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?

The aquaculture industry is saturated by low quality algal concentrates that lower bivalve larvae survival rates. Furthermore, microalgae mixes are sold often in a single container, causing contamination and competition.

Investigating the potential of a novel mixture of microalgae including Tetraselmis, Rhodomonadas, Pavlova, and Tisochrysis, is a step towards cheaper and high quality feed. This experiment hopes to discover the impact of this multi species blend on Bay Scallop.

What is the significance of this project?

Addressing nutrient limitations posed by inter-species competition requires novel packaging and a better microalga mix covering all lipids, sterols, carbohydrates, and proteins bivalves require for optimal growth. In this experiment, we aim to determine the survivability of using this algae mixture as an alternative to poorly managed concentrates.

What are the goals of the project?

The goals of the experiment is to do the following:

- Create a microalgae paste that supports 95% survival rate in bivalve larvae

- Create a package that prevents competition between algal species