Species selection

Seafish has guidance notes and information on culturing a range of different bivalves and finfish, including a suite of ‘Hyper books’ or electronic encyclopaedias.

They have been produced to support those seeking to enter the aquaculture industry and to provide working tools for those who are considering business expansion. Each hyperbook details technical information pages and an economic modelling tool. The fin-fish hyperbooks have more than one economic model covering the various stages of the cultivation process (hatchery, nursery and on-growing).

Species by species information

Bivalve molluscs

Bivalves molluscs are a type of shellfish normally having two shell halves which hinge together. Common species include oysters, mussels, scallops and various clams. With the exception of scallops and razor shellfish, bivalves are normally fairly static creatures that bury or attach themselves to the seabed or other submerged surfaces. They feed by filtering small particles out of the surrounding water.

Seafish has produced a Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines workbook to assist live bivalve shellfish operators in producing a high quality, safer live bivalve in compliance with legal obligations. It is designed to be used in the production environment, onboard the harvesting vessel or foreshore.

1. OYSTERS

Pacific and native or flat oysters are most common in the UK. There are numerous different methods that are used in the production of the Pacific oyster. These techniques depend on factors such as the seed supply resources, the environmental conditions in the region and the market product i.e. whether the oyster is sold in a half shell or de-shelled for meat extraction. Production can either be entirely sea-based or rely on hatcheries for seed supply.

Oyster guidance notes (Pacific and Native):

2. MUSSELS

Mussels can be harvested from wild or cultivated stocks. They can be cultivated either on the seabed or on ropes. Mussels grown in different environments have different characteristics in terms of meat content, shell strength, shelf life and biofouling (barnacles and algae on the shells). The UK harvests 15,000 tonnes per annum of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis).

Mussel guidance notes:

Seabed mussels

Suspended mussels

3. CLAMS

The Manila clam has had limited success as a cultivated species, and only small quantities are grown at present in the UK.

Clam guidance notes:

4. SCALLOPS

There are more than 40 commercial species of scallop exploited worldwide. Of these, 17 species account for the greater part of the 2 million tonnes (t) live weight global production from both capture fisheries and aquaculture (1). Cultivation of scallops has increased rapidly and now accounts for some 80% of total production. UK production of king (Pecten maximus) and queen (Aequipecten opercularis) scallops was 20,700 t and 5,500 t respectively in 2005, with first sale values of £32.7 million and £2.6 million.

Scallop guidance notes (King and Queen):

Shellfish

1. LOBSTERS AND CRABS

The most widely available edible crab species is the brown crab, Cancer pagurus, which is one of the UK's most valuable seafood products. Two closely-related lobster species are available in the UK - the European lobster, Homarus gammarus, and the imported American lobster, Homarus americanus.

Lobster guidance notes

Fin fish guidance notes

1. SALMON

The salmon industry in the UK is mainly supported by the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation. Initial expert advice can be found on SSPO website.

2. TROUT

The British Trout Association represents the UK trout farm industry and all aspects of trout research, promotion and related legislative framework.

3. TURBOT and HALIBUT

Cultured fish such as turbot and halibut are cultivated in the UK in a similar way to salmon. Work has begun on establishing culture operations for cod and haddock although there are continuing cost, marketing and technical obstacles to overcome at the time of writing. The British Marine Finfish Association Ltd represents the interests of this sector.

Turbot and Halibut guidance notes:

Turbot

Halibut

COD

There has been interest in the cultivation of cod, both for stock enhancement and commercial aquaculture. Cod farming is in its infancy in the UK. The cost of producing cod in farms is greater than that of catching them from the wild, and this limits the scope for farming at the present time. However, technologies continue to improve, and market niches for sustainable farmed cod are available.

Cod guidance notes: