Aquaculture of summer flounder ( Paralichthys dentatus): status of knowledge, current research and future research priorities

Abstract

Commercial aquaculture of summer flounder began in 1996. Both the research leading to commercialization and the production itself have been heavily oriented toward the hatchery phase. Producers of summer flounder larvae experience many of the same problems that producers of turbot and Japanese flounder larvae have faced and, in some cases, overcome. The extended period of metamorphosis and settling of summer flounder leads to problems with cannibalism and weaning to formulated diets that appear more severe than those in turbot. Producers are experimenting with both recirculation systems and net pens to identify the equipment that optimizes grow-out production. The major research problems that industry and academia should jointly address are (1) establishment of broodstock selection programs, (2) identification of broodstock nutritional requirements, (3) development of methods for volitional spawning by broodstock, (4) management of the microbial ecology in larval rearing tanks, (5) synchronization of metamorphosis to reduce cannibalism and enhance weaning, (6) optimization of production systems and diets for grow-out, and (7) reduction of disease through good husbandry and vaccination.