Aquaculture of two commercially important molluscs (abalone and limpet): existing knowledge and future prospects

Abstract

Molluscan aquaculture produces the most food fish by volume in the global mariculture market. The historical, cultural and ecological value of molluscs makes them a highly sought‐after delicacy in many regions of the world. Specifically, the aquaculture of abalone and that of limpets are two key industries with striking similarities and importance within the context of food production and food security. In this review, the current knowledge of these two commercially important seafood species is explored for a comprehensive understanding of its aquaculture status. The various culture methods and systems, animal nutrition and necessary improvements are discussed for abalone and limpets, respectively. For abalone, the knowledge base is extensive and some reviews have been written to compile essential information regarding different aspects of this healthy industry. For limpets, there is a small collection of aquaculture literature, and this is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first comprehensive review of the research. Our goal was to reveal, within the area of aquaculture research, the current status of both abalone and limpet industries while exposing their respective knowledge gaps for appropriate development of new technologies. With a firm understanding of these molluscs, the production of abalone and limpet will be sustainable for the long term.

Artificial reproduction protocol, from spawning to metamorphosis, through noninvasive methods in Patella caerulea Linnaeus, 1758

“…Introduction of mollusc species on a commercial production level is largely determined by its seed production. While the spawning of abalone has become routine and breeding and rearing protocols are well established (Mau & Jha, ), allowing an overall production from aquaculture of 140,614 tons (FAO, ) compared to only 7,227 tons from harvesting (FAO, ) in 2015, the sustainable aquaculture of limpets still requires successful spawning and larval rearing techniques.…”

‘Impossible’ re-introduction of the endangered limpet Patella ferruginea Gmelin, 1791? Progress in resolving translocation mortality

“…It is surmised that any new methodologies which could save such individuals and guarantee their long-term survival would be welcomed. Such methodologies would also be applicable to develop conservation strategies for other limpet species and the emerging field of lim pet aquaculture (Angel et al 2006, Mau & Jha 2017.…”

Predicting the fate of the most endangered marine invertebrate of the Mediterranean: The power of long‐term monitoring in conservation biology

“…Therefore, there is debate with regards to limpet larval development (lecitotrophy versus planktotrophy). Whereas Smith () unsuccessfully used microalgae for feeding the veliger stage in larval cultures of true limpets, others have routinely added them in their protocols (De Azevedo, ; Mau & Jha, ). On the other hand, Hadfield, Strathmann, and Strathmann () suggested that for most of the basal gastropod clades, all surviving species may lack feeding larval stages, despite many of them having planktonic veliger larvae, and have provided evidence of this for several species.…”