Implications of marine environment change on Japanese scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) aquaculture suitability: a comparative study in Funka and Mutsu Bays,Japan

The determination of the causes for the changes in marine environment in areas with similar oceanic climate forcing on most suitable sites for scallop aquaculture can help to ensure long‐term sustainability of the coastal ecosystem. This study assessed aquaculture suitability sites using dominant indicators of marine ecological dynamics on Japanese scallop culture in Funka and Mutsu Bays, Japan as comparative examples. Data sources comprised of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), four dimensional‐variational (4D‐VAR) data assimilation system, Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS), in situ and buoy measurements. The suitable sites were ranked on a scale of 1 (least suitable) to 8 (most suitable). In the most suitable sites in aquaculture operational areas, Funka Bay had a high proportion (51.1%) than Mutsu Bay (13.7%) for the best performed model. Peaks of aquaculture suitability scores were attributed to potential effects of currents. Extreme sea temperatures (>24°C) in summer 2010 were associated with low performance of the 2010 model in Mutsu Bay and mortality of scallops based on sea temperature‐depth visualizations. Future global warming effects are likely to decrease the most suitable culture sites in Funka Bay and loss of similar areas in Mutsu Bay. Thus, change in marine environment influences scallop culture development. Such concepts could form scientific basis for aquaculture planning on designated system of larval distribution and stock management of cultured species to minimize mortality and economic losses.     

Discovery of host defence genes in the Japanese scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis Jay by expressed sequence tag analysis of kidney tissue

The Japanese scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis is one of the most important aquaculture mollusca in Japan and China. In the present study, a high‐quality cDNA library of the Japanese scallop was constructed from the kidney tissue. A total of 2919 expressed sequence tags longer than 100 bp were generated from this library. A cluster of 1440 unique sequences, which consisted of 258 contigs and 1182 singletons, was revealed. Based on blast searches, 882 (61.3%) genes had significant (E‐value <1e–5) matches to known sequences in public databases. Among them, >70 genes were involved in stress response, immunity and apoptosis. These results expanded our knowledge of the genetics and physiology of the Japanese scallop, and provided a useful resource for gene discovery for further research of this species.     

Impact of short‐term climate effects and sea ice coverage variation on Japanese scallop aquaculture in Saroma Lake,Japan

Saroma Lake is the southernmost lagoon exhibiting seasonal sea ice coverage in the Northern hemisphere and one of the most important aquaculture areas for Japanese scallops (Mizuhopecten yessoensis). Under conditions of adequate food and appropriate temperature, scallops grow well from the time of ice melting in April to harvesting starting in July. However, over the past decade, Saroma Lake frequently has not been completely covered by ice in winter, and the production of Japanese scallops has shown significant changes. Therefore, this study integrated data from satellite remote sensing, buoys, and in situ observations with climatic events [the winter East Asian Monsoon (EAM) and El Niño/La Niña–Southern Oscillation events] to investigate the impact of ice coverage variations on scallop growth in Saroma Lake between 2007 and 2015. Daily ice conditions were detected using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer false colour images and an unsupervised classification method. The results indicated that EAM strongly influenced the ice coverage variation in Saroma Lake through their effects on temperature during winter. Ice coverage variations show a strong correlation with water temperature and spring phytoplankton blooms, which are the two most important environmental factors for scallop growth. In addition, extreme climate events could cause water temperature anomalies (as in 2015) which are unfavourable for scallop growth. Monitoring ice conditions should be considered when developing plans and management strategies for scallop aquaculture in Saroma Lake.     

The recruitment of scallops (and beyond) by two different artificial collectors (Gulf of Taranto,Mediterranean Sea)

This study provides for the first time an evaluation of the natural availability of scallop seeds along the coastal area of Taranto (Mediterranean Sea, Southern Italy). To select the best artificial collectors to harvest scallop seeds in this area, cylindrical collectors (Cyl) were compared to traditional ‘Japanese‐style onion bags’ (Bag) across three sites. Scallops represented 26.6% of total bivalve recruitment among all collectors (782 ± 331 ind. m^?2). The most recruited scallops were Flexopecten glaber and Mimachlamys varia. The white (F. glaber) and black scallops (M. varia) were abundant at all three sites, while the queen scallop, Aequipecten opercularis, was only found at one site. Beyond the recruitment of scallops, numerous other potential commercial bivalve species were collected, including Limaria tuberculata, which was the most abundant bivalve species (33.3% of total recruitment). At all sites, Bag collectors had higher recruitment than Cyl collectors. Scallops recruited in artificial collectors exhibited a multicohort size distribution at most sites, suggesting potentially continuous reproductive activity in the scallop populations. F. glaber, M. varia and L. tuberculata could be good candidates to diversify the aquaculture production because of the availability of seed and their growth rate. Moreover, the farming of these bivalves integrates well with other forms of aquaculture (e.g. mussels), thus potentially offering farmers an additional source of income.     

Multi-criteria evaluation approach to GIS-based land-suitability classification for tilapia farming in Bangladesh

Site selection is a key factor in any aquaculture operation, because it affects both success and sustainability. It can, moreover, solve conflicts between different activities, making rational use of the land. This study was conducted to identify suitable sites for development of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farming in Sitakunda Upazila (sub-district), Bangladesh, using GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation of water and soil quality, topography, infrastructure and socio-economic factors. ASTER image and eighteen thematic layers were analyzed using ENVI and ArcView software to identify the suitable areas for tilapia farm development. A constraint layer was used to exclude areas from suitability maps that cannot be allowed to implement tilapia farming. A series of GIS models were developed to identify and prioritize the most suitable areas for tilapia farming. The output of the model clearly indicates the location and extent of tilapia farming areas on different suitability scales, i.e. most suitable (7,744 ha), moderately suitable (2,479 ha), and not suitable (838 ha). Model outputs were assessed against field verification data, and were consistent. Because existing aquaculture covers only 1,540 ha of land in the study area, the potential for expanding tilapia farms should take into consideration socio-political and environmental issues. The results are encouraging in terms of tilapia culture development and suggest that grassland–agriculture areas could be used for sustainable development of tilapia farming to diversify the economic activities of rural communities.     

Potential predation rates by the sea stars Asterias rubens and Marthasterias glacialis, on juvenile scallops, Pecten maximus, ready for sea ranching

The potential for predation by the sea stars Asterias rubens and Marthasterias glacialis on seed-size (41 ± 3 mm shell height) juvenile scallops (Pecten maximus), ready for seeding in sea ranching areas, was investigated in a 30-day laboratory predation experiment. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in predation rate of large A. rubens (95–115 mm radium) and large M. glacialis (120–164 mm radius), which averaged 0.88 and 0.71 scallops individual⁻¹ day⁻¹, respectively. Maximum rates of predation were 2.44 scallops individual⁻¹ day⁻¹ for large A. rubens and 3.00 scallops individual⁻¹ day⁻¹ for large M. glacialis. Small M. glacialis (76–87 mm radius) had a significantly lower predation rate than large individuals of either species (average 0.13 scallops individual⁻¹ day⁻¹, P < 0.05). Small A. rubens (50–80 mm radius) only began to prey on scallops when average scallop size was reduced to 35 mm. Based on estimated density of sea stars at a Norwegian sea ranching site and average predation rates, a population of scallops seeded at 10 m⁻² would be reduced by between 0.5 and 11% in 1 month. Furthermore, using the highest observed predation rate, the degree of loss of scallops indicated that scallop culture via sea ranching would not be economically viable and thus methods for reducing scallop predation by sea stars are necessary.     

Predation risk management of sea stars (Asterias amurensis and Distolasterias nipon) by adjusting the density and size of seeded scallops (Mizuhopecten yessoensis): an improvement to local mariculture

Optimizing the release density and size of juvenile commercial species for local ecosystems is a critical issue that should be considered when countering predation impacts. To ascertain whether mariculture production of the Japanese scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) could be enhanced by modifying releasing practices, we experimentally investigated the effects of density and size of scallop seeds on their survival in the presence of two sea star species, Asterias amurensis and Distolasterias nipon, with different predation capacities. Under current mariculture practices, the juveniles are briefly exposed to air just before release; therefore, we also examined how air exposure stress increased the predation risk. Scallop survival in the presence of both sea stars increased by?>?20% by increasing scallop size from 30 to 50 mm. Increasing scallop density (range: 5 to 30 scallops m^?2) increased each individual’s survival in the presence of A. amurensis but had no significant effect on predation by D. nipon. Therefore, the release of smaller quantities of large-sized scallops rather than larger quantities of small scallops is recommended to reduce D. nipon predation. In the presence of sea stars, especially by D. nipon, the predation impact on small scallops increased after just a few hours of air exposure, indicating that air exposure of juvenile scallops should be minimized. Our results will mitigate the economic cost of mariculture by facilitating the determination of optimal release conditions for juvenile scallops.

     

Effects of dietary supplementation of Astragalus membranaceus,Codonopsis pilosula,and Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract mixture on growth performance,haematological parameters and hepatopancreatic performance in juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Pacific white shrimp is the major farmed shrimp species in the world. It is known to be very sensitive to the environmental and management changes such as intensification, which is one of the primary necessities to increase shrimp production, but represents a stressful condition, and needs to be managed properly to diminish its negative effects in aquaculture. In this study, juvenile Pacific white shrimp were fed diets supplementing with equal quantities of Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula and Glycyrrhiza uralensis extracts in different concentrations (0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 g/kg) for 8 weeks. We subsequently estimated the effects of supplemented diets on growth performance, haematological parameters, and histological changes of hepatopancreas. Results revealed that the supplemented mixture had no benefits on growth and survival rate, but had favourable effects on haemocyte count, number of granulocytes, and hemocyanin concentration in the haemolymph (p > 0.05). We observed that R cells and B cells were increased in hepatopancreatic tubules of shrimps fed on supplemented diets. Besides, a diet containing 2.0 g/kg of extract mixture maintained the decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase (p > 0.05). Among the used concentrations, 2.0 g/kg seemed to be the most suitable concentration.     

N and P budgets of Haliotis discus hanai,Apostichopus japonicas,and Sebastes schlegeli in a polyculture system

The viability of placing abalones (Haliotis discus hannai), sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicas) and rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) in a polyculture system, the effect of this mixed species group on the system's nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) budgets, and the growth and food intake of the organisms in the system were examined using a recirculating aquaculture system. Four replicates were set up for each of three treatment groups (abalone only (C), abalone‐sea cucumber (AS) and abalone‐sea cucumber‐rockfish (ASF)) with an experimental period of 60 d. Compared with the C group, in the AS group the abalone survival rate and specific growth rate (SGR) of body weight increased and the harvested abalones from the polyculture system became the main source of N and P output of the polyculture system. However, the N and P output in the water layer did not differ significantly from that in the C group (p > 0.05), and the N utilization rate was significantly higher than that in the C and ASF groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the AS group, in the ASF treatment the SGR of body weight as well as the protease and amylase activities of sea cucumbers were significantly higher (p < 0.05), the water layer and faeces became the main sources of N and P output in the system. These results showed that the AS polyculture mode significantly improved the N and P utilization rates in the system and led to increased aquaculture production.     

Impact of aquatic acoustic noise on oxidative status and some immune parameters in gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata (Linnaeus, 1758) juveniles

This study evaluated the ambient noise effect of onshore and offshore aquaculture systems on oxidative status and on some immune parameters in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) juveniles. The experiment was performed for 40 days, projecting two different playlists of acoustic stimuli: offshore aquaculture noise condition that created the typical acoustic field in proximity of an offshore sea cage for fish farming, using a random sequence of quite sea background and boat noises; and onshore aquaculture noise condition that represented the acoustic field inside an open concrete tank for fish farming. A third group without any acoustic projection was used as a control. After 40 days from the beginning of acoustic noise, fish exposed to the offshore aquaculture condition showed significantly higher levels of total oxidant status, lysozyme activity, antiprotease activity and white blood cells together with a lower albumin/globulin ratio in comparison to fish from the control group; whereas fish exposed to the onshore condition showed analytical data placed between the other groups, though never significantly different. These results demonstrate that the offshore aquaculture noise, and in particular the sea soundscape, adversely influences the oxidative status and the immune function of gilthead sea bream determining a mild stress condition that could affect the sea bream welfare.     

Heritabilities and correlations of deformities and growth‐related traits in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax,L) in four different sites

Skeletal deformities are important traits for aquaculture as they induce slow growing and low market value. We studied their genetic determinism and their interactions with the environment at the ongrowing stage in 5839 European sea bass from a partial factorial mating of 33 sires and 23 dams, reared in four sites. All families were mixed, and fish were first reared in one site (site B) until 35 g mean weight, then distributed to the four sites. A posteriori reconstruction of pedigree with microsatellites was used. Deformities were scored internally at slaughtering, and externally from photographs. Site B, where all fish were initially stocked until 35 g and exposed to forced swimming because of fast water current showed the highest rate of deformities with 83% and 65% from internal and external scoring respectively. Heritability on the underlying scale was h² = 0.25 ± 0.03 across all sites, and varied little between sites, while genetic correlations of deformities between sites were always high (>0.85). Genetic correlations between deformities and daily growth coefficient were variable between sites(r_A = 0.50 ± 0.09, 0.43 ± 0.10, 0.32 ± 0.10, 0.18 ± 0.10 for sites A, B, C, D respectively) and were positively linked with the average growth rate in each site. These results pointed out that there could be a relation between growth rate and the evolution of deformities at the grow‐out stage.     

Breeding and larval development of Holothuria mammata,a new target species for aquaculture

Sea cucumber commercial fisheries in the North‐eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea started in Turkey in the 1990s. Due to ineffective management practices, the sea cucumber resource was overexploited. Holothuria mammata is one of the sea cucumber species exploited from this geographical area, showing high potential for its aquaculture. This research was undertaken to develop the breeding, larval and juveniles rearing techniques for development of H. mammata aquaculture. Broodstocks collected from Ria Formosa (Faro, S Portugal) were successfully induced to spawn by thermal stimulation from July to October, yielding up to 6.95 million eggs/female. The eggs and larvae were reared and their development described. H. mammata showed the five typical larval stages of most aspidochirote holoturians. Juveniles stage was reached after 21 days post‐fertilization. This is the first work focused on the aquaculture biotechnology of H. mammata, however, further research is need to improve the survival of juveniles to ensure the future production of this species.     

Polyculture of sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) suspended from salmon cages

Commercial and developmental operations for the culture of the seascallop, Placopecten magellanicus, are present in AtlanticCanada and New England. In an experiment designed to examine the commercialfeasibility of polyculture of scallops with Atlantic salmon(Salmo salar), we measured growth andsurvival of sea scallops grown in suspension at two salmon aquaculture sites innortheastern Maine (Johnson Cove (JC) and Treats Island (TI)). Sea scallop spatwere grown in pearl nets and deployed on drop lines containing ten nets inAugust 1994. One drop line of ten nets was sampled about every four months andscallops were counted, measured and weighed. Scallop tissues were also analysedfor paralytic shellfish toxins (PSP). The maximum level of PSP recorded duringthe study was 1174 g STX equiv.·100 gtissue^–1 (excluding adductor muscle weight). After one year,shell heights were 53.6 and 56.4 mm, growth rates were 0.11 and0.12 mm per day and wet adductor muscle weights were 3.3 and 4.1g (TI and JC, respectively). These growth rates were comparable tosea scallops grown in suspension culture to a nearby scallop aquaculture siteand other areas in Atlantic Canada. Reduced rates of survival were found duringthe latter part of the experiment and were attributable, in part, to heavyfouling, predators and high stocking density. The potential for supplementalincome, diversification of the salmon aquaculture industry, and feasibility ofculturing scallops at adjacent sites to salmon operations does exist.     

Motility of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus spermatozoa in the post‐activation phase

The characterization of sperm motility patterns, particularly post‐activation changes, is the first step in setting up species‐specific protocols involving gamete management and embryo production, for both aquaculture and laboratory research purposes. This study is aimed at the characterization of the sperm motility pattern of the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Semen samples were individually diluted in artificial sea water for sperm motility activation. They were then incubated at 18°C for up to 24 hr. Motility was evaluated on dilution, and 1 hr, 3 hr and 24 hr after activation, by computerized analyser. The semen fertilization capacity was also evaluated. Under our experimental conditions (dilution 1:1,000 in artificial sea water plus 0.05% BSA, 18°C, in the dark), P. lividus semen remained viable for up to 24 hr, as the total motile sperm and the fertilization percentages did not change significantly during the incubation time. In contrast, the mean curvilinear velocity and the subpopulation of rapid sperm (those having a curvilinear velocity > 100 µm/s) slightly but significantly decreased after 3 hr, thereafter remaining unchanged for up to 24 hr after activation. In conclusion, our results show that diluted P. lividus semen can be used for a longer period than that of most fish species, with no need for motility inhibition procedures, supporting its wider use in laboratory research. In addition, the development of artificial fertilization protocols for aquaculture production is simplified by long‐lasting sperm motility.     

Effect of phytase supplementation of a plant‐based diet on phosphorus and nitrogen bioavailability in sea bream Sparus aurata

To assess to what extent addition of phytase to a plant‐based diet results in spatio‐temporal changes of phytate, available P, soluble protein, total amino acids and the activity of the main digestive proteases in gilthead sea bream, fish were fed two plant‐based diets with or without phytase. Stomach, proximal intestine and distal intestine contents were monitored for these parameters at 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h after feeding. A reduction (P < 0.0001) of the soluble P–IP6 in the stomach when phytase was added to the diet was observed. Within stomach, most of the total P–IP6 was precipitated (86%), possibly due to the low acidification capacity of the sea bream (pH > 4), but 57% of the dietary P–IP6 was dephosphorylated, suggesting that phytase could have the capacity to dephosphorylate insoluble IP6 at such pH. An increment (60%) (P < 0.01) in total gastric protease activity was observed by phytase addition, this being the first demonstration of the in vivo effect of IP6 on the pepsin activity in fish stomach. Gastric pH and residence time of the digesta inside the stomach are critical factors for an efficient phytase action and improve P and N bioavailability in plant‐based diets used in fish aquaculture.     

Effect of sand grain size on substrate preference and burial behaviour in cultured Japanese flounder juvenile,Paralichthys olivaceus

To improve release techniques of Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, for the purpose of stock enhancement, the substrate preference and burial behaviour over a range of sand grain sizes were investigated under laboratory conditions. Ten 12‐hr trials (i.e. 10 experimental groups), which, respectively, contained two different levels of substrates, demonstrated that juvenile flounder (55–78 mm total length) selected substrate of grain size (GS) < 2.00 mm, and the degree (from high to low) of their preference could be listed as Level 3 (0.50–2.00 mm) > Level 4 (0.25–0.50 mm) > Level 5 (0.05–0.25 mm) > Level 2 (2.00–4.00 mm) > Level 1 (4.00–6.00 mm). The average burying of fish in substrates of GS < 2.00 mm was more than 93.1%. Additionally, along with food deprivation time increased from 12 to 24 hr, some flounder showed random off‐bottom swimming behaviour, and the appearance of off‐bottom swimming behaviour was <3.2%. These results suggest that releasing sites with appropriate substrate grain size (GS < 2.00 mm) are suitable for conducting mass releases of hatchery‐reared flounder juveniles, and starvation prior to release should be minimized. The results of the present study are essential to improve stocking strategies of Japanese flounder and reduce the juvenile mortality after release.     

Geographical information systems-based models for offshore floating marine fish cage aquaculture site selection in Tenerife, Canary Islands

The present study focuses on the development of a standard methodology for selection of suitable sites for offshore (exposed) marine fish‐cage farming (floating cages) of seabream (Sparus aurata) and seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in an island environment, using Tenerife as an example. Site selection is a key factor in any aquaculture operation, affecting both success and sustainability and can solve conflicts between different activities, making a rational use of the coastal space. Site selection was achieved by using geographical information systems (GIS)‐based models and related technology to support the decision‐making process. The framework for spatial multicriteria decision analysis used in this study began with a recognition and definition of the decision problem. Subsequently, 31 production functions (factors and constraints) were identified, defined and subdivided into eight submodels. These were then integrated into a GIS database in the form of thematic layers and later scored for standardization. At this stage, the database was verified by field sampling to establish the quality of data used. The decision maker's preferences were incorporated into the decision model by assigning weights of relative importance to the evaluation under consideration. These, together with the thematic layers, were incorporated using multicriteria evaluation techniques and simple overlays to provide an overall assessment of possible alternatives. The integration, manipulation and presentation of the results by means of GIS‐based models in this sequential and logical flow of steps proved to be very effective for helping the decision‐making process of site selection. Tenerife has very favourable environmental conditions for culture of marine fish and there are no totally unsuitable sites for cage farming identified in this study. On the other hand, there are few very suitable sites (high scores) either, principally due to the heavy use of the coastline and the conflicts between different users. From the 228 km² of available area for siting cages in the coastal regions with depth less than 50 m, the total area suitable for siting cages (scores 6–8) was 37 km². There are only 0.51 km² of very suitable areas (score 8) and approximately 5.37 km² of suitable (score 7), most of these being located in the southeast of the island. These relatively small areas of suitability should be put into the context of the wider use of the coastal environment around Tenerife.     

多维视角下的新时代水产养殖业发展

由于经济因素的驱动,我国水产养殖规模和集约化水平在快速扩大和提高,同时,土地、淡水和鱼粉等资源制约日趋明显,氮磷排放、碳足迹、生态足迹在迅速增大,因此,我国水产养殖业需要生态集约化发展。从多维和可持续发展的视角可以推知,内陆大水域未来仅适于发展不投饲的养殖种类或称净水渔业,近岸(10 m以浅、距岸2 km以内或有遮蔽的海域)可发展不投饵的贝、藻养殖和增殖,离岸(距岸2 km以外、水深10～50 m)应增殖、养殖并举,深远海养殖(50 m以深、高海况开放海域和12 n mile以外的专属经济区海域)大有可为,陆基池塘生态集约化改造和陆基循环水养殖的阳光工厂化改造任重道远。     

Growth and potential purification ability of Nitzschia sp. benthic diatoms in sea cucumber aquaculture wastewater

The growth patterns and water treatment capacity of Nitzschia sp. benthic diatoms in different concentrations of sea cucumber aquaculture wastewater (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 80% and 100%) and f/2 medium were studied. Nitzschia sp. grew in different concentrations of aquaculture wastewater and showed remarkable differences in their rate of growth among the treatment groups. Nitzschia sp. grew most quickly (0.83 ind/day) and showed the greatest total chlorophyll‐a content in 30% wastewater. The total chlorophyll‐a content and growth rate of Nitzschia sp. were strongly correlated (R² > 0.98). The total lipid (TL), total protein, exopolysaccharide (EPS) and intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) contents of the diatoms were highest in 100% wastewater and showed significant differences among the experimental groups (p < 0.05). Total nitrogen (TN), ammonium‐nitrogen (NH₄‐N) (AN), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃‐N) (NN), nitrite nitrogen (NO₂‐N) (NIN) and total phosphate (TP) contents were significantly reduced after cultivation. TN uptake peaked at 54.58% in 30% wastewater. AN uptake exceeded 95% in 30% wastewater and 100% wastewater. NN uptake peaked at 56.42% in 80% wastewater, whereas TP uptake ranged from 16.80% to 27.69%. These results suggest that Nitzschia sp. biomass can be enhanced via cultivation in low‐concentration (30%) wastewater, after which their cultivation may be continued in high‐concentration (100%) wastewater, increasing their nutritional value and aiding in the removal of surplus nitrogen and phosphorus in sea cucumber aquaculture wastewater. Application of Nitzschia sp. using the recirculating wastewater‐treatment methods described has the potential to reduce environmental harm caused by sea cucumber cultivation and thus achieve sustainable aquaculture.     

Spawning season,spawning grounds,and egg production of red sea bream in Hiuchi-nada,Seto Inland Sea

The spawning season and grounds of red sea bream in Hiuchi-nada, the central part of the Seto Inland Sea, were described using a new method based on monoclonal antibodies for identifying Pagrus major eggs, and the daily egg production (standardized by the incubation time and survival rate) was estimated. At the peak of spawning (May), the ranges of sea temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll a where red sea bream eggs occurred were 14.8–17.4°C, 32.0–33.0, 0.5–4.4 μg/L, respectively. The main spawning grounds of the red sea bream were confirmed as being the areas near the Geiyo Islands, Misaki Peninsula, Saijyo, Niihama. The spatial spread of red sea bream eggs increased with the egg developmental stage. The ranges of daily egg production in 2005 and 2006 were 0.3–19.3 and 0.2–6.7 × 10⁹ eggs/day, respectively. In Hiuchi-nada, aquaculture farms are located close to the spawning grounds, and the potential spawning population from the aquaculture farms equaled or exceeded that of the estimated spawning population obtained by the egg production method. Red sea bream eggs in Hiuchi-nada might be produced by both wild and aquaculture-based spawning populations.