The Deal with Yellowtail Kingfish
October 1st, 2008 by g.reutensThe following articles were most interesting in outlining the problems and opportunities related to Yellowtail Kingfish.
http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/wf/articles/wf_win2003.pdf
Yellowtail kingfish are prevalent in the Pacific and Indian Ocean surrounding South Africa, Japan, South Australia and USA. In Japan for example, the specie is consumed in sashimi form and thus, is demanded by this market. As a result of this potential export prospect, and the fact that kingfish are robust, fast-growing and not-to-mention delicious, this has become an area of great interest for those working at the Department of Fisheries in concert with the Aquaculture Development Unit at Challenger Tafe.
Traditionally, the species has been farmed by catching juveniles and rearing until appropriate market size. Female kingfish have the capacity to produce millions of eggs throughout the spawning cycle, after which the eggs are removed into separate holding tanks where they are grown. Rearing in this manner has become problematic in nature whereby deformities and mortalities have been observed in larvae. This is largely thought to be due to nutrient deficiencies which can lead to abnormalities, and stress-related diseases typically observed in juveniles throughout handling.
Research conducted on this issue along with specific specie characteristics, including oxygen requirements and metabolic information has enabled the production of healthy farmed produce. Automated systems are in place to incorporate all of this knowledge, and assist with limited production staff. At Challenger Tafe the larvae are fed and weaned to juvenile stage prior to being transported to hatcheries or fisheries for continuation of the trial.
The technology customised for the Yellowtail kingfish has the potential for diverse application for other species, and would provide further enhancements to WA’s aquaculture industry.
http://govdocs.aquake.org/cgi/reprint/2004/802/8020840.pdf
Tags: yellowtail kingfish
Posted in Hatchery R&D, Technology. Permalink for this post: permalink.
If you are a Digg user, please 
Digg this post. If you use use Del.icio.us, then add us in: 
Del.icio.us
What do you think?
Leave a comment! Or send a trackback from your own blog.
Like to read more? Subscribe with RSS
