Physiology/Endocrinology

Sablefish Reproduction Project Title Control of maturation in sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) Description Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) has been identified as a priority species for commercial marine farming in the Pacific Northwest. Sablefish reproduce annually producing a large number of pelagic eggs during the fall/winter spawning period. In captivity, females will develop ovaries, but the final development and release of eggs has to be induced artificially with hormone pellets. Little is known about the factors controlling gonad development in this species, and several trials are underway to determine the effects of several environmental factors on maturation. Data collected on the control of gonad development, will not only be essential for the future successful farming of this species, but will also provide information which can be used to predict the possible effects of changes in the marine environment (e.g. ocean temperature, feeding opportunities) on the subsequent reproductive performance of sablefish and other similar marine fish species. Co-Principal Investigators Briony Campbell (School of Aquatic and Fishery Science, University of Washington) Eric Kroeger, (Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission) Collaborator Ken Massee, Mike Rust. Resource Enhancement Utilization Technology Division, NMFS. Related Links School of Aquatic and Fishery Science, University of Washington. Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Physiology/Endocrinology

last modified 01/28/03
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