About This Project

This project aims to develop a live microalga paste to improve bivalve larval survival, growth, and settlement. Traditional mixed feeds reduce quality as strains compete, limiting nutrition. Furthermore, monocultures of microalgae and frozen concentrates reduce nutrient levels. By testing a nutrient-rich, cost-effective algae blend, we aim to enhance hatchery efficiency, reduce feed costs, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

This project aims to develop a live microalgae paste to improve bivalve larval survival and growth. Competitors package multiple strains of microalgae of different species in a single container, causing competition. This means faster growing strains like Tetraselmis outcompete slower growing species, reducing nutrient diversity.

Furthermore, companies sell monocultures of microalgae that do not complete the bivalve nutritional profile like DHA lipids or carbohydrates, lower survival rate.

By testing a nutrient-rich, cost-effective algae blend, we aim to enhance hatchery efficiency, reduce feed costs, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices. We use Tetraselmis, Tisochrysis, Pavlova, Porphyridum, and Thalassiosira phytoplankton.

What is the significance of this project?

I plan to direct some of my funds on testing the blend on Bay Scallop. This experiment is directed towards the larvae stage of the bivalves, because that is where adequate nutrition is most critical for optimal survival rates, where many other blends may fail. The majority of my funds will go to purchasing the necessary hardware and nutrient media to grow the microalgae, as well as the novel vial separation package. Despite the fact that my product is very well researched, my algae mixture may not be optimal if the results from the larvae experiment prove otherwise. In this case, I can easily pivot to growing another microalgae mixture with the same equipment, so my total loss will be minimal.

What are the goals of the project?

The mix will be separated based on larvae stages, or be stage specific, something many hatcheries have never done before. The D Velinger larva stage will have Tisochyris and Pavlova for easy digestibility (50-50 ratio). In the Veliger stage, Tisochrysis, Thalassiosira, Pavlova, Rhodomonadas, and Tetraselmis will be used in equal ratios for balanced nutrition (20-20-20-20-20). In the late Veliger stage and for attachment, Tetraselmis, Thalassiosira, Tisochryisis, Pavlova(40-30-20-10) respectively.

Another way people can utilize the microalgae mix is by feeding to copepods, such as rotifers. These filter feeders can be grown well with the same microalgae, this mix is a kind of one size fits all with a 20-20-20-20-20 ratio.

I will label feeding ratios on the side of the vials for consumers to measure the appropriate amount of nutrients.