Culture of Abalone (Haliotis asinina) in Cages

Abstract

This experimental study sought to determine the feasibility of culturing abalone (H. asinina) in cages. I was conducted in Sulvec Cove, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur from November 2003 to May 2004. Three cages made of polyethylene net measuring 6 in x 12 in x 24 in. were utilized in this study. Abalone seeds of approximately the same sizes were gathered along the area and were stocked randomly in each cage with 100, 150, and 200 stocking density, representing Ti, Tand T, Natural food (microalgae) attached to stones were placed inside the cages and served as their food. Gracilaria spp. was also given as supplemental food to the experimental organisms, ad libitum. From the result ofthe experiment, the abalones assigned to Treatment l (100 stocking density) yielded the heaviest meanfinal weight and highest meanfinal shell length ofl. 793 kg. and 1.76 cm., respectively. No significant differences occurred on the growth ofthe culured organisms in terms ofthe meanfinal weight and meanfinal shell length. In terms ofthe survival rate, Treatment I obtained the highest with 50%. Abalone can be cultured in cages using stocking densities of 100, 150, and 200, although a stocking density of 100 is recommended to attain a higher survival rate. The very low survival rate ofH. asinina cultured in cages simply dictates that a thorough investigation on the life cycle ofthis organism must be done, especially the feeding habit, salinity, and temperature requirements in order to successfully grow it in a captive environment. It is further recommended that net cages to be used must be smaller in mesh
size to be very sure that the cultured organisms do not escape when there is no food available in the cages.