Publication Abstract

Preliminary experiments on the development of extensive culture methods for juvenile sole, Solea solea

J. Jinadasa and B.R. Howell

The effect of different levels of organic enrichment on benthic productivity was studied over a 16-week period in trays of sediment placed in a fertilized seawater pond. Primary and secondary planktonic production were also monitored. The exploitation of these sources of food by juvenile sole (Solea solea) and their growth and survival over an 8-week period were assessed. The colonization of the sediments showed a marked succession. The high-organic sediment supported fewer polychaetes and copepods than either the low- or medium-organic sediments. The species composition of the benthos varied both with the level of organic enrichment and with time. Harpacticoid copepods were the dominant food item consumed by small (21-50 mm total length) sole. The percentage increase in length of the juvenile sole at low-, medium- and high-organic levels was 108, 146 and 152 respectively. Survival, however, was highest (100%) on the untreated sediment and lowest (57%) at the medium-organic level.

Reference:

J. Jinadasa and B.R. Howell, 1991. Preliminary experiments on the development of extensive culture methods for juvenile sole, Solea solea. Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, 22: 25-36.