The challenge of Bluefin tuna domestication. The SELFDOTT project

Abstract

Co funded by 7FP of the EU, the SELFDOTT project (From capture based to self sustained aquaculture and domestication of Bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus) over the last four years, has been devoted to enhance the existing knowledge on the reproductive biology of this species in captivity and to establish the knowledge-base for larval rearing, as the development of suitable eco-friendly formulated feeds. It has been counted on the participation of 11 public research Institutions and 3 private Companies belonging to 8 European Countries. Wild broodstocks placed in sea cages in Spain and Malta were used to study the gametogenesis in captivity as well as to examine the influence of diet on reproductive maturation and gamete quality. Also wild juveniles, captured in Spain were adapted to captivity in cages for the development of artificial feeding. The bluefin tuna broodstocks maintained in Spain and in Malta have produced massive spawnings during the natural spawning season (several tens million fertilized eggs between June and July). These eggs were sent to research hatcheries in Spain, France, Malta, Greece and Israel to carry out the research on the larval rearing and provide the knowledge basis on early stage ontogeny. The larval rearings carried out in Spain performed the best survival rate. It is hoped that a good number of these juveniles produced in 2011, will reach adulthood in a minimum of four years and reproduce, therefore achieving for the first time the closing of the biological life cycle of this species in captivity.