Development of California Halibut,Paralichthys californicus,Culture

Abstract

In contrast to freshwater aquaculture and the culture of anadromous species such as salmon, marine fish culture is in its infancy. The small larval size of many marine species presents significant challenges to culture, however, these highly valuable fish offer considerable promise for aquaculture. A particularly attractive group for marine aquaculture is the flatfish. The California halibut, Paralichthys californicus, with a range in nature from Washington State south to Baja California Sur, Mexico is one such species.

With the goal of enhancing the fishery for this species, a hatchery program was developed over a decade ago. The hatchery at Redondo Beach, California, maintains a group of adults that routinely spawn throughout most of each year. Further development of routine culture and juvenile growout techniques ultimately aimed at commercial aquaculture was initiated last year with support from the California Sea Grant College Program.

Profitable commercial ventures culturing various flatfish species already exist in other parts of the world, but development of a flatfish culture industry in California confronts unique challenges. Two challenges in particular are the relatively high cost of energy and stringent environmental regulations. To meet these challenges, a culture system built around recirculation technology is being developed that would allow for an energy-efficient industrial-like approach to the culture of California halibut while minimizing environmental impacts.     

An overview of salmon trout aquaculture in Finland

Abstract

In this case study, we describe the evolution of Finnish salmon trout aquaculture; how salmon trout farming grew as a vital industry, how Finland became the world's leading producer of salmon trout, and how the opening of markets to international competition led to a decline of the industry. The focus is on the continuous interaction between the changing market situation and production decisions. The study reveals the impact of national environmental policy on the competitiveness of the industry. At the moment, the industry is undergoing major structural changes; production has moved to neighbouring countries, and the value chain is concentrated. In future, closer interaction and co‐operation between the actors along the entire fish value chain will be the key factors for success.     

The potential impact of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) aquaculture on regional flounder price

Abstract

Increasing consumer demand for flounder and dramatic reductions in ocean flounder harvests have raised interest in summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) aquaculture. Flounder farmers have several potential markets, including regional seafood dealers and high‐end niche (e.g., sashimi and ike‐jime) buyers. Prices paid by buyers are exogenous to typical aquacultural budgeting models, yet they are a key determinant of potential profitability. We develop a simple economic model to assess the impacts of aquaculture industry supply on prices paid by regional seafood dealers. The model is parameterized for a region with established flounder dealers and active field research in flounder production methods. We derive the price elasticity of regional seafood dealer demand for farmed flounder, and we examine the impacts of changes in production cost and ocean harvest on regional price and the level of aquacultural production that maximizes returns to the aquaculture industry.     

鳜养殖概况及摄食调控机制研究进展

鳜是我国名贵的淡水经济鱼类,2019年其养殖产量已达33万t。本文从养殖现状、养殖模式及良种选育等方面介绍鳜的养殖概况。同时,鳜摄食习性独特,终生以活鱼为食。养殖生产中,主要以活饵料鱼直接饲喂,这种以鱼养鱼的方式不仅资源利用率低,对环境和资源的破坏也极大。据此,本文从环境因素和饵料性质等方面概述了影响鳜摄食的外在因素,并从摄食感觉器官和摄食调控因子剖析鳜摄食特性的内在因素,这有助于通过人工干预的方式调整鳜的摄食习性,为其转食配合饲料提供必要的支撑。此外,需加强鳜摄食调控机制及营养生理需求特性的研究,实现鳜配合饲料的突破,促进其养殖业的绿色健康发展。     

Aquaculture in Egypt and issues for sustainable development

Abstract

Although aquaculture in Egypt has the potential for satisfying the increased demand for protein and has been experiencing unprecedented growth during the last decade, questions remain regarding the sustainable development of the industry. It is thus the objective of this article to review the current status and practices of the aquaculture industry in Egypt, highlighting the major issues confronting the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.

Several issues are identified as limitations to future sustainable development, namely, production technology, fry supply, a feed industry sufficient to meet the demands of a growing aquaculture industry, and marketing and distribution systems necessary to accommodate the strong seasonal supply pattern. The article then concludes with a discussion of recommendations for alleviating these limitations.     

A long‐term approach to aquaculture development: Bahrain

Abstract

Bahrain, located in the Arabian Gulf, is composed of low‐lying islands made up primarily of sand covering limestone bedrock. The climate is extreme with seawater temperatures ranging between 8 and 38 °C. Seawater salinity ranges from about 40–60 p.p.t. Freshwater resources are limited with about half the freshwater consumed coming from desalinization plants. Total fish landings have increased over time with some fluctuations. Per caput consumption has dropped from a high of 27.2 kg/caput (1985) to 12.6 kg/caput (1997). Landings for certain preferred species have declined dramatically over the last 10 years. For example, total grouper landings have declined about 70% in 10 years. This has resulted in increased prices at the local market. Bahrain has no history or tradition of aquaculture. In 19 79, FAO conducted an initial assessment of aquaculture in Bahrain. This led to construction of basic laboratory facilities and some baseline aquaculture experiments. A second phase was started in the early 1990s that included establishing the National Mariculture Center (NaMaC). Initial work at NaMaC concentrated on small‐scale culture trials of orange‐spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides, pearl‐spotted rabbitfish, Siganus canaliculatus and yellow‐finned black seabream, Acanthopagrus latus. Recently, NaMaC has been successful in mass culture of the sobaity bream, Sparidentex hasta. The initial 1979 FAO study recommended an economic assessment of aquaculture in Bahrain. An initial financial assessment was finally completed in 1994. At that time, hatchery and grow‐out production was not financially feasible. A subsequent grouper grow‐out production study indicated that if seed supplies could be assured, grow‐out operations might be financially feasible. Additional economic studies have been completed on feed and cage suppliers. In addition, local market surveys indicated good consumer acceptance of aquaculture products. Aquaculture management in Bahrain is under the Directorate of Fisheries. The goal of mariculture development in Bahrain is the establishment of a commercially viable private sector industry. This has yet to be achieved. Regulations for such an industry have been drafted, but have not yet been formalized. Bahrain has taken a long‐term perspective to aquaculture development. It has set up infrastructure and is developing technology to support commercial aquaculture. However, financial constraints have limited, but not stopped progress towards development of a commercially viable industry. As the economic conditions and the fisheries change, feasibility of such an industry should continue to improve.     

Genetic diversity and species identification of Argulus parasites collected from major aquaculture regions of India using RAPD‐PCR

Argulus is one of the most important fish parasites that cause heavy economic loss to aquaculture industry. The present investigation was undertaken to study the genetic diversity of the Argulus sp. collected from 13 locations representing major aquaculture zones in India by RAPD analysis and to develop species‐specific markers. Thirteen random decamer primers were used to amplify DNA fragments from three individual parasites of each location. Of the 172 bands scored by the primers, 168 were polymorphic. The per cent polymorphic loci and gene diversity values varied within a range of 8.14–43.02 and 0.0342–0.1727 respectively. Nei's genetic similarity between populations across all the primers ranged from 0.363 to 0.969. The dendrogram based on Nei's genetic distance showed two clusters; Bangalore and Mandi populations forming one cluster, and the rest in another cluster. The clusters also revealed strong correlation with the species identified as A. japonicus and A. siamensis respectively by morphological method. The study thus indicated A. siamensis as the major prevalent species in carp culture farms in India. Species‐specific primers were designed from unique sequences cloned from RAPD fragments that could able to identify A. siamensis and A. japonicus separately.     

An overview of aquaculture in Turkey: With emphasis on sea bass and sea bream

Abstract

Aquaculture is a relatively recent industry in Turkey, enjoying great potential for development. Both freshwater and marine aquaculture are being practised in over 800 operational units. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Sea bream (Sparus aurata), Sea bass (Dicen‐trarchus labrax), comprise 90% of the total production, together with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), Shrimp (Penaeidae spp.) and Mussel (Mytilus gal‐loprovincialis). Total aquaculture production reached 45 450 t in 1998, constituting 9% of total national fisheries production. Sea bass and sea bream farms are located along Aegean Sea and Mediterranean coasts and comprised 16% of the total number of aquaculture enterprises and 30% of total aquaculture production in 1997. Supplies of these two species have been steadily increasing in Turkey and other producing countries since 1990 resulting in market saturation and declining prices both locally and internationally. Mediterranean species including Epinephelus spp., Puntazzo puntazzo and Pagrus pagrus, are considered to be new candidates offering good prospects for mariculture.     

A model to assess trade-offs between environmental impact and profitability of offshore salmon farms: A case study on Chile

ABSTRACT

In recent decades, aquaculture has emerged as a viable method to help supply the growing global demand for seafood; however, expansion of the industry comes with potential negative impacts. Regulatory decisions governing aspects like aquaculture farming practices and farm siting inherently lead to trade-offs between profitability and the health of the surrounding environment through impacts including pollution, disease, and disturbance from escaped fish. Efficiently and sustainably scaling up aquaculture will require the development of methods for explicitly examining the trade-offs among these impacts and socioeconomic objectives. We developed a model to assess these trade-offs and illustrate the approach with a case study of salmon aquaculture in southern Chile. In the case study we found evidence that all 21 farms with approved permits may be underperforming on both profitability and the protection of ecosystem health. Our model suggests that explicit evaluation of trade-offs can illuminate the potential for improvements on multiple outcomes simultaneously.     

Influence of Congeneric Aquaculture on Hard Clam (Mercenaria spp.) Population Genetic Structure

Throughout their range, hard clams of the genus Mercenaria support important commercial fisheries, and hard clam aquaculture is rapidly developing in several regions, including Florida, USA. Commercial hard clam aquaculture in Florida waters originated in the Indian River Lagoon during the late 1970s, but by the early 1990s the focus of the industry had shifted to Cedar Key on the west coast of the state. There, the species Mercenaria campechiensis predominates the natural hard clam population, whereas Mercenaria mercenaria is predominant in the local aquaculture industry. The two species hybridize extensively. The present study was conducted to estimate the genetic implications of M. mercenaria aquaculture on the natural population of M. campechiensis that occupies Cedar Key waters. We sampled a variety of marine and estuarine habitats surrounding Cedar Key and collected 257 hard clams for analysis of species-specific diagnostic allozyme loci, age, and the presence and stage of gonadal neoplasia. Results indicate that the composition of the hard clam population has changed since the advent of aquaculture (i.e., post-aquaculture). Members of the species M. mercenaria were practically nonexistent prior to the 1993 initiation of aquaculture in the area but increased significantly in abundance post-aquaculture, as did hybrid hard clams. There was no significant difference in the abundance of M. campechiensis pre- versus post-aquaculture. All genotype classes had a high incidence (>80%) of gonadal neoplasia, although it is not clear if this high incidence is a reflection of the introduction of aquaculture into the area or if neoplasia was a common feature of the population prior to 1993. Regardless, this finding is not consistent with previous reports that neoplasia is more common in hybrid hard clams. Overall, the results of this study provide clear evidence that culture of M. mercenaria can influence the genotype composition of naturally occurring congeneric populations in the vicinity of the culture operation. The long-term implications of that influence remain to be seen.     

Comparative genomic analysis of different virulence strains reveals reasons for the increased virulence of Aeromonas veronii

Aeromonas veronii is an important zoonotic and aquatic agent. More and more cases have shown that it has caused huge economic losses in the aquaculture industry in addition to threatening human health. But the reasons for the increasing virulence of A. veronii are still unclear. In order to further understand the reasons for the increased virulence of A. veronii, we conducted a comparative analysis of the genomes of A. veronii with different virulence. The analysis revealed that there are multiple virulence factors, such as those related to fimbriae, flagella, toxins, iron ion uptake systems and type II, type III and type VI secretion systems in the virulent strain TH0426 genome. And comparative analysis showed that there were two complete type III secretion systems (API1 and API2), of which the API2 and iron ion transport system were unique to the TH0426 strain. In addition, TH0426 strain also has unique functional gene clusters, which may play important roles in terms of resisting infection, adapting to different environments and genetic evolution. These particular virulence factors and gene clusters may be the important reasons for the increased virulence. These insights will provide a reference for the study of the pathogenesis of A. veronii.     

Infectious agent detections in archived Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) samples from British Columbia,Canada (1985–94)

In response to concerns that novel infectious agents were introduced through the movement of eggs as Atlantic salmon aquaculture developed in British Columbia (BC), Canada, we estimated the prevalence of infectious agents in archived return‐migrating Sockeye salmon, from before and during aquaculture expansion in BC (1985–94). Of 45 infectious agents assessed through molecular assays in 652 samples, 23 (7 bacterial, 2 viral and 14 parasitic) were detected in liver tissue from six regions in BC. Prevalence ranged from 0.005 to 0.83 and varied significantly by region and year. Agent diversity ranged from 0 to 12 per fish (median 4), with the lowest diversity observed in fish from the Trans‐Boundary and Central Coast regions. Agents known to be endemic in Sockeye salmon in BC, including Flavobacterium psychrophilum, Infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus, Ceratonova shasta and Parvicapsula minibicornis, were commonly observed. Others, such as Kudoa thyrsites and Piscirikettsia salmonis, were also detected. Surprisingly, infectious agents described only recently in BC salmon, Ca. Branchiomonas cysticola, Parvicapsula pseudobranchicola and Paranucleospora theridion, were also detected, indicating their potential presence prior to the expansion of the aquaculture industry. In general, our data suggest that agent distributions may not have substantially changed because of the salmon aquaculture industry.     

Aquaculture and international trade

Abstract

In contrast to the stabilization or decline of wild fishery harvests, aquaculture's contribution to the world fish supply is steadily increasing. Aquaculture has begun to have a major influence on the trade of export‐orientated species such as salmon and shrimp. This paper reviews the role of aquaculture in international trade and the research which has been conducted to examine its influence. Despite the growing significance of aquaculture on international trade, especially for shrimp and salmon, formal analysis of the shrimp trade is sparse, only moderate for salmon, and essentially nonexistent for other species. This paper also presents specific examples of how aquaculture has played an important role in international trade. These include an examination of: (1) the influence of shrimp aquaculture and trade on the development of a shrimp futures contract; and (2) the countervailing duty and antidumping case against the Norwegian farmed salmon industry.     

The Efficacy of Copper Sulfate in Controlling Infection of Saprolegnia parasitica

Saprolegnia parasitica is a severe fish pathogen that causes important economic losses worldwide. Copper is an important additive in the aquaculture industry for control of algal growth, ectoparasites, and fungal disease. However, at present no data is available on the specific interaction of copper sulfate with oomycete. In our study, the efficacy of copper sulfate on the mycelium and zoospore of S. parasitica was assessed in vitro, and S. parasitica infection experiment was conducted to assess its performance in vivo. The results indicated that copper sulfate at ≥0.5 mg/L inhibited the growth of mycelium, no primary zoospores were released at ≥1.0 mg/L. Additionally, 0.5 mg/L copper sulfate could reduce the infection rate of S. parasitica in the grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus. This study demonstrates the good efficacy of copper sulfate on the control of S. parasitica infection in grass carps, and suggests that copper sulfate could be used as a drug additive to control the S. parasitica infection in the aquaculture industry.     

Evaluation of Diquat as a Potential Algicide for Controlling the Musty-Odor-Producing Cyanobacterium,Oscillatoria perornata,in Catfish Aquaculture Ponds

ABSTRACT

The synthetic herbicide diquat was applied to a catfish aquaculture pond containing a heavy bloom of the cyanobacterium Oscillatoria perornata(a major contributor to musty off-flavor in farm-raised catfish) in order to determine the effectiveness of diquat as a selective algicide to prevent musty off-flavor in cultured catfish. Levels of the musty-odor compound 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and numbers of O. perornata were monitored. Results indicate that diquat is not useful as an algicide for controlling O. perornata in catfish aquaculture ponds, despite its usefulness in controlling other aquatic weeds.     

Sustainable commercial aquaculture: A survey of administrative procedures and legal frameworks

Abstract

Commercial aquaculture which, for this paper, is defined as the rearing of aquatic organisms that is profit oriented and primarily by the private sector, contributes to food security, directly by producing food fish, and indirectly by generating employment, and thus, income for the purchase of food. In addition, commercial aquaculture can be sustainable because it depends on private, rather than public funds that are usually lacking or scarce. The paper describes some enabling policies that are conducive to the promotion of commercial aquaculture. In particular it focuses on administrative and legal frameworks. The paper concludes that development of aquaculture can be enhanced by legislation specific to the sector rather than relying on general fisheries legislation; such a legislative framework (particularly for land‐based aquaculture) would resemble that of agriculture. Regulations require expensive and time‐consuming monitoring and enforcement; they should focus on environmental protection and a sustainable industry.     

A survey of aquaculture production economics and management

Abstract

The literature on production economics and management of fish culture has grown as aquaculture has matured as a commercial industry. Salmon, catfish, shrimp and trout are the focus of this literature survey as a reflection of the volume of research that has been completed on these species and their importance in US production and world trade. In addition, a discussion of low resource production systems is included that is dominated by tilapia and carp culture systems. A brief overview of the principles of aquaculture production economics and management is presented followed by a review of economic studies.     

Effects of off‐bottom shellfish aquaculture on winter habitat use by molluscivorous sea ducks

• 1. Shellfish farming is an expanding segment of marine aquaculture, but environmental effects of this industry are only beginning to be considered.
• 2. The interaction between off‐bottom, suspended oyster farming and wintering sea ducks in coastal British Columbia was studied. Specifically, the habitat use of surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata) and Barrow's goldeneyes (Bucephala islandica), the most abundant sea duck species in the study area, was evaluated in relation to natural environmental attributes and shellfish aquaculture.
• 3. The extent of shellfish farming was the best‐supported habitat variable explaining variation in surf scoter densities, and the only habitat attribute from the considered set that was a strong predictor of Barrow's goldeneye densities. In both cases, the findings indicated strong positive relationships between densities of sea ducks and shellfish aquaculture operations. These relationships are presumably the result of large numbers of wild mussels (Mytilus trossulus) that settle and grow on aquaculture structures and are preferred prey of these sea ducks.
• 4. Previous work has shown that aquaculture structures provide good conditions for recruiting and growing mussels, including refuge from invertebrate predators, which in turn provides higher densities of higher quality prey for sea ducks than available in intertidal areas. This offers a rare example in which introduction of an industry leads to positive effects on wildlife populations, which is particularly important given persistent declines in numbers of many sea ducks.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Justification for genetic improvement in growth rates of black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri): A partial budgeting analysis

Abstract

Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) appear an ideal candidate for the developing saline aquaculture industry of inland Western Australia. However, current maximum growth rates of 150g/annum are too slow for profitable production. This study investigated whether enhanced growth rates of black bream would improve profitability and justify a genetic improvement program. A partial budget analysis was conducted for two different fish production systems; a commercial operation that incurred more operating expenses due to costs associated with farm initiation (stand‐alone farm model), and an existing farm that diversified into aquaculture using the saline water resources of established farm dams (integrated farm model). Sensitivity analyses indicated that a 33 per cent increase in growth rate to at least 200g/annum would allow either production system to return a profit at a farm‐gate price of AUS$6/kg whole fish, with fish survival rates of 98 per cent for the stand‐alone farm, and 65 per cent for the integrated farm model. These results are discussed in the context of the genetic and economic consequences of selection for improved growth rates, and for developing breeding objectives and a genetic improvement program for black bream.     

RISK ASSESSMENT IN OPEN-OCEAN AQUACULTURE: A FIRM-LEVEL INVESTMENT-PRODUCTION MODEL

ABSTRACT

We develop a framework for risk assessment in open-ocean aquaculture. The framework consists of three components: a firm-level investment-production model simulates a specific grow-out project and estimates the project's benefit-cost values, a second model calculates the risk premium for a risk-averse investor, and a third model quantifies the option value for a risk-neutral investor. We show that under uncertainty, the traditional NPV rule for making an investment should be modified. We illustrate our models using a case study of open-ocean aquaculture of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in New England.