Quantitative approaches for identifying finfish species suited for sustainable and productive aquaculture.

Abstract

In this chapter, two models for selecting finfish species (site-specific selection of the most suitable species and production strategy (case study in Quebec, Canada), and evaluation of commercial species attribute in terms of productivity/sustainability) are described. Emphasis of the discussion focused on the limits and constraints of each models.

The status of spotted wolffish, Anarhichas minor: A commercially ready species for U.S. marine aquaculture?

“…minor: Dupont-Cyr et al, 2018). Generally found in deep (51-600 m), cold (À1.9 to 9.0 C) waters, spotted wolffish are most common at depths of 100-400 m and water temperatures <5 C (Albikovskaya, 1982;Templeman, 1984;Le François, Savoie, & Blier, 2010) and on hard and sandy bottoms associated with trenches (Albikovskaya, 1982). Spotted wolffish tend not to aggregate and because they reside at great depths, there are limited observations on A. minor in the wild.…”

“…Accordingly, the perfect fish could very well be tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in warm water and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in cold water environments. However, now sustainability, not just profitability, is considered when defining which fish species are suitable for aquaculture (Le François et al, 2010). Many species likely will have to demonstrate their suitability to being reared in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and display tolerance to crowding and water quality fluctuations.…”

“…As world demand for food from aquatic resources continues to rise, the importance of environmentally responsible aquaculture also increases. Accordingly, species selection methods that take into account ecological and sustainability considerations, balanced with productivity concerns, should be developed (Muir, 2005;Leung et al, 2007;Le François et al, 2010). Among these location-specific criteria that need to be included are as follows: proximity; population status (threatened vs abundant, with the former ranking higher [i.e., sturgeon species]); rearing density; disease resistance; and temperature preferences (the closer to ambient, the better).…”

“…Like many other cultivated fish species, spotted wolffish reproductive behavior is disrupted in captivity. Accordingly, males do not display normal spawning behavior and females release unfertilized eggs, so fertilization must be conducted in vitro (Foss et al, 2004;Kime & Tveiten, 2005;Le François et al, 2010). Maltais et al (2013) developed an assay for the determination of gender and sexual maturity status, whereas monitored levels of steroid hormones during two successive spawning cycles in A. minor and A. lupus.…”

Levels of domestication in fish: implications for the sustainable future of aquaculture

“…Several criteria for choosing fish species to be farmed have been proposed in the past (Appendix S3a,b). Furthermore, few methods were developed taking into account different criteria, such as economical, biological and zootechnical (Le François et al 2002;Quéméner et al 2002;Teletchea et al 2007Teletchea et al , 2009Le François et al 2010b;Suquet 2010). Another key criterion that should be considered is the promotion of native species for farming rather than introducing non-native species thereby minimizing potential impacts on biodiversity (Williams 2008;De Silva et al 2009;Vitule et al 2009).…”