Scientist's findings could improve salmon egg survival
A University of Maine professor has found that two hormones may play a significant role in increasing the survival rate of salmon eggs.
Salmon farmers used to be able to rely on at least 80% embryo survival, even up to 95%, but over these past 15 years survival has dropped to about an average of 50%, Heather Hamlin, a UMaine assistant professor of aquaculture and marine biology, told WABI TV. She added that the decline is creating a financial bottleneck for commercial producers.
UMaine scientists have been instrumental in helping to advance Maine’s aquaculture industry. Recent developments include Walpole-based Darling Marine Center’s use of buoys, sensors and other instrumentation to monitor water conditions for optimal growth of particular species to take the risk out of selecting aquaculture sites.
Maine’s aquaculture industry has been expanding over the past decade, with salmon remaining the largest aquaculture product by far, much bigger than shellfish and sea vegetables, Chris Davis, executive director of the Maine Aquaculture Association, told Mainebiz last August.
For a short UMaine video on this research go here.
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments