In recent years, consumer demand for commercial crayfish in the South of Russia has exceeded the volumes of its production, which determines the relevance of developing the technology of its artificial cultivation.
The Aquaculture Center of the Azov-Black Sea branch of the State Research Center of the Russian Federation "All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography" (VNIRO) is working on developing materials for growing long-clawed crayfish in the conditions of the Azov-Black Sea fishery basin.
This year, specialists of the Aquaculture Center successfully spawned female producers, obtained viable early juveniles, and are growing juveniles and keeping spawned producers.
Juveniles are grown in various ways. Some of the experimental groups are grown in aquariums and a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) under maximally controlled conditions using various diets and feeding regimens, including the use of specialized feeds developed by VNIRO. Some of the young fish are planted in the branch's own rearing ponds for fattening on a natural food base, and some are planted in special submersible cages for rearing in ponds with the possibility of additional feeding in them.
It is important to note that as part of the experimental work, planting in ponds was not carried out at one time, but when individuals reached different size and weight indicators. Different stocking densities are provided in aquariums, RAS pools and cages, since these factors, along with feeding regimens, have a significant impact on the survival and growth rates of individuals. The task of scientists is to find optimal growing conditions.
During the study, specialists carefully monitor the main hydrological and hydrochemical parameters of water, collect data on the survival and growth rates of the growing objects.
The data obtained during the experiment will serve as the basis for developing recommendations on the optimal, most effective and cost-effective technological regime for growing long-clawed crayfish in the conditions of the Azov-Black Sea fishery basin.
Press service of VNIRO
