USA flag logo/image

An Official Website of the United States Government

Probiotic System for Bivalve Shellfish Aquaculture - Phase II

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Agriculture 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
57339 		Program Year/Program:
2004 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
2002-00362 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
AquaTechnics, Inc.
455 West Bell Street Sequim, WA 98382
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2004
Title: Probiotic System for Bivalve Shellfish Aquaculture - Phase II
Agency: USDA
Contract: 2004-33610-14750
Award Amount: $296,000.00
 

Abstract:

Marine fish, shrimp and shellfish are produced from marine hatcheries and nurseries but, to date, the inevitable bacterial colonization of these systems has been an uncontrolled variable. Proposed Phase II research builds on very promising Phase I laboratory studies showing that beneficial (probiotic) bacteria improved the survival rate of oyster larvae from commercial hatcheries by a highly statistically significant average of 32% and protected oyster larvae and juveniles from challenge by virulent bacterial pathogens. In Phase II, we will test these favorable results in three commercial shellfish hatcheries/nurseries. Probiotics will be tested by adding to (1) brood stock (2) concentrated larval and juvenile shellfish (3) larval and juvenile shellfish tank systems and (4) static and continuous cultures of algal feeds. We will measure comparative survival, growth rate, and time to metamorphosis in treated and untreated groups. Our probiotic species will significantly increase survival and profitability of shellfish hatcheries and nurseries, with similar beneficial application to shrimp and warm water fish hatcheries, operating in the same temperature range. Our probiotics provide a needed method for controlling bacterial colonization of hatcheries. A favorable cost-benefit ratio is anticipated making this a viable product in a largely untapped market. We have systematized a method of probiotic sourcing, characterization and testing that enables us to obtain additional effective probiotic species from any marine environment.

Principal Investigator:

Ralph A. Elston
3606813122
ralph@aquatechnics.com

Business Contact:

Ralph A. Elston
President/Research Director
3606813122
ralph@aquatechnics.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

AquaTechnics, Inc.
455 West Bell Street Sequim, WA 98382

EIN/Tax ID: 911586760
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees: N/A
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No