Friday, October 29,1999

Oak Bay Room

Chair: John Holder

JLH Consulting

• J.A. Brown, J. Rabe and V. Puvanendran - Progress in Emerging Marine Finfish Species: Learning from the Past

• D. Volker - Saltwater Rearing of Rainbow Trout: A Rookie's Experience

• G. Minkoff - Recent Developments in the Hatchery Production of Blackcod, Anoplopoma fimbria

• L. Druehl - Canadian Kelp Culture Technology and Opportunities

• A. Alabi - Progress in the Development of Hatchery Production Techniques for Pacific Sea Urchins

• S.C. Johnson, B.C. Blanchard, C. Lanteigne, S. Lall and C. Frantsi - Development of Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) Aquaculture in Atlantic Canada

• K. Mauriks - Sterling Pacific Halibut: A New Approach

• T.J. Blair, J.D. Castell, S. Mercer, S.P. Lall and F. Powell - The Effect of Different Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on Juvenile Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.)

• M. Maldonado-García, H. Tapia-Ruiz, A. Muhlia-Melo, J. Rodríguez-Romero, C.A. Alvarez-González, S. Rocha-Meza and R. Civera-Cerecedo - Effect of Dietary Protein Level with Practical Diets on Growth, Feeding Efficiency and Proximal Composition of Yellow Snapper (Lutjanus argentiventris) juveniles

• J. D. Castell, T. J. Blair, S. Mercer, E. A. Trippel, K. Madsen, S. Neil, D. Martin-Robichaud and J. Wade - Consideration of Egg Quality Factors from Individual Pairs and Communal Spawning Haddock, Melanogrammus aeglefinus

• W. C. Clarke, J.O.T. Jensen, J. Klimek, and Z. Pakula - Hatchery Production of Sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria 

• J.F. Powell, W.C. Clarke, and J. Blackburn - An Approach to Induction of Spawning in the Sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria

• P.C. Casey and M.K. Litvak - Do Winter Flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) Grow Fast Enough? Effects of Temperature on Growth of Young of the Year Juveniles

• T. Fleming - Arctic Charr: What, Where, When, Who, How and Why! 

• W. James and K. Smiley - Controlled Environment Grow-out Facilities for Arctic Charr

• J. Bebak, G.L. Bullock, J.A. Hankins and S.T. Summerfelt

Alternate Species Cultivation

Progress in Emerging Marine Finfish Species: Learning From the Past

J.A. Brown¹*, J. Rabe¹ and V. Puvanendran²

¹ Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Nfld. A1C 5S7:

² Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews, N.B. E0G 2X0

Aquaculture researchers across Canada have been working on developing protocols and technologies to rear non-salmonid, marine finfish for over a decade.  Currently in Atlantic Canada, Atlantic halibut, Atlantic cod and haddock are commercialized or very close to commercial production. Other species range from those close to commercial production (< 5 yrs; yellowtail and winter flounder) to others which are less domesticated (> 5yrs; witch flounder and spotted wolffish).  Given the long history of marine fish culture in Europe, Asia and Scandinavia, and the progress made in Canada, there are many successful larviculture protocols which can be applied and modified which can reduce the time frame for commercialization of emerging species.  In this talk I will discuss how the protocols developed for Atlantic cod and yellowtail flounder were "modified" for use in culturing witch flounder (grey sole).  Transfer of incubation, start-feeding, weaning and ongrowing protocols developed for cod and yellowtail larviculture to witch flounder resulted in successfully rearing witch larvae through weaning.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Salt Water Rearing of Rainbow Trout: A Rookie’s Experience

D. Volker

Pacific Aqua Salmon Farmers, Box 38, Coal Harbour, B.C., V0N 1KO

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were raised in a salmon grow-out site in Coal Harbour, BC on Northern Vancouver Island from the spring of 1998 until June, 1999.  For the author, it was the first time raising rainbow trout on a production scale.  This presentation will document the husbandry and growth cycle of the trout in the marine environment.  The pro’s and con’s of salt water culture of rainbow trout will be discussed.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Recent Developments in the Hatchery Production of  Blackcod, Anoplopoma fimbria

G. Minkoff

Island Scallops Ltd., Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2C8

The blackcod (Anoplopoma fimbria) is a mid-water fish with a north pacific distribution. Although it has been targeted for Aquaculture since the early ‘70’s, the development of a viable industry has been beset by the failure to produce juveniles in the hatchery. In ‘94 Island Scallops initiated research into the commercial production of blackcod for which, in ’97, a purpose built hatchery was constructed. In spring ’98 the first trials on rearing the larvae were successfully concluded and a number of healthy metamorphosed weaned juvenile produced. Larval rearing was achieved using a combination of rotifers and Artemia in green water systems. At temperatures ranging from 9-11^oC the weaning of the larvae was commenced at 30 days from first feeding and live feed discontinued from day 55. Average weight of the metamorphosed juveniles was 0.47g and 42.5g at days 61 and 117 respectively from first feeding. The current focus of research at Island Scallops is on establishing photoperiod manipulated broodstocks, these are expected to provide within the next 2 years high quality gametes throughout 6 months of the year.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Canadian Kelp Culture Technology and Opportunities 

Louis Druehl

Canadian Kelp Resources, Ltd., Bamfield, B.C., V0R 1B0

There is an increasing demand for kelp, resulting from the introduction of new products and a growing market for established products.  Sea vegetables, including herring-roe-on-kelp, and plant fertilizers are examples of growing kelp markets.  Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and feed for rearing sea urchins and abalone are examples of emerging kelp markets. To meet British Columbia demands, the reported wild harvest of kelp increased 50% from 1995 to 1997.

Kelp cultivation can help meet these growing demands and, at the same time, provide the harvester with greater quality control and accessibility.  Kelp farming consists of two stages, seed production and long-line cultivation.  The technology for farming is established and limited infrastructure for seed production exists.  The environmental conditions essential to a successful kelp farm operation are mostly understood.  Six kelp species have been successfully farmed in British Columbia.  Test farming in British Columbia and Washington State has indicated that up to 40 wet tonnes of kelp may be produced per acre per year and, where conditions warrant two crops per year, up to 64 wet tonnes may be produced.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Progress in the Development of Hatchery Production Techniques for Pacific Sea Urchins

Abayomi O. Alabi

Island Scallops Ltd., 5552 West Island Highway, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2C8

Sea urchin roe is one of the most valuable seafood items in the world. Current market prices average around CAN$1 per 10g of roe.  Diminishing returns from natural sources coupled with the presence of a strong and economically significant market, have been strong incentives for developing sea urchin culture systems.  Establishment of a successful sea urchin culture is dependent upon the consistent supply of high quality juvenile seed.  This paper presents the results of pioneering efforts leading to the first successful large scale production of sea urchin juveniles in British Columbia.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Development of Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) Aquaculture in Atlantic Canada

S. C. Johnson,¹* B. C. Blanchard,¹  C. Lanteigne,²  S. Lall,¹ and C. Frantsi³.

¹Institute for Marine Biosciences, National Research Council Canada, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax,

 Nova Scotia, Canada, B3H 3Z1

²Centre Marin de Shippagan, Second Ave, Shippagan, New Brunswick, Canada, E0B 2PO

³Connors Bros. Limited,  Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick, Canada, E0G 1H0

Since 1997 a collaborative project to develop techniques for the production of haddock and to determine the feasibility of commercial-scale haddock production has been conducted by the Institute for Marine Biosciences (IMB),  Centre Marin de Shippagan (CMS), St. Andrews Biological Station, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (SABS) and Connors Bros. Limited.  Photo-period and temperature manipulated brood stocks are held at SABS and CMS.  Broodstock under ambient conditions are held at IMB.  Production of weaned haddock juveniles has increased from approximately 2,000 in 1997 to  79,000 in 1999.  Survival from egg to weaned juvenile is still low (<0.5%) with the majority of the mortalities occurring during the larval stage.  Factors contributing to larval mortality are not well understood but likely include: inadequate nutrition, stress, and bacterial contamination of live foods, which result in poor growth performance, cannibalism and disease outbreaks.  Survival during weaning onto artificial diets has been improved and is no longer considered a bottleneck in haddock production.  Research into diet development and the growth performance of haddock in sea cages is ongoing.  This presentation will provide a general overview of our haddock aquaculture development program and highlights of some of the results that we have obtained to date.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Sterling Pacific Halibut: A New Approach

Kim Mauriks

Dorcas Point Farms Inc., Nanoose Bay, BC, V9P 9B4

Traditionally fresh Pacific halibut, Hippoglossus stenolepis, is available only on a seasonal basis. During the off season only frozen product is available along with very small amounts of wild and cultured Atlantic halibut. As commercial fisherman try to make more money with less fish, the time has come to achieve the highest possible value for the halibut resource by producing a consistent premium fresh product year round. This project has attempted to determine how well the longlining of halibut lends itself to live holding and to determine how well suited Pacific halibut are for net pens in B.C. waters. Longlining the halibut doesn’t seem to have any significant drawbacks for live holding. Approximately 6% of the fish have a serious hook injury and these fish are harvested right away. The fish adapted well to our flat bottom 20m deep pens. The temperature ranged from 8.1 C to 13.5 C. The high temperatures coincided with high levels of Cochlodinium so it was impossible to determine if the plankton or the temperature affected their feeding behavior. Their daily intake dropped from 0.8% to 0.2% body weight of dry pellets during this period. Mortality in the pens is under 1% due to the culling out of weak fish. It is still too soon to determine the growth rate. In conclusion they seem to adapt well enough to enable the year round marketing of fresh halibut.

Alternate Species Cultivation

The Effect of Different Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on Juvenile Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.)

Tammy J. Blair^1*, John D. Castell¹, Sarah Mercer¹, Santosh P. Lall² and Frank Powell³

¹ Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Biological Station, 531 Brandy Cove Road, St. Andrews, NB E5B

   2L9, e-mail: BlairT@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

² National Research Council, Institute of Marine Bioscience, 1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS, B3M 3Z1

³ Maritime Mariculture Incorporated, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada E0G 2X0

Recent success in improving growth and survival of larval halibut through metamorphosis suggests a promising future for commercial culture.  It is now vital to the halibut culture industry to have diets formulated with optimal protein and energy levels to achieve the best possible feed conversion and most effective weight gain. Eight diets were used to test growth and survival effects on juvenile halibut.  Four diets were formulated with constant protein levels (50%) and various lipid amounts (12, 16, 20 and 24%).  Five diets were isocaloric, but varied in protein levels (40, 45, 50, 55 and 60%).  The 50% protein diet from this section is the same diet containing 12% lipid so only 8 diets were needed to carry out both sets of comparisons.  Juvenile halibut (n=768, mean wt =13.6±5.8g) were distributed among 24 round fiberglass tanks to allow 32 fish per tank and 3 replicate tanks per diet.  Each tank was supplied with 1±0.2L/min seawater (salinity 31±2‰; initial temperature 8ºC, which gradually increased to 13ºC) for 10 weeks.  Each fish was weighed at 2 wk intervals.  Protein level but not lipid level had a significant effect on growth and survival.  After 4 weeks, fish fed 55 and 60% protein were significantly larger than those fed the 40% protein diet.  By week 8 fish receiving 60% protein (mean weight 26.6±2.5g) were significantly larger than all other treatments, and those receiving 55% protein (mean weight 20.0±0.9g) were still significantly larger than those receiving the 40% protein diet (mean weight 13.4±2.0g).  Different lipid levels, however, showed no significant effect on fish weights after 10 weeks (in order of increasing dietary lipid content; mean weights 19.0±1.7, 20.1±0.5, 16.9±1.9, 17.1±2.3g).  There was no significant effect of lipid level on survival either, with the 12, 16, 20 and 24% lipid diets resulting in mean 10 wk survivals of 62.5, 64.6, 74.0 and 70.8%.  Protein level did affect survival, with 10 week survival rates (in order of decreasing protein) of 97.9, 87.5, 62.5, and 75.0%.  Due to its relatively poor performance, the 40% protein diet was used only to the end of 8 weeks.  Fish receiving the 60% protein diet had an average biweekly feed conversion (dry weight fed/live weight gain) of 1.0±0.5.  Feed conversion for the 55% protein diet averaged 2.0±1.5.  Fish fed the 40% protein diet lost weight and the feed conversion value was negative. Thus it appears that juvenile halibut have a relatively high protein requirement, which was not spared by increasing the dietary lipid.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Effect of Dietary Protein Level with Practical Diets on Growth, Feeding Efficiency, and Proximal Composition of Yellow Snapper (Lutjanus argentiventris ) Juveniles 

M. Maldonado-García¹*, H. Tapia-Ruiz¹, A. Muhlia-Melo¹, J. Rodríguez-Romero¹, C.A. Alvarez-González², S. Rocha-Meza¹ and R. Civera-Cerecedo¹

¹ CIBNOR. Mar Bermejo No. 195. Playa Palo de Santa Rita, 23090. La Paz, B.C.S., México.

² UABCS. Carretera al Sur Km 5.5, 23080, La Paz, B.C.S., México.

Yellow snapper is a species with great aquacultural potential because of its high market value, and it  has a great adaptability to culture systems and accepts adequately formulated feeds. Because there is little information of the minimum nutritional requirements for this species, the effect of dietary protein level was evaluated on growth, feeding efficiency, and chemical composition of fish laboratory conditions. Four practical diets were formulated with increasing protein level (30, 40, 45, and 55%). Fish (n=96; 18 ± 3 g and 10 ± 1 cm) were stocked randomly in sixteen 200-L plastic tanks in quadruplicate. The fish were fed ad libitum twice (0900 and 1700) for 95 days. Samples of liver and muscle were obtained at the beginning and end of the experiment for crude protein and lipid analysis. Fish fed with the 55% diet were significantly higher (P ‹ 0.05) than fish fed with 30% diet for mean weight and total length. Significant differences were not detected (P › 0.05) for survival, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor (CF), feed intake, feed efficiency (FE), feed conversion rate (FCR) and protein efficiency rate (PER). All these indexes show that the best growth and condition factor were for fish fed with 55% protein. The protein and lipid composition of liver and muscle did not show significant differences between dietary protein level. We conclude that the diet with 55% protein is best for growth of yellow snapper juveniles.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Consideration of Egg Quality Factors from Individual Pairs and Communal Spawning Haddock, Melanogrammus aeglefinus

J. D. Castell*, T. J. Blair, S. Mercer, E. A. Trippel, K. Madsen, S. Neil, D. Martin-Robichaud and J. Wade

Department of Fisheries & Oceans, Biological Station, St. Andrews, N.B. E5B 2L9

The relationship among analyzed chemical composition (dry matter, ash, and total lipid content and fatty acid composition) and physical characteristics (egg diameter, parental fish, brood batch number and fecundity) of haddock eggs and egg quality characteristics (fertilization and hatching rates, time to hatch and starvation survival time) were evaluated over two spawning seasons (1998 and 1999) for 10 pairs of spawning haddock. There was no correlation between dry matter (average 6.9±0.5%), lipid content (average 9.9±1.4%) or fatty acid composition of eggs and fertilization, hatching rate or larval survival times. Though the earlier batches had slightly larger egg diameters (1.45 ± 0.10 mm) compared with later batches (1.35±0.07), there was no significant correlation between batch number and fertilization and hatch rates.  The highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA; eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA, 20:5n-3] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA, 22:5n-3]) are essential for embryo and larval development of cool water marine fish, with the DHA being required at twice the level of EPA.  These essential fatty acids were present in all egg samples at high levels, ranging from 9.7 to 13.8% for EPA and 29.1 to 37.7% for DHA,  among the eggs from paired spawning fish collected in 1998. The DHA/EPA ratios found in the haddock eggs ranged from 1.78 to 3.88. Eggs from haddock communally spawned in 1996 were similarly high in EPA and DHA.  Eggs with low ash (<20%) were characterized by higher fertilization and hatching rates than eggs with ³20% ash for the paired spawning in 1998 and 1999.  This relationship was also seen for fertilization rates in both the advanced and regular season spawning communally spawned haddock held at St. Andrews, Biological Station in 1999.  Based upon egg nutrient analyses, the broodstock haddock of the marine fish production facility at the Biological Station appear to be receiving nutritionally adequate diets. It does, however, seem possible to identify individual batches of poor quality eggs based upon the simple analysis of ash content.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Hatchery Production of Sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria

W. C. Clarke*¹, J.O.T. Jensen¹, J. Klimek², and Z. Pakula²

¹Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC  V9R 5K6

²Northern Marine Farms Ltd., 816 Frederick Rd., North Vancouver, BC   V7K 2Y3

The sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria, occurs in the North Pacific Ocean and is valued for its tender, rich flesh.  Commercial aquaculture of this species has been constrained by a lack of technology to produce juveniles for grow out.  Research efforts at the Pacific Biological Station have been undertaken in order to develop the hatchery methods for producing juvenile sablefish.  A joint research program carried out with Northern Marine Farms Ltd. first succeeded to rear juvenile sablefish from eggs in 1998.  Fertilized eggs were incubated in upwelling incubators at 6 °C.  Hatching occurred in the incubators and the larvae were held in the incubators during the yolk sac phase.  In preparation for feeding, larvae were transferred to 2m³ tanks greened with Isochrysis galbana (T-Iso strain).  Enriched rotifers were offered at first, and later, enriched Artemia.  Highest mortality is experienced during the first month from the time of first feeding.  After notochord flexion, mortality decreased and growth rate increased.  Sablefish are readily weaned onto inert diets and grow rapidly, reaching a weight of 700g within their first year.

Alternate Species Cultivation

An Approach to Induction of Spawning in the Sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria 

J.F. Powell*¹, W.C. Clarke², and J. Blackburn²

¹Syndel International Inc., 943 Linkleas Ave., Victoria, BC  V8S 5C4

²Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC  V9R 5K6

As part of a collaborative research program with Northern Marine Farms Ltd. to develop rearing methods for of sablefish (a.k.a. blackcod, Anoplopoma fimbria), we established a captive broodstock to provide viable gametes.  Because captured adult females held in tanks at ambient temperatures did not produce high quality eggs, we decided to investigate the efficacy of environmental manipulation in combination with peptide treatments for induction of spawning.  Broodstock were held under ambient conditions during the spring, but subjected to chilled (4-6^oC) water during the summer and fall.  Additional broodstock were held under ambient conditions throughout the summer.  Four groups of fish were treated with either 1) saline injection, 2) sGnRHa in saline (D-Arg6-Pro9-N-Et salmon GnRH; 25µg/kg), 3) sGnRHa (150µg) in an osmotic pump or 4) Ovaplant (150µg sGnRHa in a solid matrix).  We found that fish held at lower temperatures in the summer preceding spawning and treated with a slow-release formulation of sGnRH (osmotic pump or Ovaplant) were more likely to spawn high quality eggs.  We suggest that this approach of environmental control in combination with peptide administration can be used to improve gamete quality in marine species being introduced to cultivation.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Do Winter Flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) Grow Fast Enough? Effect of Temperature on Growth of Young of the Year Juveniles  

Paul C. Casey*¹ and Matthew K. Litvak²

¹Syndel International, Vancouver, BC, V6P 6R5

²Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, E2L 4L5

Winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) has been identified as a potential species for aquaculture in Atlantic Canada.  Protocols for rearing winter flounder larvae through metamorphosis have previously been developed. Current research focuses on juvenile ongrowing of this species. Here, I report on an experiment designed to test the effects of different temperatures on growth and survival as well as examine the growth rate of albinos.  Juvenile winter flounder were reared for 8 weeks at three temperatures: 10°C, 15°C and 20°C. Fifteen fish were stocked into each of 18 enclosures, six enclosures per treatment. Fish in all treatments were fed to satiation four times daily at six-hour intervals. All fish were videotaped at stocking and at two-week intervals. Growth was measured as changes in standard length, body area excluding fins, and weight. Length and body area measurements were acquired from videotape using image analysis software. The highest specific growth rate of 2.81%/day was achieved at 15°C. Within each temperature, growth rate of albino fish was not different than that of the normally pigmented fish.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Arctic Charr: What, Where, When, Who, How and Why! 

T. Fleming

 Icy Waters International Inc., Fish Lake Road, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Y1A 4N6

A brief overview will be presented.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Controlled Environment Grow-Out Facilities for Arctic Charr

W. James*¹ and K. Smiley²

¹Environmental Technology, Alberta Research Council, Vegreville, AB T9C 1T4

²Forest Resources, Alberta Research Council, Vegreville, AB T9C 1T4

The practice of raising fish to market size within controlled environment facilities is relatively new in Canada.  Ongoing research into water recirculation technology was coupled with species diversification experiments involving arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus.  Charr was selected because of its preference for cold water (thus minimizing heating requirements), its attractive market price, and its suitability for dense culture.  Yukon Gold^Ò eggs supplied by Icy Waters International Inc. in December, 1997 were hatched and subsequently raised through early growth stages in small tanks.  The effects of photoperiod, light intensity, and the presence or absence of a hiding place were assessed in relation to fish performance.  A large variation in growth rates was observed despite frequent grading.  Starting in January, 1999, charr over 0.5 kg were transferred to a grow-out demonstration facility enclosed in a greenhouse-style polyethylene structure.  Water treatment facilities were designed for over 90% water reuse on a daily basis and included an ozonation process.  The culture unit was a 12-ft diameter tank designed to accommodate over a tonne of biomass.  As of September, 1999 the largest of the cultured fish weighed 1.5 kg and fish weights over 2.0 kg are anticipated by year’s end.

Alternate Species Cultivation

Effects of Water Temperature and Vaccination on Survival of Two Strains of Arctic Charr

J. Bebak*, G.L. Bullock, J.A. Hankins and S.T Summerfelt

Freshwater Institute, P.O. Box 1889, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 USA

The Freshwater Institute is in the middle of a five year project to identify and solve biological and technological constraints to Arctic charr culture in the Appalachian region of the eastern United States, where groundwater temperatures average 10-13°C .  Two studies that have been completed are, 1) the effect of early rearing temperature on hatching success and fry survival, and, 2) the effect of furunculosis vaccination on survival of charr after challenge with Aeromonas salmonicida.  In the first study, eyed eggs (Labrador and Nauyuk strain) were incubated and hatched at temperatures ranging from 6 to 12°C.  Hatching success for all temperature treatments was 90% or greater.  For all groups, except those incubated, hatched and reared at 12°C, the probability of post-hatch survival was greater than 80%.  At 12°C, the probability of post-hatch survival varied between about 65% and 75%, depending on the strain of charr.  In the second study, the relative percent survival after challenge with A. salmonicida was compared  in two strains of charr that were vaccinated with sterile saline or with one of two commercially available injectable furunculosis vaccines (AquaHealth and AlPharma).  For both strains of charr, the AquaHealth vaccine was more protective against mortality from clinical furunculosis than the AlPharma vaccine.

Alternate Species Cultivation