Good water quality is of major importance to production results in a hatchery, particularly in those which work more intensively. A low cost water transfer system is also important economically, affecting both investment and running costs. The low cost, however, should not be allowed to compromise the efficacy of the system, leading to operating problems or a lower water quality, for example. This chapter will take a brief look at some important factors in the location of hatcheries, before progressing to assess different water supply systems, encompassing both fresh water and sea water. Before the water entersthe production unit, it hasto be treated to fulfill the requirement of the aquatic organism as closely as possible. A description of different water treatment equipment/methods is also included in the chapter.

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector in the world. With demand for seafood increasing at astonishing rates, the optimization of production methods is vital. One of the primary restrictions to continued growth is the supply of juveniles from hatcheries. Addressing these constraints, Advances in aquaculture hatchery technology provides a comprehensive, systematic guide to the use of current and emerging technologies in enhancing hatchery production.Part one reviews reproduction and larval rearing. Aquaculture hatchery water supply and treatment systems, principles of finfish broodstock management, genome preservation, and varied aspects of nutrition and feeding are discussed in addition to larval health management and microbial management for bacterial pathogen control. Closing the life-cycle and overcoming challenges in hatchery production for selected invertebrate species are the focus of part two, and advances in hatchery technology for spiny lobsters, shrimp, blue mussel, sea cucumbers and cephalopods are all discussed. Part three concentrates on challenges and successes in closing the life-cycle and hatchery production for selected fish species, including tuna, striped catfish, meagre, and yellowtail kingfish. Finally, part four explores aquaculture hatcheries for conservation and education.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Advances in aquaculture hatchery technology is an authoritative review of the field for hatchery operators, scientists, marine conservators and educators. - Provides a comprehensive guide to the use of technologies in enhancing hatchery production - Examines reproduction and larval rearing, including genetic improvement and microdiets - Discusses challenges in hatchery production of specific species

Microalgae remain an indispensible hatchery food for many aquaculture species, despite some on-going progress in the development of formulated larval feeds. The majority of the microalgae feed production occurs as living cultures on-site within hatcheries. In this review, general characteristics of microalgae are discussed, including chemical profiles, nutritional qualities and methods of mass culture. Key microalgal species are identified that are used as feeds leading to the hatchery production of bivalves, abalone, shrimp and fish. Global demand for microalgae production as hatchery feeds is likely to increase, requiring not only the expansion of existing infrastructure, but technical innovation to develop new production systems that are more intensive and have greater production capacity.

In aquaculture production systems, the hatchery phase is the most challenging as larvae are prone to infections and disease from microbial agents causing mass mortalities. A holistic microbial management regime concept is developed with the hatchery managed as a set of compartments: (1) the water column (planktonic); (2) surfaces (biofilm); (3) the larvae themselves; and (4) feeds (live and formulated). Emphasis on the use of the microbial community as a whole to maintain larvae in high health with various prophylactic strategies is discussed. A range of treatment strategies are considered, including antibiotics, bacteriophage therapy, quorum sensing inhibition and microbial predation. Developing innovations and future trends in microbial management and biocontrol are outlined.

This chapter provides an update on the most common zooplankton live feed species used in hatchery rearing of fish and shellfish larvae, namely rotifers, Artemia and copepods. Each section starts with a summary of the biology and ecology of these species. An overview of the most common techniques to culture, feed, harvest, disinfect and preserve these organisms is provided. Special attention is given to nutritional and microbiological aspects. Furthermore, new trends and developments are discussed.

This chapter deals with the different methods used in the world to produce hatchery-reared juveniles of Octopus vulgaris, including capture and transport methods, broodstock conditioning and paralarval rearing technology. First, a review is made of the different systems used for hatchery production of the various Cephalopod species in which there is the greatest commercial interest. Then, specifically for Octopus vulgaris, conclusions and standardized methods related to the spawning process, the control of embryonic development and, finally, a protocol for paralarval rearing are also given. The main bottlenecks and future research trends are pointed out, and important sources of further information and advice are referenced. A brief review of the state-of-the-art on larvae and juvenile rearing of other cephalopods species is also included in this chapter.

Closed life-cycle breeding of aquaculture species is essential for sustainability. The primary bottleneck towards this goal is a robust commercial-scale hatchery technology. The larval phase of Palinurid lobsters is amongst the lengthiest of any marine invertebrates; hence a major leap forward in aquaculture hatchery technology is required for commercial-scale production. The main challenges for Palinurid hatchery technology development are outlined together including aspects of water quality and tank design. The larval biology of Palinurid lobsters is discussed as well as broodstock husbandry and spawning. A concise review of reported diseases is presented together with larval nutrition requirements and their relationship to final larval metamorphosis to juvenile.

The reliance on wild-caught juvenile tuna is seen as the Achilles heel of tuna ranching industries worldwide and it is widely recognised that closed-cycle hatchery production is essential to sustain the demand for tuna and reduce pressure on wild stocks. The many features that make tuna such a unique group of fish also give rise to the many challenges associated with their culture and despite some forty years of effort, commercial scale hatchery production has yet to be fully realised. This chapter summarises the history of closed-cycle tuna production and discusses the recent and significant achievements that have been made towards the achievement of this elusive goal.

Broodstock management, the control of reproduction and genetic improvement are central parts of an aquaculture business that allow a hatchery to continually improve efficiency and productivity of the entire business. Control of reproduction, has been classified into critical points and management points. The chapter identifies and explains how critical points must be controlled to obtain successful spawning of good quality eggs and how management points can be controlled to maximize production. Genetic improvement gives the potential to shape an organism to meet human needs, improving productivity and product quality. The chapter explains the bases of setting up a genetic improvement program and identifies the associated benefits and risks of this long term investment.

To date, European mussel culture has relied entirely on wild seed from suspended collectors or mussel beds. One problem faced by blue mussel producers is the unpredictability of seed supply, the amounts of wild seed available being extremely variable from year to year. A second problem is that recently spawned mussels cannot be sold due to insufficient meat. Hatcheries can complement wild seed supply. Hatcheries also allow triploid induction that produces non-maturing mussels. In this chapter, the different steps in hatchery production of mussel seed are described. A final section addresses future trends.