IEO scientists are working on an anchovy breeding project in captivity. (Photo: AZTI/IEO)

Scientists study viability of captivity-bred anchovy

SPAIN
Friday, November 20, 2009, 22:50 (GMT + 9)

A research team of the Spanish Oceanography Institute (IEO) of Santander is studying the viability of breeding anchovy in captivity. If the project is successful, it could help guarantee the supply of this pelagic species, the fishing of which is prohibited in the Bay of Biscay due to a shortage.

According to Carlos Fernandez Pato, the main researcher of the project, they are looking to be able to raise anchovy in captivity “with the same quality as the wild species.”

The expert boasts experience in velvet swimcrab, barnacle and cuttlefish farming, in the improvement and genetic selection of turbot, the holistic development of common sea bream, and the design of facility systems for the breeding of said species.

This pelagic species in captivity “is fed feed that adapts to the results determined by the biochemical analysis, as much of the specimen as of the very feed,” Fernandez Pato said. What one looks for is an adequate proportion of fatty acids, protein and vitamins.

The primary target of the project is “to study the viability of breeding anchovy in captivity without altering the nutritional quality of the wild species,” the IEO researcher explained.

The proponents of the initiative have two challenges: the placing in captivity, so that it is manageable from the industrial point of view ,and the larval brood, fry and fattening that contribute to quality.

The resulting anchovies will have organoleptic characteristics - flavour, fats, texture - similar to those of the wild fish, since “if the quality is not adequate, a market that does enjoy these benefits will not be put at risk until this purpose is fulfilled,” he continued explaining.

The added advantage of these anchovies is that they will be free of parasites, like anisakis, said the scientist to Consumer.

“Repopulation is not desirable, but it may be necessary or complementary. Aquaculture has to cover a good part of the market, given the increasing demand of fish," Fernandez Pato added.

“It is a necessary complement, without a doubt. I trust that the oceans are less and less overexploited , and more rationally exploited, but in spite of everything, aquaculture has to cover a good part of the market, given the increasing demand for fish. Today it already supposes 50 per cent of the world’s consumption,” he concluded.

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com