the two densities (2600 and 5200spat/collector bag) tested. Overall, these studies indicated that importantparameters for optimizing the growth and recovery of scallops in a farm-based nursery system include season, initial spat size, deployment depthand gear type.     

The Effects of Stocking Density,Bag Mesh Size,and Bottom Sediment on the Growth and Survival of the Eastern Oyster,Crassostrea virginica,with Emphasis on Controlling Oyster Spat Fouling

This study was designed to determine if oyster spat fouling upon adult oysters, Crassostrea virginica, cultured in coastal Georgia could be controlled by stocking density, bag mesh size, substrate type, and tidal level (intertidally or subtidally). Oyster gowth and survival was also monitored for each treatment. Sediment type had no effect on the number of spat per oyster either in intertidal or subtidal areas. Greater growth occurred in subtidal bags placed on sandmud and sandclay substrates. Intertidal mud and sandhnud bottom treatments showed the least growth. Survival of oysters grown intertidally (64%) was better the those cultured subtidally (27%). Mesh size of the oyster growing bags -had no effect upon oysler fouling or growth (shell length) and survival of the oysters they contained. Stocking density did affect oyster fouling, with lower fouling per oyster in higher density treatments. Density had no effect on oyster growth (shell length) or survival at the levels tested. Heavy fouling occurred on all oysters in the mesh and stocking density experiments while they were suspended off-bottom, but an I l -fold decrease in fouling occurred after bags were placed on the sublidal river bottom.     

Experimental collection of great scallop postlarvae and other benthic species in the Bay of Brest: settlement patterns in relation to spatio-temporal variability of environmental factors

Settlement patterns of great scallop (Pecten maximus) postlarvae and other benthic species in the Bay of Brest were studied from 2-D and 3-D collectors to clarify biotic interactions at the postlarval stage. Plane tiles became colonized mainly by epifaunal suspension feeders, while the 3-D substrata collected a more diverse fauna. Both species diversity and total abundance were higher in Netlon bags, compared with sandstone tiles. However, hydroids, bryozoans, tubicolous polychaetes, a number of epifaunal molluscs and macroalgae were more abundant on tiles. Between-sites differences in taxonomic group abundances mostly reflected the benthic fauna and flora beneath the collectors and would be explained by differential settlement and survival, according to local environmental conditions. Sediment type, depth, salinity, water turbulence, food and biotic interactions would be the factors regulating settlement. Bryozoans, hydrozoans, Anomia ephippium, Crepidula fornicata, mussels, tubicolous polychaetes, Pisidia longicornis, Hiatella arctica, Aequipecten opercularis and Chlamys varia were the main potential competitors of Pecten maximus collected. Crabs and Nassaridae would account for most of the potential scallop predators. Possible ways of improving scallop spat collection and cultivation are discussed with reference to the efficiency and placement of collectors, to environmental characteristics and to the intensity of biotic interactions at the postlarval stage.     

Dietary impact of algal and artificial diets, fed at different feeding rations, on the growth and fatty acid composition of Tapes philippinarum (L.) spat

The effect of lipid supplementation and algal ration on growth and fatty acid composition of juvenile clams, Tapes philippinarum was investigated. A diet of Tetraselmis suecica was supplemented with a lipid emulsion and fed at a daily ration of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% WW DW⁻¹ day⁻¹. A mixed algal diet of Isochrysis galbana (clone T-Iso) and T. suecica (1:1 on DW basis) and starvation functioned as positive and negative control treatments, respectively. T. suecica, which contains eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n−3) but no docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n−3), was supplemented with 50% (% of algal dry weight) of a 22:6n−3-rich emulsion. Higher growth rates of T. philippinarum were associated with higher T. suecica feeding rations. Lipid supplementation resulted in significantly better growth rates of T. philippinarum at a T. suecica ration of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% WW DW⁻¹ day⁻¹. The growth promoting effect of lipid supplementation was significantly reduced during 4 consecutive weeks or by increasing the algal feeding ration. Increasing T. suecica rations were associated with a decrease in the % composition of 22:6n−3 while the 20:5n−3% composition was hardly affected in the total lipids of T. philippinarum. On the contrary, the absolute concentration of 22:6n−3 (μg per gram dry weight, μg g DW⁻¹) in the total lipids of T. philippinarum was similar at all T. suecica rations while the 20:5n−3 concentration significantly increased. The major effect of lipid supplementation on the fatty acid composition of the clams, was a significant increase of the 22:6n−3% composition in the total lipids, polar lipids and triglycerides. In contrast with 20:5n−3, the effect of lipid supplementation on the absolute 22:6n−3 content (μg g DW⁻¹) was more pronounced at a higher T. suecica ration. After a starvation period of 4 weeks, the concentration (μg g DW⁻¹) of all fatty acids was significantly reduced, except the n−7 monoenoic fatty acids (MUFA) and the non-methylene interrupted dienoic fatty acids (NMID). The concentration (μg g DW⁻¹) of the NMID in starved clams and clams fed different diets was similar to the concentration in the initial sample. This indicated that growing spat was actively synthesising NMID and they were selectively retained in unfed animals. The results indicated that either dietary lipid or 22:6n−3 was a growth-limiting factor when T. suecica was fed at a ration of 0.5, 1 and 1.5% WW DW⁻¹ day⁻¹. A selective retention in starved clams and a preferential accumulation in fed clams was observed for 22:6n−3 but not for 20:5n−3 which indicated a greater importance of 22:6n−3 compared to 20:5n−3.     

Studies on aneuploid pearl oyster (Pinctada martensii Dunker) produced by crossing triploid females and a diploid male following the inhibition of PB1

Viable aneuploid embryos of pearl oyster, Pinctada martensii Dunker, were produced by inhibiting the first polar body (PB1) with cytochalasin B treatment in eggs from triploids fertilized with haploid sperm. During the period of growth measurement, aneuploid showed the slowest growth compared with diploid and triploid groups. The body size and weight measurement data showed that there were no differences between aneuploids (as a group) and diploids in body size and weight (P>0.10), but that they were significantly different from triploids (P<0.01). There were no differences between aneuploids within diploid condition (2n±n) and diploids in SL (P>0.1), but significant differences in BW were found (P<0.05). Aneuploids within triploid condition (3n±n) were significantly smaller than triploids in BW (P<0.05), but not different from triploids in SL (P>0.05), and almost identical to diploids in both (P>0.1). These dada indicated that some aneuploids might be associated with growth retardation. Karyotype analysis revealed that there were metacentric, submetacentric or subtelocentric chromosomes losses or gains; aneuploid pearl oysters with the same chromosome numbers had different chromosome composition. Aneuploids are valuable research materials for genetic analysis.     

Mortality of scallop spat in cultivation, infested with tube dwellingbristle worms, Polydora sp.

Between 1995 and 1997, a traditional Norwegian oyster poll with an attachednursery was used for the production of scallop (Pecten maximus) spat.During summer 1997, four batches of 2 mm scallop spat were placed in thenursery. In June, hydroids (Obelia) caused problems with fouling andaccumulation of sediment in the nursery. Thereafter, the scallop spat wereheavily infested with tube dwelling polychaets (Polydora sp.). Thepolychaets were both introduced with poll water and reproduced inside thenursery. Infested spat suffered high mortalities. Although the spat could have been affected by the hydroids, as well as shortage of food, Polydorainfestations were considered the main cause of the mortalities. Dead andinfested spat were continuously sorted out and discarded, but the infestationproblems persisted. As a result, the scallop spat did not represent anycommercial value for the company, and in September, the nursery wasemptied. In total, approximately one million spat – representing onethird of Norway's intensive scallop spat production in 1997, was lost.     

The effects of inbreeding on performance traits of adult Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

Understanding the effects of inbreeding is critical to the long-term viability of shellfish breeding programs, especially as breeders attempt to develop selected lines in hatcheries with small effective population sizes. Inbreeding depression in shellfish is well documented among the offspring of selfed individuals and full-sib crosses. This study was conducted to determine if crossing more distantly related parents would result in measurable inbreeding depression of performance traits in adult Crassostrea gigas raised in a commercial intertidal growing environment. Families were created with expected inbreeding coefficients (F) of 0, 0.0625, and 0.203. Average family yield, individual growth rate, and survival were recorded after the first and second growing seasons. Significant inbreeding depression in yield, individual growth rate and survival was observed after the first growing season in families with F=0.203 (P<0.0001), but not in families with F=0.0625 (P>0.058). After two growing seasons, significant inbreeding depression of yield and individual growth rate was observed in families with F=0.0625 (P<0.01) and F=0.203 (P<0.001). Significant depression of survival at harvest was observed only in families with F=0.203 (P=0.009). These results emphasize the importance of maintaining pedigree records in shellfish breeding programs to help avoid the deleterious effects of inbreeding depression, even among crosses of distantly related parents.     

Effects of water depth on survival and growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Argopecten purpuratus</Emphasis> (Lamarck, 1819) spat in northern Chile

Collection and suspended culture of Argopecten purpuratus spat in Japanese-type collectors was undertaken in the Rinconada Marine Reserve (Antofagasta, Chile) to determine growth variations between surface and bottom waters. Scallop spat was collected at 16-m depth and grown at 1- and 16-m depths. An initial settlement of ca. 13,000 post-larvae per bottom collector (2 cohorts) was observed on 3 February 2001. Two new cohorts settled in bottom collectors on 3 March, while no spat settlement occurred in surface collectors. The four cohorts exhibited substantial and different mortality rates over the study period, depending on the cohort and on-growing depth. The first and second cohorts exhibited mortality rates of 80.3 and 53.1% in bottom collectors, respectively, versus 29 and 43.6% in surface structures. The third and fourth cohorts exhibited mortality rates of 21.4 and 59.7% in bottom collectors, respectively. Mean shell height of scallop spat after 88 days of culture was 6.46 mm for the first cohort and 4.37 mm for the second cohort in bottom collectors, versus 10.33 and 7.31 mm in surface collectors, respectively. Mean post-larval growth rate in bottom collectors (86 μm day⁻¹) was significantly lower than growth rate in surface collectors (146 μm day⁻¹). Factors explaining the depth-related mortality and growth rates are discussed to improve scallop culture in the Reserve. It was concluded from the results that culture improvement in Antofagasta Bay would require collecting spat in bottom waters and raising it near the surface during initial cultivation stages.     

When should pearl oyster,Pinctada margaritifera (L.), spat be transferred from the hatchery to the ocean?

Hatchery propagation of pearl oysters is relatively new and optimal hatchery protocols are still being developed. While in the hatchery, pearl oyster spat are supplied a constant and reliable food source and are protected from fluctuations in environmental conditions and predators. This study investigated the hypothesis that retaining blacklip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera (L.), spat in the hatchery for longer periods, prior to transfer to the ocean, would improve growth and survival during early nursery culture. Results showed that the longer spat were retained in the hatchery, the smaller their average size at grading (3.5 months of age). At grading, spat transferred 3 weeks after settlement had a mean dorso–ventral shell height (DVH) of 9.2 ± 0.4 mm with 34% of individuals retained on a 10‐mm mesh. However, spat retained in the hatchery until 5, 7 and 9 weeks after settlement, had a mean DVH of 9.0 ± 0.4, 7.8 ± 0.3 and 6.3 ± 0.4 mm respectively. Only 10% of spat transferred 9 weeks after settlement were retained on a 10‐mm mesh at grading. The results probably reflect superior nutrition available in the ocean and indicate that pearl oyster spat should be transferred from the hatchery as soon as possible after settlement in order to maximize growth.     

Repopulation and culture of the Pacific Calico scallops in Bahia Concepcion, Baja California Sur, Mexico

The Pacific Calico scallop, Argopecten ventricosus (Sowerby), is the most important commercial species in Bahia Concepcion. Catches declined steadily from 1991 to 1993 as a result of overexploitation, forcing the adoption of management measures. The Government has now established regulations for exploitation and scallop culture development. In 1994, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR) and the Fisheries Department of the Mexican Government initiated research on the feasibility of increasing scallop biomass through a reseeding programme to protect artisanal fishing. The use of onion bags to collect spat in Bahia Concepcion (1988-1994) demonstrated that settlement was cumulative from January to March. At Punta Coloradito, there were two peaks, in January and early March. Commercial collectors were deployed in February at El Indio and in April at El Remate. In June, about one million juvenile scallops were placed in an enclosure, held until mid-August and then released. Mass mortality (>80%) of the scallops was observed in September, increasing to 99% in October. The high water temperature and predators may be responsible for the mortalities.     

Towards development of large-scale hatchery cultivation of larvae and spat of the pearl oyster Pinctada mazatlanica in Mexico

The results of a series of pilot-scale runs with P. mazatlanica larvae from 2004 through 2006 are reported. Preliminary runs in 2004 and 2005 used broodstock collected in summer, when massive spawning of wild populations naturally occurs. However, results of larval development were very poor and failed to produce spat in both years. In 2006, ripe broodstock were still collected in summer, but also in the spring time, based on the hypothesis that the gonads in this season were in better reproductive condition that in summer. Three larval runs were conducted in 2006: two in spring and one in summer. Larvae growth and survival greatly increased in both spring runs, ending with two successful productions of spat (∼ 20 × 10³ and ∼ 100 × 10³ juveniles). The summer larval run in 2006 failed again to produce spat. Additionally, the first run of April 2006 refers to an experiment that evaluated two different larval culture conditions: constant temperature (27 °C) and low stocking density (3-4 larvae ml^− 1) versus variable temperature (24-28 °C) and high stocking density (8-9 larvae ml^− 1). The first trial significantly increased larval survival and growth, which in turn resulted in greater numbers of settled spat, in comparison of the second trial, where survival, growth, and settlement of spat were significantly lower. Also in 2006, the quality of seawater used at the hatchery was evaluated with microbiological and chemical tests. The implication of these tests, together with results from all experiments are analyzed and discussed in terms of the potential development of large-scale hatchery cultivation of P. mazatlanica larvae in Mexico.     

Spat Collection and Growth to Commercial Size of the Tehuelche Scallop Aequipecten tehuelchus (D'Orb.) in the San Matias Gulf, Patagonia, Argentina

Studies on larval settlement and growth of the commercial scallop Aequipecten tehuelchus were carried out over a 2-yr period in San Matias Gulf, Argentina. Gonadal index was used to indicate spawning and spat collectors were deployed when spawning began. Artificial spat collectors (mono-filament bags filled with thin shrub branches) were placed at a depth of 25 m in two areas of the Gulf during two seasons (1989–1990 and 1991–1992). Maximum settlement occurred by mid-February during the first season and by mid-January in the second season. Larger numbers of spat were found in collectors placed near the sea bottom. After settlement, spat were removed and placed in cages for growout. Scallops reached the average commercial size (60 mm shell height) 16 mo later. Mortality rate during the entire period was 10%.     

Nursery growth, survival and chemical composition of great scallop Pecten maximus (L.) spat from different larval settlement groups

Scallop Pecten maximus spat (1.3–2.1 mm shell height) from different settlement groups were transferred from hatchery to land‐based nursery at different ages and sizes. Chemical content, growth and survival were compared at transfer time and after 1 and 8 weeks of nursery growth. Growth was lowest and mortality highest in the first week after transfer. Mean shell height growth was 21.5–71.4 μm day^?1 and ash‐free dry weight (AFDW) growth ?2.7 to 10.3 μg day^?1. Spat from the first settlement group attained a larger size and weight than spat from larvae settled 3 days later, but had a lower daily growth rate (%). Keeping the late‐settled spat a longer time in the hatchery to reach a bigger size before transfer seemed not to improve subsequent nursery growth. Survival showed a large variation with mean survival ranging from 32% to 74%. A substantial reduction in lipid content was found after transfer to the nursery. Sterol content at transfer was the only lipid class correlating with survival in the nursery. Based on the results, it is justified that spat groups of different settlement age are included in production of 15‐mm great scallop spat if they are transferred from the hatchery at the same age.     

Effects of docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic, and arachidonic acids on the early growth, survival, lipid composition and pigmentation of yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea): a live food enrichment experiment

The role of dietary ratios of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n−3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n−3) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n−6) on early growth, survival, lipid composition, and pigmentation of yellowtail flounder was studied. Rotifers were enriched with lipid emulsions containing high DHA (43.3% of total fatty acids), DHA+EPA (37.4% and 14.2%, respectively), DHA+AA (36.0% and 8.9%), or a control emulsion containing only olive oil (no DHA, EPA, or AA). Larvae were fed differently enriched rotifers for 4 weeks post-hatch. At week 4, yellowtail larvae fed the high DHA diet were significantly larger (9.7±0.2 mm, P<0.05) and had higher survival (22.1±0.4%), while larvae fed the control diet were significantly smaller (7.3±0.2 mm, P<0.05) and showed lower survival (5.2±1.9%). Larval lipid class and fatty acid profiles differed significantly among treatments with larvae fed high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) diets having higher relative amounts of triacylglycerols (18–21% of total lipid) than larvae in the control diet (11%). Larval fatty acids reflected dietary levels of DHA, EPA and AA while larvae fed the control diet had reduced amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and increased levels of PUFA relative to dietary levels. A strong relationship was observed between the DHA/EPA ratio in the diet and larval size (r²=0.75, P=0.005) and survival (r²=0.86, P=0.001). Following metamorphosis, the incidence of malpigmentation was higher in the DHA+AA diet (92%) than in all other treatments (50%). Results suggest that yellowtail larvae require a high level of dietary DHA for maximal growth and survival while diets containing elevated AA exert negative effects on larval pigmentation.     

Experimental Collection of Pearl Oyster, Pinctada mazatlanica and Pteria sterna, Spat on a Filament Substrate

Juveniles of Pinctada mazatlanica and Pteria sterna were collected with artificial collectors from Falsa Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico during a 12 month experimental period. Filament substrate artificial collectors contained in 2 mm plastic mesh bags (25 ± 25 cm) were deployed from the surface to 17 m of depth, and replaced monthly. Pinctada mazatlanica had the greatest recruitment (12 juveniles/cm²) in late summer and P. sterna (5 juveniles/cm²) in winter. Maximum spat collection from September 1986 to April 1987 occurred at 10 m depth for P. mazatlanica and at 4–7 m depth for P. sterna . However, peak spatfall under 11m depth occurred from late July to August 1987. The mean prodissoconch shell height was 254 μ m (SE = 0.003; N = 50) for P. mazatlanica and 313 μm (SE = 0.004; N = 50) for P. sterna . The growth equations for the first five weeks of both species, based on the prodissoconch shell height and the maximum spat height (measured from the umbo to distal edge) are presented.     

Status of a commercial sea scallop enhancement project in Iles-de-la-Madeleine (Quebec, Canada)

The main objective of the REPERE (REcherche sur le Petoncle a des fins d'Elevage et de REpeuplement) research programme, initiated in the Iles-de-la-Madeleine in 1991, was to enhance natural sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) populations which were greatly reduced by overfishing. Sea bed seeding was chosen as the best approach to achieve this goal. In 1992, after two years of scientific research work, mainly centred on producing a supply of juveniles and developing intermediate culture methods, the Scallop Fishermen's Association, supported by governmental financing, initiated a commercial seeding project. Two thousand collectors were set out in open waters suitable for spat settlement. A collecting rate of 780 spat per collector produced a catch of 1.5 million spat. Technical problems led to significant losses of juveniles. Intermediate culture in pearl nets in a lagoon, between July and October 1993, enhanced growth noticeably. At an age of 1 y, average shell height was 32 mm. In the fall of 1993, 30 000 young scallops were seeded on a natural bed closed to fishing. Ten thousand collectors were set out in the fall of 1993. Collecting success was 1145 spat per collector and spat losses were reduced by technical improvements. In November 1994, 1.5 million scallops were seeded on a sea bed closed to the fishery. Scallops from the 1994 seeding could reach market size (90 mm) by 1997.     

Third generation evaluation of Sydney rock oyster Saccostrea commercialis (Iredale and Roughley) breeding lines

The progeny of four breeding lines of Sydney rock oysters, Saccostrea commercialis, selected for faster growth over two generations, were compared with controls in an 18-month farming experiment. Mean whole weights of oysters from all four selection lines did not differ significantly from each other but, were significantly greater (P<0.05) than mean whole weight of controls (spat produced from two groups of non-selected oyster populations). The mean increase in weight for the selection lines over the controls of 18% (range 14–23%) after two generations of selection (third generation) compares extremely favourably with the 4% reported previously after one generation of selection.     

Feeding has the largest effect on the ammonia excretion rate of the southern rock lobster, Jasus edwardsii, and the western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus

The total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) excretion of spiny lobsters Jasus edwardsii and Panulirus cygnus, was determined in relation to temperature, body weight, emersion, daily rhythm and feeding. Temperature and body weight had large influences on the rate of TAN excretion. Exponential relationships were found between temperature (T) and TAN excretion of both species. These were described by the following equations: J. edwardsii Log₁₀ TAN=0.041T−3.57 (r²=0.979, F=143.2, P=0.001), P. cygnus Log₁₀ TAN=0.057T−3.90 (r²=0.987, F=302.2, P<0.001). TAN excretions of both species were positively correlated to body weight (W), and the relationships were described by the following equations: J. edwardsii Log₁₀ TAN=0.473 log₁₀ W−1.704 (r²=0.42, F=14.05, P=0.001), P. cygnus Log₁₀ TAN=0.499 log₁₀ W−1.346 (r²=0.69, F=44.18, P<0.001). TAN excretion increased significantly when lobsters were re-immersed after a 30 min period of emersion. However, it returned to pre-emersion levels by the second hour of re-immersion. Daily rhythm resulted in a significantly higher nocturnal TAN excretion rate for J. edwardsii; no daily rhythm was observed for P. cygnus. Feeding had the largest influence on TAN excretion, with maximum increases of 6.28 (J. edwardsii) and 5.60 (P. cygnus) times the pre-feeding level. TAN excretion rates remained significantly higher than the pre-feeding levels for an extended period (26 h, J. edwardsii; 30 h, P. cygnus). Implications for the use of purging tanks in lobster holding facilities and for the design of biofiltration systems are discussed.