Development of a hormonal implant for small, less than 1kg, marine finfish broodstock to enhance reproduction

One of the requirements of a sustainable aquaculture industry is the capacity to control reproduction in captivity and acquire high-quality eggs and sperm, however most captive fish experience some degree of reproductive dysfunction. To answer this problem, hormone administration has been developed as an effective method to induce maturation and obtain fertilized eggs. Although this technology has only been able to address reproduction control in larger fish species. Currently, there is no spawning hormone implant available for small fish, less than 1kg fish; an industry that includes marine baitfish, marine ornamentals, and conservation dependent species. This project will, therefore, be novel in the development of an implant suitable for smaller fish.