Precocious puberty in Seriola rivoliana: induction of early maturation to accelerate selective breeding outcomes in high-value finfish

The proposed work directly responds to USDA SBIR Research Priority 8.7 Aquaculture bydeveloping methods to accelerate maturity in Seriola rivoliana (a high-value marine finfish). Thiswill reduce generation time allowing for accelerated selective breeding programs. The objectivesof Phase II are to use hormonal and molecular tools to induce puberty and yield reproductivelymature broodfish at the earliest time possible. This work targets broodstock therefore no hormone- treated fish will be destined for human consumption.To effectively accelerate S. rivoliana puberty we have chosen three hormonal treatments that webelieve will condition the brain for earlier maturity induce onset of ovarian development andvitellogenesis and accelerate overall growth rate. A series of trials will be conducted over the two- year period. Initial work will refine the dose and administration of hormonal implants. Later twosix-month long trials will test and refine treatments. By analyzing levels of hormones in the brainand liver and by comparing gonadal and somatic growth between treated fish and un-treatedcontrols we will identify if the methods are successful. The materials and procedures developedduring this work can be used by the applicant (Ocean Era Inc) and be licensed to other Seriolaproducers around the world.