The objectives of this research program are to evaluate the usefulness of waste heat from steam electric generating stations as an inexpensive and suitable source of warmed seawater for use in aquaculture of American lobsters and to develop the techniques and systems necessary for the commercially viable culture of this species. Growth rates of larval and juvenile stage lobsters are significantly greater in effluent of elevated temperature than at ambient ocean temperature, while survival is essentially the same in water of effluent and ocean quality. Water quality analyses suggest that concentrations of heavy metals and chlorinated hydrocarbons are similar in each water source. These concentrations are at least an order of magnitude below the median lethal limits determined in acute toxicity studies. Related research on the potential of controlled reproduction and hybridization, as well as the communal rearing of larval and early juvenile stages is discussed. The present status of nutrition research and programs for disease prevention are described. Prototype production modules for the individual rearing of juvenile lobsters to market size are presented. The cost effectiveness and relation of each component to total production cost are considered. Latest cost projections indicate that lobster culture utilizing these systems may be economically feasible. This technology may be applicable in the intensive culture of other cannibalistic crustaceans.
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