HATCHERY MANAGEMENT

Combining Zooplankton and Artificial Feed: A Champion Strategy for Sustainable Hatcheries

Global, 27 January 2025 | Adopting a Hybrid Approach to Enhance Early-Stage Fish Growth

Copepodos Tigriopus californicus | Credito: Naoki Kabeya

Zooplankton, such as copepods, rotifers, cladocerans, and Artemia, are far more than minuscule organisms drifting aimlessly through aquatic realms. These nutrient-packed live feeds are brimming with essential omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, which are vital for the early development of fish and crustacean larvae. Copepods, often dubbed the “superfood” of aquaculture, deliver unparalleled nutritional value, supporting digestion, growth, and survival.

While zooplankton are rightly celebrated for their benefits, cultivating them at scale presents significant challenges. Copepods, despite their superior nutritional profile, require meticulous breeding conditions and are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Consequently, large-scale production remains both costly and labour-intensive, placing a financial burden on hatcheries striving to meet demand.

Rotifers, by contrast, are easier to culture and reproduce at rapid rates, but they fall short of copepods in terms of nutritional content. Meanwhile, Artemia—a long-standing staple of the aquaculture industry—faces supply chain vulnerabilities due to its reliance on natural harvesting from ecosystems like the Great Salt Lake.

On the other hand, artificial feeds, while readily available and convenient, bring their own challenges. Leftover pellets and uneaten fragments often sink to the bottom of aquaculture tanks, creating zones of organic pollution. These residues can disrupt oxygen levels, encourage harmful algal blooms, and necessitate additional cleaning efforts to maintain water quality.

Furthermore, artificial feeds lack the dynamic movement and natural appeal that stimulate larval feeding behaviours, making them less effective during the critical early stages of development.

Sourcing zooplankton from the wild introduces another layer of complexity. This practice can inadvertently bring pathogens or invasive species into controlled environments, jeopardising aquaculture systems. These risks underscore the pressing need for stricter protocols and innovative strategies to mitigate potential threats.

Experts advocate for a hybrid approach, combining live zooplankton with advanced artificial feeds. Such co-feeding strategies aim to leverage the best of both worlds: the unmatched nutritional value of live feeds and the convenience of artificial alternatives. However, achieving this balance will require targeted research into species-specific dietary needs and careful evaluation of cost implications.

Emerging technologies offer a glimmer of hope for addressing the challenges of zooplankton cultivation. Cryopreservation, genetic enhancement, and bio-encapsulation are being explored to make zooplankton more accessible throughout the year. Yet, these advancements come with their own set of ethical and ecological considerations, which must be thoughtfully navigated.

As the aquaculture industry continues to expand, zooplankton stand as silent champions of a potential blue revolution. Their integration into aquaculture practices represents not just a nod to nature’s ingenuity, but also a critical step towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

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