Harvest time optimization considering the stocking density and heterogeneity of sizes in the culture of white shrimp in freshwater

ABSTRACT

The control and management of production factors have been of great economic interest for the aquaculture industry. In this study, the optimal harvesting time that maximizes the net benefits of shrimp cultured in freshwater was determined using a bioeconomic model fitted to six stocking density strategies (90, 130, 180, 230, 280 and 330 shrimp m^?2). A model was constructed which included the size heterogeneity of the culture and the results obtained were compared with the traditional model which assumes size homogeneity for all individuals. The results from both models indicated that the stocking density of 90 shrimp m^?2 was the best management strategy for optimizing net benefits. The economic importance of taking into account size heterogeneity in the culture of the white shrimp in freshwater is discussed.     

A BIOECONOMIC MODEL FOR CHAM SCALLOP (PATINOPECTEN YESSOENSIS) AQUACULTURE IN KOREA

A bioeconomic model of cham scallop aquaculture in Korea was used to determine an optimal farm grow-out strategy. The model used estimated cost functions for two culture methods and growth functions based on three environmental characteristics for each region (Kojin and Chumunjin). Stochastic growth was incorporated using probabilities of alternative environmental states (based on expected levels of water temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen) by region, culture method, and month. The model revealed a 26% potential increase in net present value from altering management of a single rotation. Optimal multiple rotations required up to four different rotations depending on the region and culture style. Farmers could increase economic returns by delaying harvest and subsequent plantings in order to market larger, more valuable scallops. Resource managers could increase resource rents by adjusting the licensing system to account for regional-style differences and by targeting the planned aquaculture investments.     

Growth modelling including size heterogeneity: Application to the intensive culture of white shrimp (P. vannamei) in freshwater

This article models the growth of a population in aquaculture, including the phenomenon of size heterogeneity. Experimental observations of six initial densities (90, 130, 180, 230, 280 and 330 shrimps m⁻²) in an intensive culture of Penaeus vannamei in freshwater were used to fit a growth model. For this, three mathematical functions were analysed (Gompertz, von Bertalanffy and Pütter), which were modified in order to include the effect of initial density. Two models were constructed, one assuming the hypothesis of homogeneous individual growth and the other including size-heterogeneity throughout the culture cycle. For the second case, a stabilisation time was evaluated which defines the future heterogeneity of the cohort. In each initial density, the stabilisation phase was reached at approximately 2 g. However, the time taken for this phase to start increased with increasing initial culture density. The modified von Bertalannfy function was the most effective of the three equations in predicting growth. The weight predictions, assuming homogeneity and variability of sizes, presented low Percentage Root Mean Square Errors (PRMSE). However, the inclusion of size variability in the fit produced better statistical results than when they were not included (PRMSE decreased from 16% to 12%). This confirms the importance of taking into account size heterogeneity at an intensive level. Particularly at the technical level when the aquaculture producer is required to make stocking and harvest plans.     

Selection on the timing of migration and breeding: A neglected aspect of fishing‐induced evolution and trait change

Fishing can drive changes in important phenotypic traits through plastic and evolutionary pathways. Size‐selective harvest is a primary driver of such trait change, has received much attention in the literature and is now commonly considered in fisheries management. The potential for selection on behavioural traits has received less study, but mounting evidence suggests that aggression, foraging behaviour and linked traits can also be affected by fishing. An important phenomenon that has received much less attention is selection on reproductive phenology (i.e., the timing of breeding). The potential for this type of “temporal selection” is widespread because there is often substantial variability in reproductive phenology within fish populations, and fisheries management strategies or fishermen's behaviours can cause fishing effort to vary greatly over time. For example, seasonal closures may expose only early or late breeding individuals to harvest as observed in a range of marine and freshwater fisheries. Such selection may induce evolutionary responses in phenological traits, but can also have demographic impacts such as shortened breeding seasons and reduced phenotypic diversity. These changes can in turn influence productivity, reduce the efficacy of management, exacerbate ongoing climate‐driven changes in phenology and reduce resilience to environmental change. In this essay, we describe how fisheries management can cause temporal variability in harvest, and describe the types of selection on temporal traits that can result. We then summarize the likely biological consequences of temporally selective fishing on populations and population complexes and conclude by identifying areas for future research.     

Optimal harvesting of farmed Atlantic salmon at two cohort management strategies and different harvest operation restrictions

Abstract

The main harvest planning problem in commercial fish farms is to determine the best time‐sequence of harvesting different fish cohorts in order to maximize the overall farm profit. Due to both annual and fish‐size variations in market prices, future forecasts of fish growth and size distribution are required to optimize harvest plans. Two management strategies for harvesting size‐structured fish cohorts are considered. The first strategy allows the fish farmer, at any time, to size‐grade, harvest and sell the most profitable fish sizes from the standing stock. The second strategy allows the fish farmer to harvest and sell a fish batch with similar size distribution as that of the standing stock. In this paper, two size‐structured fish growth models have been built to fit the two management strategies. The growth models are integrated in a multiperiod linear programming model that optimizes the harvest outputs for each of the two management strategies. Model outputs demonstrate clearly that it is more profitable to size‐grade fish prior to harvest compared to harvesting a batch of fish with similar size distribution to that of the standing stock. Five different harvest operations constraints have been identified for commercial salmon farming. The decrease in profitability of fish farming is shown for a variety of harvest operation constraints.     

不同规格中华绒螯蟹亲本子一代在扣蟹阶段养殖性能的比较研究

为探究中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)亲本规格对其子代在扣蟹阶段养殖性能的影响,本试验在相同的养殖环境下将4种规格河蟹亲本(规格I:雌90~110 g、雄140~160 g;规格Ⅱ:雌115~135 g、雄160~180 g;规格Ⅲ:雌140~160 g、雄220~240 g;规格Ⅳ:雌190~210 g、雄290~310 g)所产的大眼幼体养殖至扣蟹,并比较各组扣蟹的体质量、增重率、特定生长率、成活率及最终产量差异。试验结果显示:(1)不同规格的河蟹亲本,其子一代在大眼幼体至豆蟹阶段的平均体质量、成活率以及增重倍数均无明显差异(P>0.05);(2)在豆蟹至扣蟹养殖阶段,各组幼蟹的生长速度差异大体上与其亲本规格的差异相一致,其中Ⅰ组幼蟹在8—10月期间的平均体质量均显著低于Ⅳ组(P<0.05);(3)养殖效果方面,各组扣蟹平均规格和最终产量均随着亲本规格的提高而提高,其中Ⅳ组扣蟹的最终平均体质量显著高于Ⅰ组扣蟹(P<0.05);(4)就规格分布而言,Ⅳ组扣蟹2.00~3.99 g规格的比例显著低于另外3组,而≥6.00 g规格的比例显著高于另外3组(P<0.05)。结果表明,中华绒螯蟹亲本规格对其后代的养殖性能存在影响,大规格河蟹亲本子一代在扣蟹生产阶段生长速度快、养殖效果好,因此建议在生产上选择大规格亲本的后代用于扣蟹养殖。     

A delay-differential model for representing small pelagic fish stock dynamics and its application for assessing alternative management strategies under environmental uncertainty

We present a novel adaptation of the classic discrete delay-difference model, a continuous delay-differential model (cDDM), which can adequately represent population dynamics of stocks that turn over rapidly and continuously over time (e.g., small pelagic fish, small tunas, and shrimps). We used the Northern-Central Peruvian anchoveta stock (Engraulis ringens, Engraulidae) as a case study for implementing the cDDM and conducted a management strategy evaluation (MSE) through stochastic optimization in policy space (SOPS). Our results showed that cDDM integrated with SOPS efficiently searches optimum and near-optimum harvest control rules (HCR) and is an alternative to pre-setting arbitrary HCRs as in traditional MSE. The cDDM showed comparable stock biomass and recruitment estimate reconstructions to more complex stock assessment models described for anchoveta. We concluded that the anchoveta stock is sustainably managed and is an example of adaptive fisheries management under high ocean-climate variability and uncertainty. Contrary to fishery textbooks, the anchoveta's collapse was not entirely due to the 1972 El Niño (EN) but a recruitment failure preceding EN. Our reconstructions revealed that low recruitment (or recruitment failure) could still occur at high stock biomass. Anchoveta's stock biomass is larger than pre-collapse, likely due to favourable environmental conditions (a cooling trend) and management, despite more frequent and stronger EN events. SOPS quickly revealed that harvest strategies with large base biomass (>5 mmt) lead to higher interannual stock variability and would not produce substantial increases in long-term yield. Alternative HCRs with lower base biomass, while adjusting for productivity regimes, have similar long-term yields without affecting the long-term average stock.     

FISHY FISH? THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF ESCAPED FARMED FISH

The escape of cultured fish from a marine aquaculture facility is a type of biological invasion that may lead to a variety of potential ecological and economic effects on native fish. This article develops a general invasive species impact model to capture explicitly both the ecological and economic effects of invasive species, especially escaped farmed fish, on native populations and harvests. First, the possible effects of escaped farmed fish on the growth and stock size of a native fish are examined. Next, a bioeconomic model to analyze changes in yield, benefit distribution, and overall profitability is constructed. Different harvesting scenarios, such as commercial, recreational, and joint commercial and recreational fishing are explored. The model is illustrated by a case study of the interaction between native and farmed Atlantic salmon in Norway. The results suggest that both the harvest and profitability of a native fish stock may decline after an invasion, but the total profits from the harvest of both native and farmed stocks may increase or decrease, depending on the strength of the ecological and economic parameters.     

THE IMPACT OF PRICE AND YIELD RISK ON THE BIOECONOMICS OF RESERVOIR AQUACULTURE IN NORTHERN VIETNAM

A bioeconomic model of reservoir aquaculture in northern Vietnam is used to investigate the impacts of fish price and yield variability on the level and riskiness of expected net revenue. Net revenue is volatile compared with similar enterprises in other countries, mainly due to high yield variability. This reflects the nascent nature of the industry in Vietnam and the potential for efficiency and productivity improvements. Increasing production intensiveness, as well as reservoir size, was found to increase profits and decrease revenue risk. Among the management parameters studied, expected net revenue was found to be most sensitive to the length of the production cycle and to the harvest rate, while revenue risk was most sensitive to cycle length. Reservoir size was found to affect net revenue less than anticipated. Although common carp monoculture was found to maximize expected profit, the current species mix minimizes risk, thereby suggesting high risk aversion by northern Vietnam's poor farmers.     

Growth of the oyster Crassostrea corteziensis (Hertlein, 1951) in Sonora, Mexico

This is the first evaluation of growth and survival of spat of the Cortez oyster Crassostrea corteziensis (Hertlein) produced under controlled conditions in a coastal area in the state of Sonora, Mexico for aquaculture purposes. A suspended culture technique, used for the Pacific oyster C. gigas, was used. The Cortez oyster has an isometric shell growth during the first 13 months, reaching 71.3±1.9 mm length, 52.6±1.3 mm thickness and 25.1±0.8 mm width. Allometric growth was found between total weight and length, thickness and width (survival was 70%). The relationships between particulate organic, inorganic material, chlorophyll a and environmental parameters with growth are described. Growth rates of C. corteziensis were affected by temperature with retardation at less than 18°C. For aquaculture purposes, it is recommended that spat be sowed after winter, and oyster harvest occur at the end of autumn. According to the von Bertalanffy equation, Cortez oysters would reach the traditional exploitation size of 65 mm (mean length) at harvest. Finally, the results of this study have shown that C. corteziensis is a good candidate for aquaculture projects in this region.     

Aquaculture Techniques for Crappie,Pomoxis spp., Culture

Extensive crappie, Pomoxis spp., culture has been practiced for decades, however, knowledge of crappie aquaculture methods is limited. The following review synthesizes existing research on crappie aquaculture and identifies knowledge gaps where further research is needed. Topics such as life history, tank culture, feeding, reproduction and spawning, larval rearing, transport and harvest, triploidy, hybridization, and out‐of‐season spawning were reviewed. The outcome is a better understanding of hindrances preventing crappie aquaculture development in the past, particularly tank culture and induced spawning techniques, and specific research objectives with potential to enhance recreational and commercial production.     

近岸典型养殖海区潮流垂直结构的数值研究

采用改进的一维水动力模型对我国近岸典型筏式养殖海区的潮流垂直结构进行了数值研究。模型通过增加潮流上边界层来描述养殖活动与潮流垂直分布的关系。数值实验结果表明,高密度养殖对潮流的阻碍作用很强,使得海水表层流速显著减缓;当养殖密度达到临界值后,流速剖面出现变形,流速迅速减小。流速剖面随底应力的变化也会出现同样的变形。潮流流速及其垂直分布情况均受到上层养殖阻力和海底应力的共同作用,呈非线性变化趋势。潮流垂直结构就是对在外海传入潮波的驱动下,海水对上层养殖阻力和海底应力的适应与调整。这为进一步优化养殖设施布放、养殖品种安排等奠定了理论基础。生物生长与吊笼等因素对海水运动的阻力效应是需要进一步考虑的问题。     

MODELING THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF RESERVOIR AQUACULTURE IN VIETNAM 1

This study was motivated by the need to estimate the quantitative impacts of current regulatory constraints on the economic performance of reservoir aquaculture in Vietnam. Using survey data and a specially adapted bioeconomic model, we show that performance of reservoir aquaculture varies widely. The three performance criteria were fish yields, net production revenue and income generated for the local population. Results suggest that current policies regarding extension effort on fingerling survival rates and on feeding strategies, as well as regulations involving taxation of cooperatives and authorities collecting leasing fees, do constrain the economic potential of reservoir aquaculture. The forgone production revenues limit the potential for aquaculture to alleviate local poverty. This study is a first step in identifying those government regulations that have a critical role in the development of reservoir aquaculture in Vietnam.     

An assessment of alternative strategies for the integration of pond aquaculture into the small‐scale farming system of North‐east Thailand

Abstract

This paper uses a linear programming model to examine the economic viability of four fish production strategies in the context of rainfed farming systems in the north‐eastern region of Thailand. The four systems are rice bran feeding system, pond fertilization using buffalo manure, fish production recommendations developed by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Recommendations and an integrated duck/fish production system. These systems have been introduced into North‐eastern Thailand where the main obstacles to fish production are the lack of indigenous knowledge offish culture and a shortage of water. While technical feasibility studies are needed to evaluate the practical viability of aquaculture technologies, economic assessment is required to assess their commercial viability. The objective of this paper is to examine whether or not these fish production systems can contribute to, and integrate with, the prevailing farm system in the North‐east of Thailand. The linear programming model is used to determine the optimum on farm product mix that maximizes net returns under each of the four production systems. Among different resources, labour requirement in the fish‐stocking month appeared to be the first binding resource, while capital requirement was not a constraint for an average farming household of the region. A sensitivity analysis is presented to show how each of the fish production systems operates with different levels of pond size, labour and capital availability. The results of the study show that these aquaculture systems are economically attractive and can contribute significantly to the livelihood of the small‐scale farmers of North‐east Thailand.     

我国东北地区稻田养殖的模式概况

东北地区水稻种植面积达5 600 000 hm~2,但稻田养殖面积利用率仅为2%,主要为稻田养鱼和稻田养蟹,具有广阔的开发前景。近年来,辽宁省的稻田养殖80 000hm~2,发展较快。黑龙江和吉林地区结合当地的环境条件,引进了稻田养殖新模式、新技术,发展具有特色的稻田养殖模式。当前,东北地区稻田养殖仍处于快速发展阶段,需进一步向专业化、规模化、产业化、优质化、品牌化发展。     

牙鲆"鲆优2号"不同养殖地点生长和存活性状的基因型与环境互作分析

为比较牙鲆"鲆优2号"在不同养殖地区的生长和存活性能,实验利用连续多代对生长性状和抗迟缓爱德华氏菌病性状遗传参数评估和基因组选择的结果筛选出的亲本,建立28个"鲆优2号"家系,在河北(Site 1)和山东(Site 2)进行对比养殖试验,利用混合线性动物模型对生长和存活性状进行了基因型与环境互作分析。Site 1和Site 2的平均日增重分别为1.5和1.2 g/d,养殖成活率分别为81.4%和82.2%,"鲆优2号"在两个养殖地点的生长和抗病性能均表现优异。不同养殖环境间收获体质量和存活性状的遗传相关分别为0.57(<0.7)和0.82(>0.7),说明不同养殖环境间收获体质量存在显著的基因型与环境互作效应,但是不同养殖环境间存活性状的基因型与环境互作效应不显著。研究表明,牙鲆"鲆优2号"新品种在不同养殖地点的生长和存活性能均表现良好,为保证良好的推广效果,需要对牙鲆的制种方案进一步优化,针对不同的养殖地区进行"鲆优2号"苗种生产,或培育具有普适性的"鲆优2号"苗种,保证在不同养殖环境下的快速生长和高存活率优势。     

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.     

A variable growth rate modification of von Bertalanffy's equation for aquaculture

Abstract. In aquaculture experiments of only a few months'duration, fish can approach their asymptotic size and growth rates may change greatly. One objective of aquaculture is to obtain a maximum economic return, and a growth model is needed to relate rate of growth to food consumption and other costs to find the optimum duration of growth cycles. Von Bertalanffy's equation is an asymptotic growth model which can be used for this purpose. A variable growth rate model was developed to describe fish growth oscillations observed in aquaculture experiments. This growth model provides improved estimates of von Bertalanffy's equation in aquaculture and can be used for an efficient evaluation of fish production during production cycles.     

Genetic improvement in the Australian aquaculture industry

Most aquaculture industries in Australia are at an early stage of development and would benefit from the introduction of genetic improvement programmes. Size at harvest is perceived by industry participants, managers and researchers as the trait that will most influence profitability. Although most current genetic improvement programmes in aquaculture use mass selection, inbreeding is widely regarded as an important problem, which could be overcome by the use of family data in selection decisions. The major research priority is the development of genetic markers to enable accurate pedigree determination. The major constraint upon the implementation of genetic improvement programmes by aquaculture industries is lack of available funds and resources. Industry ownership and national co‐ordination of research and development is seen as the best way of addressing this constraint.     

The combined effect of feed frequency and ration size of diets with and without microbial biomass on the growth and feed conversion of juvenile Penaeus monodon

Feed management strategies that maximize shrimp growth and optimize feed utilization are critical to the cost‐effectiveness of production. In this study, juvenile Penaeus monodon (~3 g) were cultured for 6 weeks in a laboratory‐based clear‐water tank system. The experiment design was a three‐way factorial with two diets (Diet A – standard industry formulation or Diet B – the same diet with 10% microbial biomass), two feed frequencies (twice or six times daily) and three rations (60%, 80% and 100% of satiation). The results demonstrated clear growth benefits of feeding more than two times per day and feed efficiency benefits of a restricted ration. There was also a significant interaction between frequency and ration, which demonstrated that growth improved using six feeds compared with two feeds as ration amount decreased. The effects of frequency and ration were consistent for both diets; however, the addition of a microbial biomass provided significant growth improvements across all treatments. These outcomes define the gains produced by the combined effect of frequency and ration and suggest a compromise between feed utilization and feeding effort for adoption in feed management strategies.