Prodution of marine fish larvae

In the tropics exist great variety of species with commercial potential, that could be produced in laboratories and be cultivated in marine farms. The Universidad Nacional since 90´s comes delivering research to improve the knowledge of the marine species like Red Snapper (Lutjanus guttatus), the Parque Marino del Pacífico advised by the Universidad Nacional has continued the investigation, since 2005 is been obtaining massive larvae productions.

The larvae have been destined to the "Gulf of Nicoya Marineculture Sustainable Project", in fish nutrition research and other research looking for the optimization of the technology.

The Technical Mission of Taiwan (ICDF) cradle in a great experience on marine production, is offering a valuable collaboration, with the contribution of technical and economic resources to the productive processes.

Process phases for production of fish larvae:

• Capture, selection and transport of reproducers
• Prophylaxis, acclimatization and quarantine
• Maturation of reproducers
• Fish breeding induction
• Fish larvae rearing
• Postlarve growth

Present Situation:

A preliminary protocol of production was written, which at the present time is in process of improvement based on obtaining a better technological package for the culture of red Snapper.

As an alternative of diversification in the 2006 tests of acclimatization and behavior of rgrouper reproducers(Epinephelus itajara) and Croaker (cynoscion albus) bagan, looking for new technologies of production and culture.

Projection to future:

It is expected in short term to complete technology of production of Red Snapper, as well first eggs productions of Croakers and Groupers in Costa Rica.

Nutrition of Marine Fish Nutrition

The knowledge of the production of any species of fish that is wanted to cultivate and to take to commercial level of production needs to include a commercial diet in which the growth of the animal takes as fast as possible, within a sustainable environment.

The Parque Marino del Pacifico joined effort with Corporation PIPASA (biggest Costa Rican animal food company) and the Universidad Nacional, for a research program in Nutrition of Marine Fish.

Present Situation:

The research program for the production of a specific food is developed that satisfies the nutricionales necessities with the Lutjanus species guttatus or pargo of the spot as it is known normally and of which the production technology is controlled.

Projection to future:

With the research program the goal is to generate scientific knowledge in the nutrition of marine fish:

• Nutritional requirements for the formulation of diets adapted to species with aquaculture potential
• Optimizers factors in diets of marine fish with commercial importance and aquaculture potential
• Vegetal substitutes of fish meal in marine fish diets