JAPANESE ABALONE CULTURE PRACTICES AND ESTIMATED COSTS OF JUVENILE PRODUCTION IN THE USA

Abstract

ABSTRACTApproximately 100 species of abalone are known to exist in the world and commercial abalone fisheries have been established in at least 6 countries. In Japan, 5 species of abalone provide an annual catch of 5,000 metric tons (whole weight with shell) which sells for 6,000/kg (US$27/kg). To increase productivity of coastal waters, juvenile abalone “seed” (10–30 mm) are produced at government operated Fish Farming Centers. Production has increased from 200,000 seed in 1970 to more than 10.7 million in 1978. Survival of artificially reared abalone from larvae to 20 mm averages 1%. Problems still exist in providing the quality and quantity of food required by postlarvae and older juvenile abalone. Twenty millimeter seed is sold by the farming centers to fishermen at a price of $0.10‐0.12 each, which represents only 1/2 to 1/4 of the production costs. Seed is placed in coastal waters for grow‐out to 11–12 cm in 3–5 years. Recapture rates may exceed 10%. Production costs at the only private abalone hatchery in Japan are estimated to be $0.018/mm of shell length. Based on Japanese methods for seed production, an assessment of production costs for an abalone hatchery in the USA is presented. With an annual production of one million abalone (20 mm each) the production cost is estimated to be $0.022/mm of shell length or $0.44/20 mm abalone. The success of abalone production in the USA will be determined by cost effective hatcheries and a strong market for the abalone produced.