This paper summarises the development, over the last 15 years, of the rearing techniques of the two most important finfish cultivated in France: the sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax and the sea bream, Sparus auratus. The historical background and the main achievements that led to the present industrial production level are summarised i.e. control of environmental factors, intensification of rearing densities, simplification and improvement of feeding sequences, resolution of the main skeletal deformities, utilisation of closed recirculating systems, etc... The new research orientations that are presently investigated to continue the promotion of marine fish farming in France are also discussed.
(IFREMER, Stn. Expt. Aquaculture, Chemin Maguelone, F-34250 Palavas les Flots, France)
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