Probiotic System for Bivalve Shellfish Aquaculture - Phase II

Marine fish, shrimp and shellfish are produced from marine hatcheries and nurseries but, to date, the inevitable bacterial colonization of these systems has been an uncontrolled variable. Proposed Phase II research builds on very promising Phase I laboratory studies showing that beneficial (probiotic) bacteria improved the survival rate of oyster larvae from commercial hatcheries by a highly statistically significant average of 32% and protected oyster larvae and juveniles from challenge by virulent bacterial pathogens. In Phase II, we will test these favorable results in three commercial shellfish hatcheries/nurseries. Probiotics will be tested by adding to (1) brood stock (2) concentrated larval and juvenile shellfish (3) larval and juvenile shellfish tank systems and (4) static and continuous cultures of algal feeds. We will measure comparative survival, growth rate, and time to metamorphosis in treated and untreated groups. Our probiotic species will significantly increase survival and profitability of shellfish hatcheries and nurseries, with similar beneficial application to shrimp and warm water fish hatcheries, operating in the same temperature range. Our probiotics provide a needed method for controlling bacterial colonization of hatcheries. A favorable cost-benefit ratio is anticipated making this a viable product in a largely untapped market. We have systematized a method of probiotic sourcing, characterization and testing that enables us to obtain additional effective probiotic species from any marine environment.