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.     

A seeding experiment of juvenile great scallops (Pecten maximus (L.)) off the Island of Jersey.

In 1995, landings of Great scallops, Pecten maximus(L.) increased dramatically in Jersey from around one tonne in the previousyear, to 66 tonnes and this continues to rise. This was caused by theintroduction of scallop diving permits and diversification of the fishingfleet.Due to this increase in effort it was decided that the feasibility of ranchingone-year-old juvenile scallops should be investigated. 100,000 scallops werepurchased from Ireland and seeded in specifically selected coastal sites. Thescallops grew from 22.8 mm shell length and 1.17 grams to 57.6mm and 23.2 grams in the first six months after seeding, and to93.3 mm and 88.9 grams during the subsequent 12 months. Growthrateslowed considerably during winter months. Given these growth rates the scallopswill reach market size in three years from settlement, less than the 4, 5 and 6years taken in Guernsey, the Eastern Channel and the offshore Irish Searespectively. Although growth rates are not unique and are comparable withotherinshore sites in the UK, they are significant for scallop farming in Jerseywaters. Mortality following re-seeding and predation rates by crab and starfishappears to be lower than reported by other workers. However this has not yetbeenquantified.     

A seeding experiment of juvenile great scallops (Pecten maximus (L.)) off the Island of Jersey.

In 1995, landings of Great scallops, Pecten maximus(L.) increased dramatically in Jersey from around one tonne in the previousyear, to 66 tonnes and this continues to rise. This was caused by theintroduction of scallop diving permits and diversification of the fishingfleet.Due to this increase in effort it was decided that the feasibility of ranchingone-year-old juvenile scallops should be investigated. 100,000 scallops werepurchased from Ireland and seeded in specifically selected coastal sites. Thescallops grew from 22.8 mm shell length and 1.17 grams to 57.6mm and 23.2 grams in the first six months after seeding, and to93.3 mm and 88.9 grams during the subsequent 12 months. Growthrateslowed considerably during winter months. Given these growth rates the scallopswill reach market size in three years from settlement, less than the 4, 5 and 6years taken in Guernsey, the Eastern Channel and the offshore Irish Searespectively. Although growth rates are not unique and are comparable withotherinshore sites in the UK, they are significant for scallop farming in Jerseywaters. Mortality following re-seeding and predation rates by crab and starfishappears to be lower than reported by other workers. However this has not yetbeenquantified.     

Pathogenic threats and probiotic use in larviculture of the scallop,Pecten maximus

During a series of experiments, bacteriological elements in scallop larval rearing were investigated: larvae susceptibility to pathogens as a function of their age, and the use of probiotic bacteria during larviculture. Younger larvae (d5 PF) were highly more susceptible to pathogenic‐challenge than their older siblings, which were challenged at an older age (d15 PF). A challenge with 10⁴ CFU mL^?1 of V. pectenicida killed 100% of d5 PF larvae 7 days following challenge, yet killed only 9% of d15 PF larvae 9 days following challenge. Use of the probiotics Phaeobacter gallaeciensis, Alteromonas macleodii 0444 and Neptunomonas sp. 0536, provided for larger larvae, a high yield of competent larvae and, perhaps more importantly, protection against pathogen‐challenge similar to levels achieved from antibiotic use. When challenged with V. pectenicida, d29 survivals were 20.3%, 85.1% and 75.0% respectively for control (no probiotic), antibiotic treated, and ‘probiotic mix’ administered larvae. Use of potential probiotic Pseudoalteromonas sp. D41 appeared to hinder scallop larvae. Future use of probiotics in scallop larval rearing would benefit from combined use of P. gallaeciensis, A. macleodii 0444 and Neptunomonas sp. 0536.     

Effect of water recirculation on seawater quality and production of scallop (Pecten maximus) larvae

Scallop larval production systems in Norway have changed from the use of batch to continuous flow through systems (FTS) during the last decade. Energy use to heat water in both larval and spat nurseries is considerable. Two experiments (June 2010 and February 2011) using water recirculation technology (RAS) were performed in large scale systems (3500 L larval tanks) supplied with continuous addition of algal feed, and 20% renewal of seawater.In the RAS a gradual increase in CO₂, decrease in pH and dissolved oxygen was observed over time. This was most obvious during experiment two, when the total organic carbon content increased in both FTS and RAS. The total bacterial number was lower and more stable in FTS than in the RAS. The variations in seawater quality parameters were smaller during the first experiment compared to the second, when values of oxygen saturation were reduced to <70%, pH was 7.8 and NO₃⁻ reached 5 mg L⁻¹. Even though these changes would seem less beneficial for survival and growth of scallop larvae, results showed that the survival at the end of the larval stage was higher in the FTS, but the yield of competent larvae ready for settlement was not significant different (p > 0.05) due to large variations between tanks. The CV% was 28.9% in FTS, while it was 49.9% in RAS. In FTS the mean yield was 40.2%, while it was 26.5% of initial number of larvae in RAS. Large variations in survival and yield were found between the larval tanks as well as gradual reduction in pH and oxygen in RAS tanks. The results indicate that there is a large potential for 80% reduction in water use by utilizing recirculation technology.     

Neutral lipase and phospholipase activities in scallop juveniles (Pecten maximus) and dietary algae

Activities of the digestive enzymes neutral lipase and phospholipase A₂ were present in 2‐mm scallop juveniles, indicating an endogenous ability to digest lipids. When determined in the dietary microalgae, lipolytic activities of both enzymes differed significantly, being highest in Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis sp. and lowest in Chaetoceros mülleri. Compared with the activities found in scallop juveniles, enzyme activities from the microalgae were rather low and did not seem to contribute considerably to their digestive process. However, ingested algae seemed to have a regulating effect on the phospholipase activity in scallops, as juveniles fed I. galbana had a significantly lower activity than juveniles of the other treatments. No such effect was evident for neutral lipase, indicating different regulation mechanisms for both enzymes. Dietary effects on digestive enzymes in scallop juveniles should be considered when choosing new potential algal species as feed or for future formulation of artificial diets.     

Great scallop, Pecten maximus, research and culture strategies in Norway: a review

The great scallop, Pecten maximus is a potentialaquaculture species in Norway, but production to date has been low. Greatscallop landings in 2000 were 571 tonnes, exclusively from harvesting wildstocks, landed by divers. Approximately two million juveniles of 15mm shell height have been produced annually in a hatchery since1998, and distributed to farmers. Research projects on larvae and juvenilesinclude studies of various antibacterial treatments, improved culture systemdesigns and application of probiotics. Results from hanging cultures underdifferent environmental conditions indicate a strong correlation between lowtemperature and poor survival, and point out the importance of careful selectionof cultivation sites. Good growth potential of scallops in Norwegian waters hasbeen shown, and it is possible to reach market size of 10 mm shellheight in three to four years. Experiments with fences and other strategiesprotecting cultured scallops on the seabed from predation by crabs are inprogress.     

Effect of fish meal replacement by plant protein blend on amino acid concentration,transportation and metabolism in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating plant protein blend in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) diet on free amino acid (AA) concentration and the expression of genes related to peptide and AA transporters, key enzymes of AA metabolism and AA response (AAR) pathway. Fish were fed diets with fish meal (FM), or 400 g/kg FM replacement by plant protein blend for 9 weeks. Compared with the FM diet, PP40 diet did not affect plasma essential amino acid (EAA) concentration or AA metabolic enzymes gene in intestine, while it significantly upregulated all the detected peptide and neutral AA transporters gene. Results in muscle indicated that PP40 diet led to a great reduction of EAA concentrations and mRNA abundance of two kinds of AA transporters (SNAT2 and b^0,+AT), while it greatly increased the gene expression of L‐type and T‐type AA transporters (LAT2 and TAT1) and the enzymes of AA catabolism (BCKDH‐E2) and anabolism (asparagine synthetase). In addition, the expression of genes related to AAR pathway were all greatly stimulated by PP40 diet in muscle. Our results provide a molecular explanation for the change of tissues AA concentrations caused by plant protein in turbot, which maybe applicable for general carnivorous fish.     

Accumulation of copper and nickel from anti-fouling compounds during cultivation of scallops (Pecten maximus L.) and Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas Thun.)

Scallops [Pecten maximus (L.)] and Pacific oysters [Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg)] have been grown for 31 weeks in nets treated with a copper oxide-based anti-fouling paint, and on trays constructed from copper-nickel (90:10) alloy mesh. Copper was accumulated by both species in the net enclosure during the initial 6 weeks of cultivation, and over the subsequent 25 weeks copper was gradually lost from the scallops, but retained by the oysters. Both species accumulated high concentrations of copper from the alloy trays (up to 280 mg/kg in scallop digestive gland, and 790 mg/kg in whole oysters). Transfer of the shellfish to untreated enclosures at week 31 resulted in a further loss of copper from scallops, but the oysters maintained their copper levels for the following 10 weeks. No significant accumulation of nickel occurred in either species.     

Bivalve hatchery technology: The current situation for the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and the scallop Pecten maximus in France

The French oyster farming industry relies almost exclusively on juveniles collected from the natural environment; the supply of spat produced by hatcheries is low, about 10 % of the industry's requirements. Development through selective breeding of oyster stocks which are better suited for aquaculture purposes, is likely to reverse this tendency since only hatcheries will be able to supply such animals. Scallop farming, which at present is poorly developed in France, relies exclusively on hatchery produced spat. Although hatchery technology is constantly being improved, significant production problems remain which must be solved before hatcheries become a major supplier of juveniles for the industry. This paper describes the present state of hatchery technology in France based on experimental results obtained with the great scallop Pecten maximus and the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, over the past ten years. Compared to the great scallop, the Pacific oyster has higher D larva yields (60 % for C. gigas vs. 30 % for P. maximus) and a faster larval growth rate (10 μm·d⁻¹ for C. gigas vs. 5 μm·d⁻¹ for P. maximus). However, Pacific oysters have a greater heterogeneity during larval development and higher mortality rates (40 % for C. gigas vs. 25 % for P. maximus) which produce lower overall yields of pediveliger larvae ready-to-set for Pacific oysters (15 %) compared to the great scallop (30 %). Development of continuous larval and post-larval culture methods along with development of continuous phytoplankton technology offers one of the most promising methods to improve molluscan hatchery techniques.     

Digestion of lipids and carbohydrates from microalgae (Chaetoceros muelleri Lemmermann and Isochrysis aff. galbana clone T‐ISO) in juvenile scallops (Pecten maximus L.)

The digestion of laminaran and neutral lipids from the microalgae Chaetoceros muelleri or mixtures of C. muelleri and Isochrysis galbana clone T‐ISO in 4‐mm scallops Pecten maximus were studied. The microalgae were cultivated at fixed low and high growth rate (5% and 60% of μ_max). The cultivation method clearly affected the lipid and carbohydrate contents, as well as their enzyme activity. Chaetoceros muelleri and T‐ISO grown at low growth rate exhibited a considerably higher content of lipids and carbohydrates than those algae grown at high growth rate. The specific activity of laminaranase and neutral lipase was the highest in C. muelleri grown at the low growth rate. Growth rate of scallops was best when they were fed a mono‐species diet of C. muelleri grown at low growth rate. The growth rate of the scallops was positively correlated to the dietary carbohydrate content as well as to the specific activity of neutral lipase and laminaranase in the diet. The capacity to digest carbohydrates (laminaran) might be limiting for the young scallops, and the content of carbohydrates and enzymatic activities of laminaran in the diet should be considered when formulating an optimal diet, both when the diet consist of live microalgae and formulated diets.     

Handling time and predation behaviour by the crab, Cancer pagurus, preying on cultured scallop, Pecten maximus

We investigated handling time, persistence time and shell‐breaking techniques by crab, Cancer pagurus (L.) (13–15 cm carapace width), offered cultured scallops, Pecten maximus(L.), within the recommended release size for bottom culture. Three shell height groups were used: 50–55, 60–65 and 70–75 mm. The results showed that the crabs managed to open scallops from all the three size groups. The median handling time in the 50–55 mm group (788 s) was significantly different from the median handling time of the 60–65 mm (2482 s) and 70–75 mm (2980 s) groups. The median persistence time increased significantly with each scallop size, from 89 s in the 50–55 mm group to 97 s in the 60–65 mm and 125 s in the 70–75 mm group. We observed a change in the shell‐breaking techniques from a dominance of smashed scallops in the 50–55 mm group to more punched and chipped scallops in the 60–65 and 70–75 mm groups. The shift in predation behaviour when crabs were offered 50–55 mm scallops compared with the larger groups is discussed in relation to strategies in the release of scallops to seabed cultures.     

On the relationship between low winter temperatures and mortality of juvenile scallops, Pecten maximus L., cultured in western Norway

The mortality of juvenile scallops (Pecten maximus L.) cultured at two densities at 8‐ and 15‐m depth was investigated at 17 trial locations along the western Norwegian coast between latitudes 58 and 65°N. During the winter of 1995/1996, scallops suffered high mortality at many sites. The results show a clear relationship between minimum temperature recorded on the sites and scallop mortality. All the scallops died at sites where minimum temperatures were lower than 2°C, while a mortality rate below 30% was only obtained at locations where the minimum temperature was 4–5°C. At temperatures between 2 and 4°C, mortality was intermediate, ranging from 52% to 100%. There were no mortality differences between culture densities, while a significantly higher mortality at 8‐ than at 15‐m depth was shown for two of the four sites with a total mean mortality lower than 30%. The results are discussed in relation to low‐temperature conditions along the Norwegian coast to suggest risk assessments for site selection in scallop culture.     

Effect of Rhodomonas salina addition to a standard hatchery diet during the early ontogeny of the scallop Pecten maximus

The main objective of this study was to identify algal diets that maximize the survival and growth and alter the biochemical content of Pecten maximus larvae with the aim of improving metamorphosis. We also evaluated the potential of the cryptophyceae Rhodomonas salina as a food source for these larvae. Two flagellates, Isochrysis aff. galbana (T) and Pavlova lutheri (P), and two diatoms, Chaetoceros gracilis (C) or Skeletonema costatum (S), were tested as two ternary diets, namely PTC and PTS. PTC and PTS were compared with diets that also included R. salina (R). The addition of R. salina and the replacement of C. gracilis by S. costatum in the traditional hatchery diet seem to be two interesting alternatives for increasing the productivity of larval scallop culture and improving the metamorphosis rate. With these two diets, larval growth increased and metamorphosis was observed to occur more rapidly. Moreover, our results showed that the addition of R. salina significantly improved the overall condition of the larvae by promoting an increase in organic matter and total lipids. This accumulation of lipids during ontogeny seems to promote larvae to grow and to complete metamorphosis more rapidly than with the other diets. The level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the algae could also at least partially explain the results obtained, since the PUFA level of C. gracilis was about half those of S. costatum and R. salina.     

Treatment of the early life stages of scallop (Pecten maximus) with antimicrobial agents; searching for an alternative to chloramphenicol

High mortality rates are often observed in rearing the early stages of the great scallop, Pecten maximus. The addition of antibacterial agents has been necessary to improve larval survival. However, as one antibacterial agent, chloramphenicol, is banned in Norway and Europe the aim of this study is to investigate alternative antibacterial agents. The therapeutic agents investigated in this study were florfenicol, oxytetracycline, oxolinic acid, neomycin and Pyceze. The mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined for oxytetracycline, oxolinic acid and Pyceze against bacteria isolated from scallop larvae. Two types of treatment regime were investigated on an intermediate scale (20 L). One regime involved continuous exposure of scallop larvae to the therapeutic agent while the other involved a short exposure lasting two hours. All intermediate scale treatments were performed in parallel to large-scale production (800 L) treatment with chloramphenicol. Of the therapeutants investigated, oxolinic acid was the most effective, although only at high concentrations. The short exposure of two hours was ineffective for all therapeutics.     

Yields of great scallop, Pecten maximus, larvae in a commercial flow-through rearing system in Norway

Survival, growth and yield of competent great scallop (Pecten maximus) larvae were investigated during a full production season in a commercial hatchery in western Norway. Broodstock were collected from natural scallop beds and 12 groups were induced to spawn during the period December 2002 to July 2003. Larvae were reared on a large scale in 36 flow-through tanks (3500 l) at 17±1 °C and continuously fed a mixture of five algal species produced in an indoor continuous-flow system. Large variations in larval performance between spawning groups and tanks were observed, but the results were as good as earlier results using the batch system and prophylactic addition of chloramphenicol. Growth from days 3–24 averaged 4.8 μm day⁻¹±0.8 (sd) and survival 22.4%±21.8 (sd). Mean yield of day 3 larvae was 7.1%±10.0 (sd) and 26.6%±25.9 (sd) for those surviving to day 24. Yield was significantly correlated to larval survival. Larval success was related to initial larval density, algal concentration and season. It was found that the best production regime had an initial larval density lower than 6 ml⁻¹ and algal concentration of less than 12 μl⁻¹ regardless of season. Seventeen tanks met these criteria and produced a mean yield of 0.5 larvae ml⁻¹ to settlement. Flow-through systems are currently regarded as the only feasible method for viable hatchery production of P. maximus larvae in Norway.     

Effects of dietary vitamin E on antioxidant defence mechanisms of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.), halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) and sea bream (Sparus aurata L.)

In order to enhance growth, survival and quality during early juvenile stages of marine fish it is important to avoid lipid oxidation problems that are known to cause pathologies and disease. The aim of the present study was to characterize and compare the antioxidant systems in juvenile marine fish of commercial importance in European aquaculture, namely turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). The experiment investigated the interaction of the dietary antioxidant micronutrient, vitamin E, with antioxidant defence systems. Fish were fed with diets of identical unsaturation index supplemented with graded amounts of vitamin E. The relationships between dietary and subsequent tissue vitamin E levels were determined as well as the effects of vitamin E supplementation on lipid and fatty acid compositions of both liver and whole fish, on the activities of the liver antioxidant defence enzymes, and on the levels of liver and whole body lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and isoprostanes. Growth and survival was only significantly affected in sea bream where feeding the diet with the lowest vitamin E resulted in decreased survival and growth. A gradation was observed in tissue vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/vitamin E levels in response to dietary vitamin E levels in all species. The activities of the main radical scavenging enzymes in the liver, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase generally reflected dietary and tissue vitamin E levels being highest in fish fed with the lowest level of vitamin E. The indicators of lipid peroxidation gave consistent results in all three species, generally being highest in fish fed with the unsupplemented diet and generally lowest in fish fed with the diet with highest vitamin E. In this respect, isoprostane levels generally paralleled TBARS levels supporting their value as indicators of oxidative stress in fish. Overall the relationships observed were logical in that decreased dietary vitamin E led to decreased levels of tissue vitamin E, and generally higher activities of the liver antioxidant enzymes and higher levels of lipid peroxides.     

Effects of hydrodynamic factors on Pecten maximus larval development

Hatchery production of great scallop, Pecten maximus, remains unpredictable, notably due to poor larval survival. Large‐scale flow‐through systems up to 3500 L have been developed to avoid the use of antibiotics in static systems. Alternatively, small‐scale flow‐through systems have been successfully applied for oysters but they proved to be unsuitable to rear scallop larvae. By focusing on physical factors presumed to limit P. maximus larval development, this study aimed to optimize great scallop larvae rearing parameters under controlled conditions. First, the influence of aeration on larval performances, energetic metabolism and antioxidant defences were studied both in static and flow‐through systems. Aeration depressed larval food intake, regardless of the intensities of flow tested (100 ml/min, 155 ml/min and 270 ml/min). On the other hand, antioxidant enzyme activities remained constant or decreased, suggesting that antioxidant defences were inactivated. The increase in citrate synthase activity suggested an increase in metabolic rate possibly due to a turbulent stressful environment. All larvae exposed to such turbulence died before reaching metamorphosis, whereas those reared without aeration survived well (≈ 95%). The effects of water renewal were thereafter studied in 50‐L flow‐through flat‐bottomed tanks. No differences in survival (20.4 ± 0.5%), growth (3.8 ± 0.2 μm/d), competence (5.6 ± 0.2%), energetic metabolism level and antioxidant enzyme activities were observed when comparing 12.5 and 25 L/hr water renewal. Whereas air bubbling leads to detrimental effects, flow‐through in small flat‐bottomed tanks appears to be a suitable technique for scallop larvae rearing.     

The effect of ultrafiltered fish protein hydrolysate level on growth performance,protein digestibility and mRNA expression of PepT1 in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

The intention of the study was to investigate the effect of ultrafiltered fish protein hydrolysate (UF) level on growth, feed utilization, apparent digestibility coefficients and proximal intestine peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) mRNA level for juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.). Experimental diets (UF‐0, UF‐5, UF‐10, UF‐15 and UF‐20) were prepared containing about 68% plant protein, and fish meal protein was, respectively, replaced by 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% UF of dietary protein. Diet PP contained about 78% plant protein, and diet CAA contained about 10% crystalline amino acid mixture. All diets were fed to seven triplicate groups of turbot (initial weight 16.05 ± 0.03 g) for 68 days. Fish fed diet UF‐10 had an increasing tendency in growth compared with diets contained UF, while dietary UF level was not significantly correlated with specific growth rate and feed intake. Feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio and protein productive value significantly correlated with dietary UF level, and fish fed diets contained low‐level UF had higher digestibility than that diets UF‐0, PP and CAA. There was a decreasing tendency in PepT1 expression level with dietary UF level. The results indicated that low‐level UF showed a positive effect on growth and feed utilization in juvenile turbot.