Larviculture of Atlantic cod
(Gadus morhua): progress, protocols and problems
J.A. Brown, G. Minkoff, V. Puvanendran
Aquaculture, 227(1-4): 357-372
Abstract:
Interest in the intensive culture of Atlantic cod has
increased dramatically due to a reduced supply from the wild fishery, high
market price and relative suitability of cod for culture. In spite of its
many positive attributes for domestication, intensive culture has only been
successful during the past 6 years. Large commercial efforts are currently
underway in Norway, Scotland, Newfoundland, Canada and New Hampshire, USA.
Cod are a geographically widespread species and because of this certain
population differences in response to environmental factors, such as light
and prey density exist. These differences must be taken into account when
developing protocols for commercial production. Research in Newfoundland has
focussed on determining optimal prey densities and light levels to use
during larviculture. Using a prey density of 4000 prey/l and light
intensities above 2000 lx, survival rates of over 40% from start-feeding to
metamorphosis have been achieved. A comparison of production protocols used
in Newfoundland to efforts in Norway is discussed.
(Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of
Newfoundland, St. John's, NF, Canada A1C 5S7, e-mail: jabrown@mun.ca)