Phenotypic response of a cohort of Ostrea chilensis (Philippi 1845) to differing environmental conditions in three oyster farms in southern Chile

Offspring from a mass spawning of the Chilean oyster Ostrea chilensis (Philippi) were reared in three locations, at two depths and three densities along the east coast of Chiloé Island, southern Chile, to test for the presence of genotype-environment interaction for growth rate and the effect of environmental variables on shell growth. Site, density and depth effects and their interactions upon shell length variation at 26 months of age were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). These results indicate that sibling oysters perform differently in different environments, densities and depths. The shell length of O. chilensis in the three different environments may be limited by food supply when the abiotic variables are in the range of tolerance for the species. Salinity was the most important factor limiting the shell growth of O. chilensis in the Quempillén estuary. Thus, in breeding programmes, it is recommended that the testing of stocks and their offsprings’performance should be carried out on the farm to ensure that the selection criteria are valid.     

Factors influencing half‐pearl (mabe) production and quality in the red abalone Haliotis rufescens

The factors influencing half‐pearl (mabe) production in the red abalone Haliotis rufescens were investigated, as a strategy to optimize the technology for the development of a pearling industry in Chile. The effects of abalone size (small, large), implant position (dorsal, central, ventral and their combinations), and number of nuclei (one, two, three) were analysed on the quantity, thickness of the nacre layer and quality (shape, colour, lustre, defects) of the mabe produced. The size of abalone did not exert a clear influence on the quantity and quality of mabe, but the position on the shell (firstly) and number of nuclei (secondly) did. More mabe, with thicker nacre, brighter lustre and fewer defects occurred in small or large abalone implanted with only one nucleus on dorsal position. In contrast, small and large abalone implanted in the ventral position formed less mabe, with thinner nacre, poor lustre and more defects. This likely occurs because mantle tissue folds at the ventral position and does not always cover the nucleus, leaving it partially or totally exposed. Most of the pearls were categories AA in small abalone and A in large abalone; only three AAA gems were produced in large abalone with one nucleus on dorsal position or with three nuclei (DCV). Based on these results, we recommend implanting abalone at 60–100 mm shell length, with only one nucleus on the dorsal position.     

Salmon aquaculture in Chile

Abstract

Commercial salmon and trout farming has emerged as a major industry in Chile during the last two decades. Salmon is not a native species to Chile; however, excellent climatic conditions are provided for farming activities in the southern part of the country. After negligible production volumes during the early years, the harvest levels accelerated in the late 1980s, and since 1992 Chile has been the second largest producer of farmed salmon and trout in the world after Norway. This report reviews the development of the Chilean salmonid industry from its early stages until today with respect to production patterns, legislation and main markets. A cost comparison between Chilean and Norwegian farmed salmon is also provided. Finally, the international competitiveness and future challenges of the Chilean salmonid farming industry are analysed.     

The competitiveness of the Chilean salmon aquaculture industry

Abstract

Commercial salmon and trout farming has emerged as a major industry in Chile during the 1990s. Salmon is not a native species to Chile, still excellent climatic conditions are provided for farming. Since 1992 Chile has been the second largest producer of farmed salmon and trout in the world after Norway. This report reviews the development of the Chilean salmonid industry from its early stages until today with respect to production patterns, legislation and main markets. A cost comparison between Chilean and Norwegian farmed salmon is also provided. Finally, the international competitiveness and future challenges of the Chilean salmonid farming industry are analysed.     

Phenotypic analysis in the Chilean oyster, Ostrea chilensis Philippi 1845: relationship between juvenile and adult growth rates

Abstract. The Chilean oyster, Ostrea chilensis Philippi, shows high phenotypic variability for growth rate within populations. In order to determine if the serial correlation of growth rate in oysters is positive, the correlation between shell height and live weight at different stages of the life cycle in a cohort of the Chilean oyster was estimated. Four size groups of individually tagged oysters selected on the basis of their shell heights were examined. The relationships for juvenile and adult oysters were found to be positively correlated throughout the study period. The correlation coefficients ranged from r = 0.28 to r = 0.83. For shell height the coefficient of determination for market size oysters was higher in 2-year-old (r²=0.88) than in 1-year-old oysters (r²=0.09). Shell height and live weight were more highly correlated at later stages of the life cycle. The results indicate that 2-year-old oysters have a size that is indicative of performance to market size and hence is an appropriate age to select the parents to be used in breeding programmes to improve the growth rate in O. chilensis . A high mortality was detected after the natural spawning period. A physiological stress hypothesis is proposed to explain the high summer mortality in O. chilensis in the Quempillen estuary, southern Chile.     

First attempt to cultivate the carrageenan-producing seaweed Chondracanthus chamissoi (C. Agardh) Kützing (Rhodophyta; Gigartinales) in Northern Chile

Chondracanthus chamissoi is an important source of carrageenan in Chile. Presently, all the production is harvested from wild populations. This study reports the first attempt to cultivate C. chamissoi. Experiments were conducted with female gametophytic and sporophytic thalli by inserting them among braids of a 7 mm polypropylene rope. Inoculated ropes were placed at 1, 3 and 5 m depths in two sheltered bays in northern Chile. The fronds adapted well to cultivation and grew at all the depths tested, although the greatest increase in biomass was observed at 1 m depth. On a yearly cycle, higher biomass increases were observed in autumn and winter months compared with the spring and summer. We believe that by adapting the cultivation methodology, this species could be cultivated year round.     

Hybridization between Haliotis rufescens and Haliotis discus hannai: evaluation of fertilization,larval development,growth and thermal tolerance

Two introduced abalone species are currently produced in Chile, red abalone Haliotis rufescens and Japanese abalone Haliotis discus hannai. However, red abalone accounts for 99% of total production, while the Japanese abalone has not adapted well to Chilean coastal waters. This study reports the hatching, growth and thermal tolerance performance in interspecific hybrids produced between red (R) and Japanese (J) abalone. Our results show that egg age and sperm concentration were critical factors to produce hybrids. The cross R♀ × J♂ showed a fertilization rate of 55.3 ± 3.5% using 20‐min‐old eggs and sperm concentrations of 14 × 10⁶ cells mL^?1, while the reciprocal cross (J♀ × R♂) was not successful. Further, larval development stages were similar in RR, JJ and RJ hybrid abalones. Among the experimental trials, settlement rate varied from 12.3% to 18.6% and final survival from 20.1% to 31.7%, being the RJ hybrid rates intermediate between parental species. The final shell lengths were similar between RR and RJ hybrids, but significantly higher in JJ abalones. In addition, thermal tolerance was ascertained due its pivotal role for the abalone physiology. Thus, RJ hybrids showed the highest HSP70 gene expression and offers new possibilities to expand Chilean abalone production in warm waters zones.     

Production and economic assessment of giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera cultivation for abalone feed in the south of Chile

Kelp biomass availability for mass abalone cultivation remains a critical issue in Chile. The technical and economic feasibility of a commercial scale kelp farming activity has not been established. This study describes the production and economic results of a pilot scale unit installed in southern Chile. Our results show 25 kg m^?1 of production over a 9‐month spring‐summer period, and 16.2 kg m^?1 during the autumn‐winter period. These values indicate that a total biomass production of 41.3 kg (wet) ma^?1 year^?1 can be obtained by placing the culture lines at 4 m intervals. High quality animal food‐grade plants with a 9% protein content, over 5 m in length were harvested. Sensitivity analysis showed that by cultivating 30–50 ha with a market value of US$ 78 ton^?1, a return on investment can be made after the first year.     

The potential for scallop culture – the next millenium

World scallop landings increased dramatically inthe last 20 y and in 1996 were about 1.7 million t (whole weight). Aquaculture was the reasonfor this increase and in 1996 accounted for about 90%of landings. Most production of scallops from cultureoperations was from China and Japan (88% of worldproduction) and to a much lesser extent from Chile. Aconsistent 1,000 t annual production from cultureoperations in other countries has rarely been met anddevelopment of the British Columbia scallop culture industry is used as an example to explain the slow progress in achieving higher production. Methods are discussed that could enable establishment of largeeconomically viable scallop culture industries. Thepotential for scallop culture remains high in manycountries but it will require a firm commitment bygovernments and industry to achieve this goal.     

Current Status and Bottle Neck of Octopod Aquaculture: The Case of American Species

The increasing market demand for cephalopods and the experiences obtained with different species has boosted the interest in developing their culture in Latin America. In 2008, an international workshop was held in Puerto Montt, Chile, with 14 experts in experimental cephalopods aquaculture from Brazil, Chile, Spain, and Mexico. Several topics were approached within the holobenthic species Octopus maya and the merobenthic species Enteroctopus megalocyathus, Octopus vulgaris, and Robsonella fontaniana. Part of the conclusions demonstrated that the two greatest difficulties for their production were survival of paralarvae for merobenthic species, and survival of early juveniles for holobenthic species. Besides, there is a need to study the endogenous and exogenous factors affecting health and nutritional status of embryos, paralarvae, and juveniles. These stages, which may limit the culture, should be extensively studied in order to develop the appropriate environmental conditions and culture systems for the physiological and behavioral requirements, from egg incubation up to juveniles to reach a grow‐out phase.     

中国仙女蛤人工育苗试验

2009年在福建平潭进行了2批次中华仙女蛤人工育苗试验。结果表明,亲贝性腺发育成熟程度与催产方法是影响中国仙女蛤亲贝催产成功率和排放率高低的主要因素;在2批亲贝的平均鲜出肉率分别为(31.6±2.0)%和(32.8±2.3)%的前提下,采用阴干、碘钨灯照射提高亲贝体温、流水刺激相结合的物理综合刺激方法可有效地催产中国仙女蛤并培育出健康苗种。但中国仙女蛤亲贝排精产卵的个数比例较小,即亲贝的排放率较低,2批次育苗的排放率分别仅为16.7%和26.7%。2批次共培育出平均壳长为2.87±0.14mm的中国仙女蛤苗种1 331×106cfu。     

2种升温方式对毛蚶呼吸代谢及免疫相关酶活性的影响

采用室内控温试验,设置15、19、23、27℃4个温度梯度,每个温度梯度分别设置急剧升温和缓慢升温2种方式,研究2种升温方式对毛蚶呼吸代谢及免疫相关酶活性的影响.试验结果显示,在试验温度范围内,2种升温方式下毛蚶的耗氧率和排氨率均随海水温度的升高先增后降,于23℃达到最大值.2种升温方式下毛蚶耗氧率Q10值和排氨率Q1...     

Sexual maturity and egg production in an unexploited population of the red squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon (Decapoda,Galatheidae) from Central America

The squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon is one of the most common and abundant galatheid species in the deepwater fishery of Pacific coast of America. In contrast with Peru and Chile, the red squat lobster is not commercially exploited in Costa Rica. Here we estimated the size of sexual maturity and analysed egg production in P. monodon from the Pacific of Costa Rica; the results might be important for an adequate management strategy when initiating a sustainable fishery of this resource in Costa Rica. Analyses of allometric growth revealed that females and males reached their morphological sexual maturity at 26.9 and 30.4 mm CL, respectively. The percentage of immature females captured in the present study (54%) suggests that almost half of females are able to reproduce before they are caught. Egg production was positively correlated with body size; females that measured between 24.1 and 29.0 mm CL contributed roughly 90% to the offspring production of the population. Females from Costa Rica had a considerably lower average egg volume (0.039 mm³) and higher fecundity (9810) than females from Chile. In comparison to other American galatheids P. monodon from Costa Rica produces numerous but small eggs, a typical strategy of species with a prolonged larval development. An analysis between our results and information published about P. monodon from Chile also revealed differences in the size–frequency distribution shape of both populations. The non-exploited character of the Costa Rican P. monodon population and a latitudinal (temperature-related) cline in body size might be associated with these differences.     

Effects of stocking density and substratum on the survival,growth, burrowing behaviour and shell morphology of juvenile basket cockle,Clinocardium nuttallii: implications for nursery seed production and field outplanting

The basket cockle, Clinocardium nuttallii, is a candidate species for aquaculture in British Columbia, Canada. Previous research on broodstock conditioning, embryonic development and larval rearing of C. nuttallii demonstrated the potential for reliable hatchery production of cockle seed. In this paper, we investigated the effects of culture density (50% and 150% bottom cover in a monolayer) and substratum (none and fine sand) on cockle seed survival, growth, behaviour and shell morphology to improve the efficiency of the nursery production phase. Low stocking density (50% cover) yielded a shell length increase from 3 to 7 mm over a 4‐week period. High stocking density (150% cover) negatively impacted some of the growth and condition parameters studied, but did not have a statistically significant effect on seed survival. Growing seed without substratum did not significantly affect seed survival or growth, but led to shell deformities (at shell length >15 mm) and lower burrowing rates when cockles were subsequently placed on sand. We recommend planting seed for grow‐out at a shell length not exceeding 15 mm. Acclimating seed to the substratum before planting may increase the burrowing rates, thereby reducing the risks of seed dislocation and mortality. Additional studies are required to determine optimal substratum acclimation times and techniques.     

Production of Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas Thunberg, from wild-caught and hatchery-produced seed grown at several densities on oyster shells

Abstract. Production of Pacific oysters was studied under pilot-scale conditions in Baynes Sound, British Columbia, using common bottom culture strategies. Four seeding treatments, each with a different seed per cultch density were cultured: wild-caught seed 5mm in shell height at 10 seed per cultch piece and hatchery produced seed 1-2 mm in shell height at densities of 11, 40 and 105 per cultch piece. The cultch material for all treatments was Pacific oyster shell. All seed was reared for approximately 1 year in a seed nursery located at the 2.2-m tidal level then transferred to a 1-m tidal level grow-out plot until harvest 4 years later in May 1988, Clusters of large numbers of oysters were separated and evenly distributed within the plots when the oysters attained a shell height of 60-100 mm. During the first year, growth was slow and mortalities were relatively high. All treatments produced oysters of similar size at harvest. The proportion surviving at harvest was substantially higher for the wild oysters which were initially larger at time of planting. Within the hatchery treatments proportional survival per cultch piece was inversely related to initial density on the shell; however, total production per cultch piece was positively related to initial density. Most efficient use of seed is attained at lower densities per shell; however, most efficient use of cultch and effort to handle cultch is attained at high densities.     

厚壳贻贝早期幼虫低温保存的影响研究

探讨低温(4 ℃)条件下的厚壳贻贝早期幼虫保存可能性,同时调查了不同培育密度对低温保存的影响。在正常条件下,继续培育低温保存后的幼虫,并调查其存活率和生长的变化。 结果表明,在低温保存后,早期幼虫存活率较高,超过95%;厚壳贻贝早期幼虫的壳长和壳高出现显著性的增长。不同培育组间,培育密度对厚壳贻贝早期幼虫的存活和生长影响不同,表明密度是幼虫低温保存的一个重要因素。在正常培育条件下,低温保存后的幼虫,3周后其存活率明显低于对照组,但仍超过50%,且其生长速度明显高于对照组。因此,低温培育是保存厚壳贻贝早期幼虫的有效方法,可用于今后贝类幼虫生物学实验和人工育苗技术的改善研究。     

Deltamethrin resistance in the sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi (Boxhall and Bravo) in Chile: bioassay results and usage data for antiparasitic agents with references to Norwegian conditions

The sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi is a major threat to Chilean salmonid farming. Pyrethroids have been used for anticaligus treatments since 2007, but have shown reduced effect, most likely due to resistance development. Pyrethroid resistance is also a known problem in Lepeophtheirus salmonis in the Northern Hemisphere. This study describes the development of deltamethrin resistance in C. rogercresseyi based on bioassays and usage data for pyrethroids in Chilean aquaculture. These results were compared to bioassays from L. salmonis from Norway and to Norwegian usage data. Available deltamethrin bioassay results from 2007 and 2008, as well as bioassays from Norway, were collected and remodelled. Bioassays were performed on field‐collected sea lice in region X in Chile in 2012 and 2013. Bioassays from 2007 were performed prior to the introduction of pyrethroids to the Chilean market. Both the results from 2008 and 2012 showed an increased resistance. Increased pyrethroid resistance was also indicated by the increased use of pyrethroids in Chilean aquaculture compared with the production of salmonids. A similar trend was seen in the Norwegian usage data. The bioassay results from Chile from 2012 and 2013 also indicated a difference in the susceptibility to deltamethrin between male and female caligus.     

Otolith chemistry indicates large-scale connectivity in Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi), a highly mobile species in the Southern Pacific Ocean

Chemistry in material laid down prior to capture along the edges of otoliths of Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) showed strong spatial heterogeneity corresponding to hydrographic structure across putative population boundaries between (i) the western and eastern South Pacific Ocean, and (ii) Chile and Peru. Yet the chemistry of the otolith nucleus, in material laid down during early life, showed no evidence supporting the existence of these boundaries. Instead, jack mackerel from New Zealand had similar nucleus chemistry to most sampling areas off South America; and those off southern Peru showed similar nucleus chemistry to most sampling areas off Chile. Strong differences were found between southern and northern Peru, and cluster analysis indicated this was caused by a group of fish off northern Peru with chemistry found nowhere else. Most other fish grouped in two clusters, which showed properties suggesting correspondence with a major spawning zone in oceanic water off central Chile, and a smaller area in coastal water off northern Chile, characterized by similar sea surface temperature, lack of westward transport, and low kinetic energy. Rather than discrete populations separated by boundaries, these results suggest complex spatial structure defined by environmentally mediated survival and connectivity: fish caught off New Zealand may be of South American origin; the spawning zone off central Chile may supply fisheries around the South Pacific; and spawning off northern Chile may be an important source of fish caught locally and in Peru. However, northern Peru does not supply areas further south.     

Lineage specific detection of the scaly form of the pen shell <Emphasis Type="Italic">Atrina</Emphasis> spp. by a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method

Taxonomy of the pen shell (genus Atrina) in East Asia has been confused because of the plasticity of the shell morphology and lack of unified morphological characteristics. We analyzed the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence of the pen shell sampled from Ariake Bay and Seto Inland Sea, western Japan. All individuals were identified as the scaly form based on external morphology; however, their COI sequences were comprised of two distinct lineages. The sequence divergence between the two was 8.3%, indicating the high possibility that they are different species. The scaly form of the pen shell in Japan is one of the target species for resource enhancement, therefore COI lineage identification of broodstock individuals is critically important to avoid producing hybrid seed. We developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method that enables specific detection of the two lineages. This method can contribute to reducing the cost and time required for genotyping broodstock individuals prior to seed production.     

Double-Cropping Malaysian Prawns,Macrobrachium rosenbergii,and Red Swamp Crawfish,Procambarus clarkii

Prawns, "Macrobrachium rosenbergii," and crawfish, "Procambarus clarkii," were alternatively grown in ponds to determine if they were compatible and if total production could be increased. Brood crawfish were stocked into replicated ponds at rates of 0,60, 120 or 180 kg/ha on 18 April. Water was removed to encourage burrowing. Following this, rice was planted as forage. Post-larval prawns (0.02 g) were stocked 3 July in all ponds at 17,500/ha. Prawns in half the ponds were fed and those in the other ponds were not. Ponds were drained from 7 to 11 October. Prawn production ranged from 157 to 248 kg/ha; survival ranged from 69% to 88%, and average size ranged from 11 to 7 g. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between fed and non-fed treatments. The ponds were reflooded and crawfish were harvested by trapping from 15 January to 15 May. The average yield of crawfish ranged from 746 to 1,266 kg/ha. Stocking rate had no effect of crawfish yields (P > 0.25). Total yield, with prawns and crawfish combined, ranged from 1,037 to 1,237 kg/ha. Overall, prawns and crawfish were compatible in rotation. Prawns were a good size for soft shell production during months when crawfish are not available for soft shell production.