Be a part of 5^th International Conference on Aquaculture & Marine Biology

Title: Low Temperature Storage of Bivalve Larvae- A New Management Tool for Shellfish Hatcheries.

Biography:

Rivara Michael Patricio, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Southold, New York, USA.

Abstract

One of the major challenges for commercial shellfish aquaculture operations has been the seasonal fluctuation in the availability of seed stock.  Unsuccessful spawns, diseases, and the seasonal nature of bivalve hatcheries present obstacles to locally-sourced fresh shellfish for the seafood industry.  It would be of great advantage to shellfish hatchery operations if they are able to store larvae for an extended period of time in order to bridge between spawns (weeks to months) and seasons.  In addition, since fewer spawns are needed, algal production that would normally be devoted to broodstock conditioning would become available for feeding post-set, at a time of year when hatchery demand for algae is at its highest. Traditional cryopreservation of juvenile bivalves in liquid nitrogen using proven cryoprotectants and protocols has been attempted many times with limited results, particularly for species currently in high demand in the northeastern United States (e.g. eastern oyster & bay scallops). Our project involves subzero C stasis using optimal cryoprotectants and temperature ramps. Funded in part by New York Sea Grant, NOAA, DOC.