The status of spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) as a technologically feasible species for U.S. marine aquaculture

Abstract

Culture models and facilities for large-scale, commercial production of popular Gulf of Mexico species are unavailable. The spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) is one of the most popular recreational fishes in the Gulf of Mexico. Seatrout culture techniques were adapted from red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) protocols developed in the 1970s. Broodstock husbandry, spawning, and extensive pond rearing techniques using fertilized and bloomed brackish ponds were well-established by the 1980s. By 2018, approximately 80 million 25-30-day old seatrout had been produced, mainly for stock enhancement. Cannibalism and poor nutrition hindered intensive tank culture. Between 2005 and 2015, an intensive tank-rearing protocol that reduced cannibalism and intracohort variability and increased average survival to almost 50% was developed using algal concentrate, rotifers, brine shrimp (Artemia sp.), and microencapsulated feeds. Preliminary results suggested that a 500 g fish could be produced in approximately 10 months. Nevertheless, interest in commercialization has remained low. Zootechnical performance throughout the latter stages of culture, the economics of production, consumer preferences/perceptions, and market capacity must be documented to complete the assessment of the spotted

Changes in Digestive Enzyme Activities during Larval Development of Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)

“…Fish Sampling. According to Blaylock et al [22], the larval rearing period of spotted seatrout was 30 days after hatching. During larval rearing, a variable number of larvae were collected for measurement of digestive enzyme activities.…”

“…This species is of high value for commercial and recreational fishing in Mexico and the United States of America [15,16]. The spotted seatrout is a euryhaline [17], eurythermal [18], fast-growing species with a low food conversion rate [19,20]; its reproduction is possible in captivity [21], a characteristic that makes it suitable for aquaculture [22]. In this context, protocols have been developed to induce reproduction and spawning in captivity for the spotted seatrout, both naturally and by using exogenous hormone therapies [23][24][25].…”

Characterization of supply of marine finfish species with potential for commercial growth in the United States

“…Rexroad et al (2021) summarized the results of a series of workshops held to identify marine finfish species with potential for commercial farmed production in the United States. These include: almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana , Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua (Nardi et al, 2021), black drum, Pogonias cromis , black sea bass, Centropristis striata (Watanabe et al, 2021), California flounder, Paralichthys californicus (Stuart et al, 2021), California yellowtail, Seriola lalandi ( formerly S. dorsalis ) (Rotman et al, 2021), cobia, Rachycentron canadum (Benetti et al, 2021), Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus (Weirich et al, 2021), greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili , olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Stieglitz et al, 2021), red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus , red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus , sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria (Goetz et al, 2021), southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma , spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus (Blaylock et al, 2021), spotted wolffish, Anarhichas minor , striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Andersen et al, 2021), summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus , tripletail, Lobotes surinamensis (Saillant et al, 2021), and white seabass, Atractoscion nobilis (Drawbridge et al, 2021).…”

Rearing performance of juvenile yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus, in a sea water recirculation system at two different stocking densities

“…Culture at high densities directly affects animal welfare, because of stress for space competition, and risk of aggression during feeding increases (Huntingford et al, 2006). Some species present cannibalism, so it is preferable to culture at low stocking densities (Blaylock et al, 2021). Besides, producing at high stocking densities needs a greater effort to maintain a good water quality (Benjamin et al, 2022) and cover the oxygen demand (it may be one of the most important inputs) (Baylar et al, 2008), which affects the profitability of the culture.…”