Improved Spawning, Fertilization, Rearing, and Grow-out Methodologies for the Culture of the Sablefish

Metabolism and physiology research on the sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) conducted in Phase I of this research established that this fish is highly suited to culture conditions typically found in the Pugent Sound or Straight of Juan de Fuca waterways of the state of Washington. In this research, we will examine techniques to improve spawning of captive brood fish, increase fertilization success, enhance incubation and hatching results, and define early feeding requirements. Additionally, we will further examine the particular physiological and metabolic issues important to grow-out in net pen aquaculture settings (particularly fecal settling rates and C/N ratios), and incorporate data generated into a modeling system developed to assess aquaculture dynamics.