Public aquariums hold untapped potential as catalysts for aquaculture innovation, possessing diverse and biologically rich living collections. This project, a collaboration between leading academic and public aquariums (New England Aquarium, National Aquarium, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Aquarium of the Pacific, and North Carolina Aquariums) aims to utilize living collections to enhance the propagation strategies of marine finfish. Focusing on 14 marine finfish species, many of commercial interest and new to aquaculture, the project seeks to collect and analyze critical spawning data, track egg and larval development, and examine egg quality and larval survival rates.
Each partner aquarium is tasked with collecting eggs from their broodstock, and documenting essential characteristics such as egg volume and quality. A key aspect of this study involves analyzing the fatty acid profiles of each spawn, correlating these data with the observed quality of the resultant spawn. This approach allows for a comprehensive examination of the relationship between diet, egg health, and overall spawn viability. This talk will discuss the current status of data collection on fatty acid profiles and egg quality, and the interconnection between the two examining how feed quality influences them.
The project’s outcomes are expected to significantly enhance the scientific understanding and capabilities of these institutions in the early propagation stages of these species. By identifying correlations between egg quality and fatty acid profiles across various species, tailored diets can be developed for these warm water tropical fish, potentially improving propagation success rates. This research not only benefits the partner aquariums but also contributes valuable insights to the broader field of marine aquaculture.
This initiative highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration , and how public aquariums can serve as invaluable resources for aquaculture research and development. The findings are anticipated to provide practical applications in improving fish rearing practices, particularly in the early developmental stages. This project represents a significant step towards more efficient and sustainable aquaculture practices, leveraging the unique capabilities and resources of public aquariums to enhance our understanding and cultivation of marine finfish.