Marine Juvenile Production

How fish reproductive strategies and spawning biology is affecting the embryonic development and early life stages of different species is discussed. The course is focusing upon growth and functional development of different types of fish larvae, and fish will be compared with other animal groups. The importance of nutritional and environmental conditions are viewed in relation to larval adaptation and sensitivity to environmental factors in nature and in cultivation. The course has a special focus upon pelagic fish larval development, and how biological and rearing conditions may determine the further growth and functional development. The course will also focus upon cultivation of microalgae and zoo-plankton used as food for the early stages of marine fish larva. Emphasis is given to the physiology and growth kinetics of different species, and also to cultivating techniques (production). The course includes practical exercises in cultivation of microalgae, zoo-plankton and marine fish larvae.

The candidate should know:

• How fish reproduction strategies and spawning biology affect the offspring developmental pattern, viability and environmental adaptation
• Comparative functional development in fish, from fertilisation to adult stage
• Environmental and nutritional requirements in fish larvae, using marine pelagic fish larvae as model organisms
• Cultivation methods and basic biology for microalgae and zooplankton species.

Skills:

• Assess basic environmental requirements and ecological niche of fish embryos/larvae based on the fish spawning biology and morphological traits of the offspring
• Identify critical stages and factors for cultivation of early life stages of fish, and estimate possible effects from environmental variations
• Design and carry out cultivation regimes for fish larvae and live feed organisms based on water quality control and larval nutritional and environmental requirements
• Evaluate feed quality, growth and functional development of larvae during experimental or commercial rearing conditions

General competence (attitudes):

• A solid understanding of how cultivation conditions may affect the characteristics of live feed organisms
• Demonstrate a good understanding of the plasticity of marine fish larval development and how environmental conditions (water quality, nutritional quality, feeding strategies, etc) may affect development, growth, and juvenile production both in captive, controlled systems and in nature

Learning objectives:

• On completion of the course the students should be familiar with the development, physiology, growth kinetics, and cultivating techniques of fish larvae and of microalgae and zoo-plankton used as food for the early stages of marine fish larva.

The teaching is occurring intensively in March/April. Admission to the course is restricted (14 places). Laboratory course is mandatory, and the laboratory report is evaluated as part of the final grade (40%).