Sea urchin gonads are a gourmet product in many parts of the globe. In recent decades there has been an increase in demand, which consequently led to overexploitation of wild populations. Therefore, sea urchin production in aquaculture is the way for a sustainable consumption of this marine resource. The species Paracentrotus lividus, known as purple sea urchin, occurs on the rocky bottoms of the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, and its production in aquaculture is still limited. The Aquaculture Research Station (EPPO) has been working since 2017 on research and optimization of P. lividus aquaculture. The OURIÇAQUA project aims to increase knowledge and optimize each stage of production of this echinoderm species. Sea urchin reproduction was studied in both wild animals and captivity born individuals, as well as comparison of gamete quality considering origin and generation. Breeding trials were also conducted to improve gamete preservation and fertilization techniques. In the larval stage, several trials were carried out to study and optimize factors such as culture densities and food requirements (for each larval stage) among other zootechnical parameters. Several diets composed of a variety of microalgae, from diatoms to cocolitophores, were tested. This work was accompanied with analyses of the nutritional quality of the diets and its influence on the biochemical composition of the larvae. Through this work it was possible to develop a suitable larval production protocol with a high success rate. Considering the metamorphosis and settlement of post-larvae the most complex and sensitive phase in sea urchin aquaculture, work was carried out to understand and develop strategies to increase the success of this phase, namely through the production of settlement substrates based on different biofilm. In juvenile production, trials were carried out with the main objective of developing diets that promote rapid body growth and optimize survival. Inert feeds specially formulated for juvenile sea urchins were developed and tested, the results of which were frankly encouraging, having significantly promoted the growth and development of the gonads. In partnership with commercial companies, different systems for fattening P. lividus were tested, in offshore and inshore systems. This phase of the work is still in progress, but preliminary results are quite positive, especially in systems installed in coastal lagoons. In conclusion, IPMA has given an important contribution to improve the knowledge of aquaculture of the purple sea urchin. Through the dissemination of these results IPMA intends to promote the production of this species regionally, nationally, and internationally, thus making this species a sustainable resource for human consumption.
Diversiaqua MAR-02.01.01-FEAMP-0175 e Ouriçaqua FA_05_2017_009