Yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) Farming in Japan

Abstract

Yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, culture has developed successfully on a commercial scale in Japan. Because of its suitability for aquaculture, it has become the most important species in marine fish farming.Artificial seed production technique has been advanced experimentally, and the artificially produced seed will supersede the natural source in the near future.The fish are cultured mostly in floating net cages in the shallow coastal regions, and in recent years the submerged cage culture technique has contributed to the expansion of production. At present, yellowtail growers, mostly family groups, can find a ready market for their product, and can realize middle-class incomes. On the other hand, consumers are able to obtain a stable supply of this staple food.In spite of the well-developed situation, there are still some problems. Diseases and the shortage of feeds are serious constraints for future progress. The development of suitable disease control techniques and new effective feeds will furnish a key for the solution of these problems.The techniques of intensive marine fish culture developed with yellowtail will be a valuable example for the development of marine farming in the future.