Within the framework of the European R&D initiative “Prospawn: Implementing natural spawning techniques for marine aquaculture“, we are conducting a research project focused on the evaluation of a new production system for the stocking of black spot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) and white seabream (Diplodus sargus) broodstock.
The carrying out of this activity at the Aquarium of O Grove (Pontevedra, NW Spain) is the result of a collaboration with the Catalan company Blue Displays, which manages the facility since early 2011. Opened in 1997, the Aquarium of O Grove keeps a biological collection of well over 150 different species, including marine invertebrates, shellfish, caephalopods, crustaceans and marine and freshwater teleosts, virtually representing the whole range of ecosystems characteristic of the Ría de Arousa. This collaboration forms part of a strategy promoted by the new management in order to boost R&D activities in the aquarium, maximizing interaction with the scientific community while allowing for the characterization of valuable biological resources included in the collection.
With this activity we are assessing the effects of the shallow raceway system (SRS), designed and built by Acuinuga’s Aquaculture Division in collaboration with the Norwegian firm Akvaplan-Niva, on the reproductive biology of these two species of great commercial interest, kept in controlled stocking conditions (recirculation, photoperiod control) and current speeds of up to 3 body lengths per second.
Very compact in design and with minimal environmental impact, SRS systems are capable of attaining production levels 5 to 10 times higher than those achieved with conventional technologies based on tanks during grow-out. SRS systems also allow for significant reductions in critical expenses for aquaculture operations such as those derived from food consumption, water pumping, oxygenation, energy and labor costs.
The first results obtained in this experiment were presented at the Prospawn group meeting within the framework of the conference organized by the European Aquaculture Society, held on the island of Rhodes (Greece) in October 2011.