APSH Basic Management Plan

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Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery

Basic Management Plan

February 20120

0


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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 4

BACKGROUND 4

HISTORY OF THE FACILITY.......................................................................................................................................4LOCATION OF THE FACILITY.....................................................................................................................................6CURRENT OWNERSHIP AND OPERATOR....................................................................................................................6

GOALS 6

MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................................................................6OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................................................................................7

FACILITY DESCRIPTION 7

HATCHERY DESIGN....................................................................................................................................................7WATERSYSTEM.........................................................................................................................................................8WASTEWATERTREATMENT SYSTEM........................................................................................................................8TYPE OF FOOD PRODUCTION,HOLDING,SPAWNING, AND REARING SYSTEMS......................................................9

Algal production system........................................................................................................................................9Broodstock holding system..................................................................................................................................10Broodstock conditioning & spawning system......................................................................................................10

Larval rearing system..........................................................................................................................................10Intense nursery system.........................................................................................................................................11Long term nursery system....................................................................................................................................11Outside enclosed tank system ..............................................................................................................................11

SHELLFISH HATCHERY FLOORPLANS ...................................................................................................................11MARINE TECHNICAL CENTERFLOORPLANS........................................................................................................13

SHELLFISH HATCHERY OPERATIONAL PLANS 14

BROODSTOCKACQUISTION ....................................................................................................................................14SEED PRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................17

MARINE TECHNICAL CENTER OPERATIONAL PLANS 21

GENETICS MANAGEMENT 21PATHOLOGY AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT 22

APPENDICES 24

APPENDIX 1.ALUTIIQ PRIDE SHELLFISH HATCHERY APPROVED SPECIES LIST .................................................25APPENDIX 2.PACIFIC GEODUCK............................................................................................................................26

Broodstock...........................................................................................................................................................26Temperatures.......................................................................................................................................................26

Food....................................................................................................................................................................26Timelines..............................................................................................................................................................26Survival Goals.....................................................................................................................................................26

Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................27APPENDIX 3.PACIFIC OYSTERS..............................................................................................................................28



Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................28APPENDIX 4.NUTTALL COCKLE .............................................................................................................................29


Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan Page 2


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Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................29APPENDIX 5.GIANT ROCK-SCALLOP......................................................................................................................30


Food....................................................................................................................................................................30Survival Goals.....................................................................................................................................................30

Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................30

APPENDIX

6.P

ACIFICR

AZORC

LAM

......................................................................................................................31Broodstock...........................................................................................................................................................31Temperatures.......................................................................................................................................................31


Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................32APPENDIX 7.PACIFIC LITTLENECK........................................................................................................................33



Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................33

APPENDIX 8.RED SEA CUCUMBERS........................................................................................................................340

Introduction

5 AAC 41.27(c) A hatchery operation permit holder shall manage the hatchery in accordance

with a basic management plan approved by the commissioner. The basic management plan shall



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be drafted in conjunction with departmental staff and the hatchery permit holder and filed as an

addendum to the current permit approved by the commissioner and is to be revised whenever

changes are necessary or at least every five years.

The purpose of this plan is to outline the goals and operational aspects of the Alutiiq Pride

Shellfish Hatchery (APSH) in Seward for invertebrates in Alaska. The plan provides a history

and description of the hatchery, summary of the basic culture techniques and the current vision0

for management and operation of the hatchery. Since culture practices for invertebrates in

Alaska are still in development, the plan is meant to be adaptable and should be regularly0

updated.

1.0 Background

1 History of the Facility

In 1991, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) requested operating funds

as part of its annual budget to conduct preliminary research towards the construction of a

Mariculture Technical Center (MTC) that could support the growing mariculture industry.

While not approved that year, then-Governor Walter Hickel inserted funds in the capitalbudget to build the MTC. The MTC project was later merged with a shellfish hatchery

project proposed by the Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC).

During the legislative appropriation process, these projects were also joined to a site

selection study for the MTC facility and the construction of a marine nursery facility

referred to as a Floating Upweller System (FLUPSY) in Halibut Cove Lagoon on the

lower Kenai Peninsula. A portion of the Exxon settlement money (Section 5 of the

HSCCSSB 183 [FIN]) was used for funding these projects. Dames and Moore was the

contracting firm awarded funding for the site selection study. ADF&G managed the

contracts for all the projects and was responsible for managing both the MTC andshellfish hatchery. Seward was the final choice for a location for the facility among

several sites considered. Construction of the MTC/SH facility began in 1996, was

completed in 1997, and the facility began to sell oyster spat grown from eyed-larvae

purchased from Washington hatcheries in 1998.

While the shellfish hatchery was always intended to be hired out to a private contractor,

plans for administering of the MTC changed before construction was completed.

ADF&G lost annual operating funds in 1996, so they contracted a study to determine

how best to manage the space within the intent of remaining capitol funding. The

contractors for this study were the Alaskan Shellfish Growers Association and theUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks Marine Advisory Program under the umbrella of the

Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District. In coordination with ADF&G and

other interested parties, the contactors developed a plan to create a private nonprofit

corporation to oversee the management of the MTC portion of the facility. It would be

composed of representatives from the City of Seward, industry (Alaskan Shellfish

Growers Association and Kachemak Shellfish Mariculture Association), ADF&G,



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operator of the shellfish hatchery, and the University of Alaska. Concurrent with seeking

a plan to manage the MTC, ADF&G sought a shellfish hatchery contractor, but was

unsuccessful. With severe cuts in the ADF&G Mariculture Program budget, ADF&G

decided that the best way to accomplish the intended purpose of the MTC facility was to

contract the operations to the City of Seward, who had expressed an interest in this

oversight. Under the City of Sewards sub-contractor, the MTC facility was used

informally and intermittently by the nearby Alaska SeaLife Center and the University of

Alaska Fairbanks, Seward Marine Center.

The shellfish hatchery portion of the facility has been in continuous operation since the

doors to the facility first opened in 1997. One of the first operators was Qutekcak Native

Tribe of Seward with administrative support from CRRC. Qutekcak hired an experienced

shellfish production specialist, Jon Agosti, and business manager, Ron Long, to run the

facility. The Qutekcak Shellfish Hatchery (the name of the facility back then), focused

on producing oyster spat from stock furnished by the Oregon State University Molluscan

Broodstock Program and experimental work with Pacific littleneck, Pacific geoduck, and

giant rock-scallops. Unfortunately, seed production fluctuated and did not always meet

the needs of the Alaskan mariculture industry. A series of grants from the legislature kept

the hatchery afloat along with research grants and enhancement projects from a variety ofsources, such as the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation, National Marine

Fisheries Service, Administration for Native Americans, and the Small Business

Innovative Research Program.

In 2005, CRRC assumed management of the hatchery, hiring Jeff Hetrick as hatchery

manager and renamed the facility, Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery (APSH). One

significant change in how the facility was run has been to cease spawning oysters at the

hatchery and to import eyed-larvae or oyster spat from other certified sources. The

hatchery has continued to produce spat of other species for shellfish farmers while

significantly increasing involvement in research and development projects. One of themost successful initiatives of APSH has been to put the MTC to work with a king crab

enhancement project that has accounted for more than half the total revenues into the

facility. Since management of the shellfish hatchery was transferred to CRRC in late

2004, revenues from research projects in the MTC have become the hatcherys primary

source of funding in recent years. Hatchery revenues have remained insufficient to fund

the facility completely due to continuing struggles between seed demand, seed

availability, production costs, and seed quality issues.

Disaster struck the hatchery in October 2006 when torrential rains caused major flooding

in Seward, including blockage of a stream that backed up and swept tons of mud andrubble through the hatchery. The hatchery incurred about $200,000 in damage and took

several months to clean up after the floods. Fortunately, there was no structural damage,

and the staff was able to get the hatchery back up and running within a couple of months.

In the reconstruction process, the MTC was revamped for the crab project with the

addition of research and production tanks and a wall clearly separating the research and

hatchery component of the facility.



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2 Location of the Facility0

The facility is located on 101 Railway Road in Seward, Alaska on the north side of

Resurrection Bay.

3Current Ownership and Operator:

The current ownership of the building is complex:

Component Owner

MTC/SH building City of Seward (owned by ADF&G until 2004),

Note: Currently, the MTC/SH Building is leased to

Chugach Region Resources Commission

Lot City of Seward

Tidelands adjacent to MTC/SH City of Seward

The MTC and shellfish hatchery currently are managed by CRRC under contract to theCity of Seward. CRRC has been involved with the hatchery facility since its conception

and has the administrative and technical capability to operate the hatchery successfully. ,

It is very familiar with hatchery operations and its problems. Patty Schwalenberg

(Executive Director for CRRC) and Mr. Jeff Hetrick comprise the management team for

the hatchery. Ms Schwalenberg has overall responsibility for the shellfish hatchery and

MTC. Her primary duties are to assure that the facility has adequate administrative

support, funding, and oversight. As hatchery director, Mr. Hetrick, is the primary contact

and CRRC representative for the facility. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations

as well as planning and budgeting.

2.0 Goals

2.01 Mission Statement

To operate the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery as a non-profit business in an open and

transparent manner, that encourages technical excellence and is dedicated to meeting its

customers' needs as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. Recognizing that all facets

of the Alaska mariculture industry share the same future, the hatchery should establish a

close working relationship with all industry participants to ensure that the ultimate

customer is provided with the highest quality product at the lowest possible cost.

2.02 Objectives

Become a self-sustaining business. Promote additional staff education and training to ensure that the hatchery

maintains a high level of technical competence.



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Seek out technical expertise from consultants, other hatcheries, universities,

etc in order to ensure productive and efficient culture techniques. Develop an easy and effective communications system with customers. Work with commercial nurseries and growers to develop techniques and

procedures that will help make the Alaskan mariculture industry more

competitive. Continue to look for additional species to culture including species other than

bivalve mollusks. Any species development work done in the hatchery must

pay its own way. Establish production and percentage survival goals and once established meet

or exceed performance standard survival assumptions.

3.0 Facility Description

3.01 Hatchery Design

The hatchery building was constructed as a shared facility with 7,660 ft allocated to the

shellfish hatchery, 1,550 ft to the Marine Technical Center, and 1,171 ft as shared spaces

including mechanical facilities, laboratory space, and a shop (Figure 2). A detailedbreakdown of the space allocation in the facility is provided in Table 1.

The facility structure can withstand the constant flow of salt water inside and Sewards

harsh weather conditions outside. The quality of construction was demonstrated by the


Table 1. Hatchery Use Specifications (in ft.2)

Hatchery Tank Room 6,330Mariculture Technical Center 1,550

Shared SpaceMechanical Room 840Offices. Restrooms, Hall 810Shop 520

Algae Culture Lab 520Dry Lab 200Electrical Room 150

Figure 1. Hatchery


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lack of structural damage from the 2006 flood. While the boiler was damaged by the

flood and there was minor damage inside, the physical plant emerged relatively intact.

The facility provides sound, reliable water supply and drain systems for anticipated

activities of both the hatchery and MTC. Seawater pumps through an 8-inch HDPE

underwater pipeline extended to a depth of 250 feet just off the Seward Marine Center

dock. The water treatment used a system of sand filters and UV radiation, and both

ambient and heated seawater are distributed throughout the facility through oversized

header pipes. As required by research projects approved by ADF&G, the MTC intake

water can be separated and be further treated beyond hatchery specifications. Processed

water draining from shellfish culture tanks is collected in floor trenches and is routed

through a heat recovery system. All effluent is treated with chlorine to eliminate the

potential for disease organisms leaving the facility. The building provides flexible space

that can be converted to a variety of configurations without major modifications.

3.02 Water System

Between April and November, in the Resurrect Bay near APSH become stratified with

surface salinity at 23-29 practical salinity units (psu) and temperatures up to 14 C.During the winter months, there is much more mixing of the water column; surface

salinity is approximately 31 psu and temperature is 3-4 C. Primary productivity here is

typical of Alaskan fjords, with 1776 mg C/m/day in summer and 8 mg C/m/day in

winter. Analysis of the deep-water intake at the Institute of Marine Science (located next

to the MTC/SH building), detected no unusual levels of trace metals, pollutants, or

primary constituents.

The shellfish hatchery now has four sources of salt water. Those sources include an 8-

inch pipeline extending to a depth of 250 feet; a saltwater well; a connection to the

primary intake line for the neighboring University of Alaskas Marine Science Center;and a backup line from the hatchery. The primary source of water into the MTC is the

connection to the university intake line that can be transferred to one of the hatchery

sources as needed.

Intake water is treated by a series of filters (sand, bag and cartridge) to remove particles

greater than 1 micron in diameter and ultraviolet ray (UV) system (Figures 2 and 3).

I

3.03WastewaterTreatment

System

All effluent water

from culture and

broodstock

holding tanks is


Figure 2. Sand Filters


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treated with chlorine (2 ppm) to prevent the possibility of disease causing organisms

leaving the hatchery. Effluent water is captured in floor trenches covered by steel grates.

The effluent water goes out into Resurrection Bay after being treated with metered

chlorine.

3.04Type of Food Production, Broodstock Holding and Spawning, and Larvae

Rearing and Nursery Systems

The production facilities include systems that provide food or meet the environmental

requirements of the shellfish at the various stages of development and growth. The

following is a brief description of each of these systems.

3.04.1 Algal production system

This system is the resource for producing food for broodstock and juvenile

shellfish seed through their various stages of production. The steps involved

include starting a 250 ml culture in an axenic 500 ml flask for four days, using the

flask culture to inoculate a 20-liter carboy that is cultured for five days and using

the carboy culture to inoculate a 20,000-liter fiberglass tank containing 22 Cseawater. The alga is then cultured for 4 to 6 days to reach 1 billion cells per liter

before being fed to the shellfish. The hatchery also has a continuous "bag culture

system" that produces a mix of high-density dinoflagellates. See Figures 4-6

below.

Feeding involves diluting the cell concentration by two-thirds by pumping 10,000

liters from the algae tank to a 30,000-liter tank containing 20,000 liters ofseawater heated to between 16 C and 20 C, depending on the species of

shellfish. This is then sent to the various systems containing the rearing shellfish

and fed via a drip system at various rates depending on the life stage. A 30,000-

liter tank of the diluted algae lasts about one day. Toward the end of the workday,

the tank is replenished with about 10,000 liters of heated seawater to ensure that it

lasts throughout the night. Feed can also be pumped from the algae tanks directly


Figure 5. Bag culture ofdinoflagellates

Figure 4. Carboys in the wet lab

Figure 6. 180-liter cylindricalcontainers used for diatom


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to the rearing shellfish as opposed to the drip feed. Known as "pulse feeding" this

method can be a more convenient method of feeding under certain configurations,

but it is wasteful because the shellfish cannot consume all the algae at high

concentrations and a significant portion ends up going down the drain.

3.04.2 Broodstock holding system

This is the system for inactive maintenance and isolation of the various species of

broodstock in the hatchery. It consists of 1,000 liter fiberglass tanks that contain

the tray setup for holding brood animals, and a system for supplying unheated,

untreated seawater (except UV radiation) at 1 to 4 liters per minute. The animals

are typically pulse fed at varied times and amounts.

3.04.3Broodstock conditioning & spawning system

This is the system for ripening broodstock and spawning them. It has the same

components as described for the broodstock holding system plus, including UV

light and 1 micron filtering and heated seawater (10 C) to induce spawning. The

purpose of this system is to produce a "controlled spawn." This involves spawningequal numbers of each sex to ensure genetic diversity and keeping the sexes

separate as spawning is induced. The process involves close monitoring. As the

animals spawn, the gametes are removed and placed in a fertilization bucket in a

set egg to sperm ratio to help ensure a successful fertilization. After several cell

divisions, the eggs are inspected to estimate the fertilization rate. Fertilized eggs

are removed from the fertilization buckets and placed in larval rearing tanks.

3.04.4 Larval rearing system

This is the system for rearing larvae from spawn to the pediveliger stage. Itinvolves UV light treatment, 1 micron filtration and heated water (16 C, 20 C

for oysters) enough saltwater to fill a 30,000 liter fiberglass tank. Hatched larvae

are then placed in the tank and fed. Approximately every 2.5 days the tank is

drained and larvae are collected in a screen placed underneath the drain cock.

Growth, health and survival data are gathered before the larvae are transferred to

another 30,000-liter tank, prepared and operated in the same manner as described

above. These steps are repeated until the larvae reach the pediveliger stage, which

differs with species and temperature but is usually complete within three to five

weeks.

3.04.5 Intense nursery system

This is the system for taking shellfish larvae from the pediveliger stage to 2-

millimeter seed. A single unit consists of an 80 cm x 2.5 m x 80 cm fiberglass

tank within which three fiberglass upwelling trays 60 cm in diameter and 70 cm

tall with plastic screened bottoms are placed with the bottoms about 10 cm off the



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bottom of the trough. The shellfish are located in the trays, which may be

supplied with an artificial substrate to promote settlement. UV treated, 1 micron

filtered and heated (to about 16 C, or 24 C for oysters) seawater flows into the

tank and out a screened port. After the pediveligers have set (metamorphosed into

tiny bivalves), an airlift system is initiated to circulate water and food efficiently.

The system typically downwells (water/food in the top and out the bottom) until

the animals reach about 1.2 mm in size at which time the system is reversed to up

well mode (water/food in the bottom and out through a screened standpipe). In

the case of trays with substrate, the water flows across the substrate.0

3.04.6 Long term nursery system

This is the outdoor system for taking 2 mm seed to 6 mm to 9 mm depending on

the species. This system is similar to the larval settlement system except each

trough is much larger (3.3 m x 1.6 m x 0.8m) and holds 10 upwelling trays instead

of three. The algae for the system will come from the outside enclosed tank

system.

3.04.7 Outside enclosed tank system

The outdoor nursery system consist of: 1) a series of upwelling and downwelling

tanks (6), with the capacity of 12 rearing rings per tank, for growing and holding

of shellfish; and 2) 50' diameter outside tanks for culturing algae from natural

blooms from Resurrection Bay. The upwelling and downwelling tanks can be fed

from any combination of ambient saltwater from Resurrection Bay, cultured algae

and water from the hatchery or algae raised in the outside tanks.

3.05 Shellfish Hatchery Floor Plans

The layout of the hatchery portion of the building is almost identical to the original floor

plans (Figure 2).



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The location of production and holding tanks are the same as shown in the copy of

construction drawings by project architect KCM on next page. Table 2 summarizes the

various types of tanks at the hatchery. Photos of the shellfish and algae culture tanks on

the hatchery floor are provided in Figures 3-6.

Table 2. Descriptions of shellfish and algae c lture tanks on the hatchery floor.

Type of Tank Number Volume(liters)

Size Uses

Reservoir Tanks 6 30,000 Water and food tanks for all seed andbroodstock

Larval tanks for large spawns ofshellfish.

Larval RearingTanks

2 3,800 Larval rearing and some algae culture

BroodstockConditioningTanks

2 604 8x2x16 Holding and conditioning seacucumbers or other shellfish.

S Tanks 7 3,894 11x5x30 Oyster/geoduck culture

AluminumTroughs

2 566 20x1x1 Geoduck spat nursery with capacity tohandle up to 1 million seed per trough.


Fi ure 4. Broodstock Conditionin Tanks


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3.06 Marine Technical Center Floor Plans

As shown on the MTC floor plan in Figure 7, the MTC main floor is equipped with tanks

for holding broodstock and a variety of other research purposes. These include tanks for

holding broodstock during spawning events, tanks for larval production, and juvenile

rearing tanks. A wall is erected to provide isolation of MTC activities from the shellfish

hatchery.

MTC Module 1 has nine larval rearing tanks and MTC Module 2 has 16 conical larval

rearing tanks set up (Figures 8 and 9)

The layout of the MTC changes dramatically from project to project, or can change even

between different stages of the same project. The following is a description of the MTC

floor design for years one and two of the king crab enhancement project.

The king crab enhancement project also will be utilizing the large outdoor tanks at the

hatchery complex for nursery experiments. The tanks are supplied with seawater from the

University of Alaskas Marine Center.

4.0 Shellfish Hatchery Operational Plans


Figure 6. SS Tanks

Figure 8. MTC Module 1 LarvalRearing Tanks

Figure 9. MTC Module 1 Conical Larval RearingTanks

Figure 7. MTC Floor Plan

Figure 5. Reservoir Tanks


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The Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery (APSH) is a state-of-the-art shellfish hatchery with a

mandate to operate as a private business, and operations must be responsive to market demand.

The Alaska shellfish farming industry has been developing at a much slower pace than

envisioned at the time the hatchery complex was constructed. As a result, the operation and

development schedule will vary with the demand. Details on the broodstock acquisitions and

seed production are provided in sections below.

4.01 Broodstock Acquisition

The APSH has acquired broodstock for several species since 2000, including Pacific

oysters, Nuttall cockles, Pacific geoducks, Pacific razor clams, Pacific littleneck, and

giant rock-scallops. A history of each species used for broodstock and culture details

appears in Appendices 2-8.

Over the last ten years, maximum number for shellfish broodstock acquired for any one

year ranged from 30 to 356 (Table 3). Projected acquisition for future hatchery spawning

needs range from 200 to 300 depending on the species. The actual broodstock

acquisitions will ultimately depend on the demand for seed.

Table 3. Alutiiq Pride Broodstock Acquisition Projections for 2011-2015

2000-2010 2011-2015

Species RegionMaximum Number

Acquired For Any OneYear

ProjectedAcquisition Needs

Pacific oyster Out-of-State 200 None

SC 365 200

SE 250 200

SC 0 None

SE 248 200

SC 40 300SE 0 -

SC 0 200

SE 221 200

Giant rock- SC 30 None

scallops SE 48 200

The current hatchery operation permit for APSH has special conditions pertaining to

breeding practices that requires APSH to use a minimum of 200 broodstock (100 pairs -

100 females and 100 males) with at least 50% replacement of broodstock on an annual

basis for all indigenous shellfish bivalves approved on the permit to avoid inbreeding

depression. This benchmark maybe lowered upon approval by the department, based onthe broodstock size and good culture practices at the hatchery, the hatchery capacity, or

the industry needs. The projected broodstock needed by the hatchery meets the minimum

number requirement.

Broodstock collection will be from source locations with an established disease history

and the department will approve acquisitions. Broodstock from different larval drift



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zones, as such zones are defined in 5 ACC 41.295(d), will be kept separate in the

hatchery when spawning to avoid pooling of progeny. For the same reasons, broodstocks

from different geographical areas that are found to be genetically distinct will be kept

separated in the hatchery.

In 2005, spawning of Pacific oysters ceased and APSH began acquisitions of eyed-larvae

from certified out-of-state sources. Table 5 summarizes the juvenile Pacific oyster (seed

and juveniles) acquired by APSH from 2000 to 2010. The projected acquisition for

APSH for 2011-2015 ranges from 1 to 3 million each year and depends on the demand.

During periods of seed supply shortages, APSH is ready can ramp up Pacific oyster

acquisitions and can rear them until they are marketable seed size for Alaska nurseries

and/or farmers.



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Table 4. Alutiiq Pride Broodstock Acquisitions History for 2000-2010

20 0 2001 20 2 20 3 20 4 20 5 20 6 20 7 20 8 2009 20 0

Species Region Permitte

d

Acquire

dPermitted

Acquire

d

Permitte

d

Acquire

d

Permitte

d

Acquire

d

Permitted

Acquired

Permitted

Acquired

Permitted

Acquire

d

Permitted

Acquire

d

Permitte

d

Acquire

d

Permitted

Acquire

d

Permitte

d

Acquire

d

Out-of- 1000 200 1000 0 1000 72

State

Basket SC 500 ? 950 10 950 0 200 60 200 150 200 356 300 180 300 100Cockle SE 500 250 500 90 500 0 500 40 650 100 0 200 200 200 76 200 42 300 0

Pacific SC

geoduck SE 250 91 250 36 250 63 250 0 50 52 100 100 300 248 200 145 200 80 300 121

SC 250 0 180 40 180 0 300 0 300 0 300 0

SE 30 0

Pacific SC 800 0 800 0 800 265 200 62 200 86 300 100

littleneck SE 1,600 200 800 150 1,600 0 1,600 0 800 0 200 200 200 221 300 0 300 220

SC 12 20 200 30

SE 150 48 150 24 150 0 150 0 150 0 200 28 200 0 400 0

SC 300 0

SE

Table 5. Alutiiq Pride Stock Acquisitions History from 2003 -2009 and Projections for 2011-2015 Pacific oysters (seed andjuveniles only)

2 03 2004 2005 2006 2 07 20 8 2 09 2 102011-201

5

Source

Permitted(millions)

Acquire

d(millions)

Permitted

(million

s

Acquired

(millions)

Permitted

(million

s

Acquired

(millions)

Permitted(millions

Acquired(millions)

Permitted(millions

Acquire

d(millions)

Permitted

(million

s

Acquired(millions)

Permitted(millions

Acquire

d(millions)

Permitted(millions

Acquire

d(millions)

Projected(peryear)

Coast Oyster CompanyQuilcene Hatchery (eyed-

larvae) 65 26.4 100 33 100 50.6

0 36.75 100 0 1-3

Coast Oyster CompanyKona Coast Hatchery 5 5 5 2.099 5 2 5 1 5 1 0

Eagle ShellfishAquatic Farm 0.3

notreported 0

OSU HatfieldMolluscan Broodstock

Program 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0005 0.1 0.0005 0Qutekcak Shellfish

HatcheryProduction 1.5

notreported 33 0 0 0

Aluttiq Pride ShellfishHatchery

Production newoperator

0


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4.02 Production

Appendix 1 lists the approved species on the APSH hatchery operation permit. The most

important species produced by APSH have been Pacific oyster, Pacific geoducks, and Pacific

littleneck. Pacific oysters are the only species that can be imported from out-of state certified

sources. All other species must be produced in the state using indigenous species.

Currently, APSH is the only hatchery that is permitted to produce indigenous species for use in

nurseries and aquatic farming in Alaska. Table 6 summarizes the seed production recorded for

2008 and 2009 for all species by management area and statewide. The percentage of seed

produced from APSH and sold to aquatic farmers and nurseries is also shown. Only 7% of the

Pacific oysters were sold by APSH from all the certified seed sources. With seed shortages In

Washington, APSH can help fill the gap and meet the permit holders needs for Pacific oysters.

Table 6. Seed Production by APSH and Other Certified Seed Sources by Management Area in 20082009

Alaska

Number of Seed Producedepar men o

Fish & Game

2008 2009

Management Area All CSS* APSH^ % APSH All CSS* APSH^ % APSH

Northern Southeast

Pacific geoduck - - - 1,500 1,500 100%

Pacific oyster 108,874 - 0% 42,000 - 0%

Pacific littleneck - - - - - 0%

Southern Southeast

Cockle - - - 100,000 100,000 100%

Pacific geoduck 75,000 75,000 100% 128,000 128,000 100%

Pacific oyster 2,707,636 1,200,000 44% 8,218,550 600,000 7%

Pacific littleneck - - - 200,000 200,000 100%

Cook Inlet

Pacific oyster 1,245,000 - 0% 2,325,000 - 0%

Pacific littleneck - - - - - 0%

Statewide

Pacific geoduck 75,000 - 100% 129,500 129,500 100%

Pacific oyster 4,839,510 - 44% 11,985,550 600,000 7%

Pacific littleneck - - - 200,000 200,000 100%

* CSS: Certified Seed Source. In 2008 and 2009, ther were 5 Certified eed Sources.

^ APSH: Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hat hery

Cook Inlet Includes Kachemak Ba .

Pacific littlenecks are cultured using suspended gearonly in Kachemak Bay.

Table 7 presents the estimated seed projections by management areas for the years, 2011-2013,

for each species based on the aquatic farm operation development plan schedules. The projected

minimum numbers are within the range of the preliminary hatchery production goals in Table 9provided by APSH.

0


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Table7. Projected Seed Production* by Management Area for 2011-2013

Alaska

(*Based on

Projected Seed Production Numbers

Aquatic Farm Operation & Development Plans Data)

Fish & Game

2011 2012 2013

Management AreaMinimum Minimum Minimum

Northern Southeast

Pacific geoduck 80,000 - -

Pacific oyster 330,000, ,

10 000

Pacific littleneck 200,000,-

,-

Southern Southeast

Nuttall cocklePacific geoduck 300,000 131,000 250,000

Pacific oyster,

8 252 001,

7 927 001,

8 417 001

Pacific littleneck

, ,150,000

, ,131,000

, ,250,000

Prince William Sound

Pacific oysters 700,001 800,001 800,001

Cook Inlet

Pacific oysters 2 675 000 3 050 000 3 350 000

Pacific littleneck, ,2,000

, ,-

, ,-

Statewide

Nuttall cocklePacific geoduck

300,000630,050

131,000640,050

250,000690,050

Pacific oystersPacific littleneck

8,252,001352,000

7,927,001131,000

8,417,001250,000

* CSS: Certified Seed Source. In 2008 and 2009, there were 5 Certified Seed Sources.

^ APSH: Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery

Cook Inlet Includes Kachem k Bay. Pacific littlenecks are cultured using suspended gear only in Kachemak ay.

Table 8 presents the history of production between 2000 and 2010 and the approximate value of

this production. The sales of hatchery-produced seed have increased from $15,122 in 2000 to

$69,270 in 2007, but fell in subsequent years for a number of reasons. Production is expected to

increase in the next few years. While several species of shellfish show great potential, there are

only commercial in-state spat markets for Pacific geoducks and Pacific oysters only. Aquatic

farmers are interested in purchasing Pacific littleneck spat to help sustain their permitted beaches

and farmers and nurseries are working with APSH to produce spat for the coming years.

The shellfish hatchery has been in operation for over ten years and has not, to date, codified

production goals or established percentage survival goals for the various life history stages of

shellfish propagated and cultured in the hatchery. Table 9 shows the typical hatchery seed

survival and production goals. All of the species raised are new to the Alaskan shellfish culture

industry with the exception of the Pacific oyster. Although the techniques are not novel, feeding

regimes, culture techniques and setting strategies are unique to each species. The size of shellfish

seed to be sold is expected to be in the ranges of3 to 5 mm. At this time, APSH plans to produce



19/36

enough Pacific geoducks and Pacific oyster spat to respond to market demand. Production of

other species, such as giant rock-scallops, Nuttall cockles, Pacific littleneck, Pacific razor clams

and sea cucumbers, will continue on experimental levels to help the industry continue to work on

research and development projects.0



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Table 8. Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Seed Production by Species from 2000 through 2010

SpeciesProductio

n2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006* 2007 2008 2009 2010

Basket Number 0

50,000 0 0 0

38,500 60,000 0 52000 0

CockleValue $308 $1,080

$30,000.00

Pacific Number 0 0

47,400 31,500 53,080 187,800 150,000 660,000 75,000 162,400 71,100geo uc

Value $11,850 $6,300 $10,482 $21,283 $18,750 $59,320 $7,500 $28,550 $6,500

Littleneck Number

45,000 2,875,000 547,000 410,000 110,000 501,100 0 0 50000 0 50,000c am

Value $0 $22,432 $4,535 $3,715 $917 $4,009 $2,000 $0

PacificNumber

1,969,000 2,959,000 3,108,000 1,728,000 2,359,800 5,253,000 1,750,000 2,579,500 1,200,000 600,000 540,000

Value $15,122 $18,338 $20,264 $11,000 $12,174 $28,742 $7,875 $9,950 $5,400 $3,300 $2,430

Pacific Number 0 0 0 0 0

150,000 0 0 0 0azor c am

Value $10,000Purple-Hinged Number

3,250 0 0 0 0 0

8,000 0 0 0

RockScallop Value $0 $1,600

Total Salesby Year $15,122 $40,770 $36,649 $21,015 $23,573 $64,342 $29,305 $69,270 $44,900 $31,850 $8,930

* In 2006,of-state cer

PSH cetified sou

sed spaces.

ning oy ters at the hatche y and st rted importing e ed-larvae or oyste spat from out-

Table 9. Preliminary Shellfish Seed Survival and Production Goals

Species Survival Goals Annual Production Goals Seed Size To Be Sold

Basket CockleSetting 30%,

To 2 mm 50%, To 6 mm 35%0 10,000,000 3-5 mm

Pacific geoduck250 screen min. or larger 25%,

Approx. 1mm 15-20%,8 mm 30%

500,000 2,000,000 4-6 mm

Littleneck clamSet 25%,

1 mm 25%, 3 mm 75%0 1,000,000 3 mm

Pacific oysterSetting 10%,

710 micron screening 30% 2,000,000

10,000,000 3-5 mm

Pacific Razor clam250 screen min. or larger 25%,

Approx. 1mm 15-25, 8 mm seed size 50%0 1,000,000 3 mm

Purple- Hinged RockScallop

Larvae 10%, Setting 10%,To 1 mm 10%

0 1,000,000 3 mm



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5.0 Marine Technical Center Operational Plans

The MTC is the focal point of early research by the Alaska King Crab Research,

Rehabilitation and Biology program (AKCRRAB), which is a joint research project

involving scientists with the APSH, National Marine Fisheries Service and University of

Alaska. The project is directed by a steering committee involving the three researchgroups and representatives from the crab industry and coastal communities.

As the project matures, the focus of research may shift to different arenas, but APSH is

likely to continue to use the MTC to refine hatchery techniques and nursery technology

until at least 2012. When the research into king crab culture is complete, the MTC will

likely attract additional research projects. As research projects cycle through the MTC,

the configuration of the facility is likely to change as well.

AKCRRAB develops detailed study plans for ADF&G on an annual basis to obtain fish

resource permits and has a long-range strategic research plan. A copy of the strategicplan has been provided to ADF&G Division of Commercial Fisheries.0

6.0 Genetics Management

The hatchery has implemented several procedures to support the States genetics policy in

its attempt to protect the genetic integrities of wild populations. One focus is on the

selection of broodstock and the distribution of spat and juveniles. In the absence of

suitable information about genetic population structure for many species, Alaska

Regulation, 5 AAC 41.295, identifies six distinct larval drift zones across the state and

restricts the movement of aquatic farm stocks to within the zone from which broodstockwere collected. In other words, the hatchery can only sell Southeast farmers spat that are

produced from Southeast broodstock. The intent of this policy is to prevent the

introduction of new genetic strains into wild populations.

This regulation requires that the hatchery maintain separate stocks for broodstock

originated from each larval drift zone. The implicit assumption is that only one genetic

population for each shellfish species is present within each zone. However, additional

genetic structure may be present within a larval drift zone, and research on the genetic

population structure within zones is needed to confirm the assumption of genetic

homogeneity within a drift zone.

A second related focus is on the maintenance of genetic diversity among and within

broodstocks. The first issue is addressed by separating in the hatchery broodstocks from

different regions. The mixing of broodstocks from different areas may lead to out

breeding depression so that offspring are mal-adapted to any one area. A conservative

best practice is to spawn individuals that have been collected from one location.



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To address the second issue, spat for release must be produced from large effective

population broodstock sizes, so that genetic diversity is not lost by culture practices.

High fecundities and high larval mortalities in most invertebrate species can lead to a

rapid shift in genetic architecture and the release of domesticated individuals can

potentially affect wild populations. While the use of only a few parents can produce large

numbers of spat for outplanting, the use of a small number of individuals may lead to

inbreeding (and inbreeding depression), the loss of genetic diversity or domestication

selection. Several steps can be taken to maintain large effective population sizes in a

hatchery.

While aquaculture generally benefits from selective broodstock programs for traits

conducive to shellfish husbandry, Alaskas requirements for genetic diversity effectively

preclude selective breeding programs. To conform to this strategy, APSH has adopted an

acquisition program involving the annual renewal of all broodstock from approved wild

stock sources. The use of new broodstock also helps to maintain genetic diversity in

outplanted individuals.

APSH typically collects wild individuals for broodstock and holds them in the hatchery

for spawning. Since the cost of ripening and conditioning these individuals in a hatcheryenvironment is high, APSH attempts to time broodstock collections when the target wild

stocks are most likely to spawn. The cost of holding brood animals beyond their

spawning window is prohibitive, so broodstock are destroyed after spawning goals are

met or when it appears reproductive periods have passed. The turnover of broodstock

also helps to increase the effective population size in the hatchery.

7.0 Pathology and Disease Management

The State of Alaska, with a comprehensive fisheries pathology management program,

closely regulates the movement and culture of shellfish stocks. Alaska prohibits theimportation of shellfish stocks into the state, with the exception of Pacific oyster spat less

than 20 mm in length. Those out-of-state hatchery-produced stocks must come from

sources that are certified by ADF&G Pathology staff.

Years of pathology screening by ADF&G, coupled with tight regulation of the hatchery

industry, have shown that cultured Alaskan bivalves and other shellfish, as a rule, are

relatively free of harmful pathogens or parasites. There have been no reported outbreaks

of disease at any aquaculture facility in the state. Copies of pathology reports on APSH

broodstock and spat are available upon request from either the hatchery or Alaska

Department of Fish and Game.

APSH is required to follow ADF&G pathology guidelines, and other generally accepted

good disease management practices of shellfish and finfish hatcheries:

Pathology Screening. APSH annually renews its broodstock for all species.

These adult shellfish come from wild stocks that have been previously screened



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for pathogens by the ADF&G pathology lab. These transports of broodstock are

authorized under ADF&G broodstock acquisition permits that are reviewed by

ADF&G staff. After receiving approval to acquire broodstock, APSH provides

the necessary specimens to the ADF&G lab for disease screening. If there are any

pathology issues of transport significance, special conditions are attached to the

permits. If progeny of these disease-screened broodstocks are to be taken outside

of the hatchery facility, the seed stock must again be certified by the ADF&G

pathology section and a Shellfish Transport Permit must be approved.

Holding Conditions. All stocks are held in isolation from other shellfish, both by

physical isolation and with separate water supplies. Stocks are never

commingled. Water discharged from each tank is plumbed to drain into a covered

center trough where the wastewater is treated with chlorine to kill all potential

pathogens. All tanks are checked periodically for the presence of harmful levels

ofVibrio sp. and other pathogens.

APSH is working towards receiving an Animal Plant Health Inspection Service of the

U.S.D.A. (A.P.H.I.S.) High Health Certification, rating. This official recognition,

developed by noted aquatic pathologist Dr. Ralph Elston, would be necessary for APSHto export seed outside of Alaska. ADF&G protocols meet or exceed the requirements for

the High Health Certification.



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Appendices



25/36

Appendix 1. Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Approved Species List

Shellfish Seed Produced For Use at Aquatic Farms or Nursery Sites

Pacific geoduck(Panopea generosa)

Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

Nuttall cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii)

Also referred to by the hatchery as basket cockles

Giant rock-scallop (Crassodoma gigantea)

Also referred to as purple-hinged rock scallop

Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula)

Production for Research Purposes Only and Potential Enhancement Projects

Giant red sea cucumber (Parastichopus californicus)

Added in amendment with special conditions

Red king crab (Parastichopus californicus)


Blue king crab (Parastichopus californicus)Added in amendment with special conditions

Blue mussel (Mytilus trossolus)




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Appendix 2. Pacific Geoduck (Panopea generosa)

Geoducks are the worlds largest burrowing clams and are

prized in China for texture and taste of their neck meat. The

APSH is one of the few hatcheries in the world to produce

geoduck spat. Demand for geoduck spat is high, despite seed

pricing far above other shellfish species. Culture methods are

similar to most other bivalve clams. The broodstock is placed

in shallow tanks in heated seawater. Larvae are transferred to the 22,000-liter tanks and

fed algae until they are large enough to be filtered by a 250-micron screen. The larvae set

within three weeks while being continuously fed algae diets. The small seed (1.5 mm)

are then transferred to a shallow tank lined with 3-6 inches of sand. The spat are fed

algae continuously until the shellfish reach 4-6 mm.

Broodstock Broodstock are obtained annually from wild geoduck beds by

professional divers. Broodstock acquisition permits must be

applied for annually.

Temperatures Broodstock are heldin seawater no warmer than11C.Spawning is induced by raising water temperatures to 13 C.

Larval production requires a constant 14 C., while temperatures

during the nursery stage for seed system I should be maintained

within a 14-16 C range and for seed system II should be

maintained at 12-14 C range for best growth or a couple of

degrees cooler if energy savings is a factor and slower growth is

adequate.

Food Seed System I - Continuously feed 25,000 cells per ml using a mixof species. This works best if a reservoir tank is used and food is

added to that tank to achieve 25,000 cells per ml with the reservoir

tank changed daily to maintain cleanliness.

Seed System II - Continuously feed 25,000 cells per ml using a

mix of species. A reservoir can be used for quality control as in the

setting system but higher total flow rates to this system may make

this impractical. A good rule of thumb can be used: If the algae

density is 1 x 106 then to get 25,000 cells per ml, seawater will be

40 parts to 1-part algae. Mix of species used is as follows:Tahitianisochrysis,Pavlovalutherii, Thalliosara, Chaetoceros

calcitrans, Chaetoceros muelleri.

Timelines Spawning 21 days; Larval 28-42 days; Nursery 70-84 days

Survival Goals Larvae Larval Age 2 to setting size



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(250 screen min. or larger) 25%

Seed System I Setting size to post-set (approx. 1mm) 15-20%

Seed System II Post-set (1 mm) to 8 mm seed size 30%

The actual survival will vary considerably from one group to

another but these figures derived from experience with geoducks

can be used for management and general planning purposes.

Production Goals 500,000 to 2 million 2-6 mm spat annually0



28/36

Appendix 3. Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

Virtually every Alaskan aquatic farm-selling business0

in 2007 sold oysters. Alaskans have been planting

oyster seed since the 1930s, and Pacific oysters are

likely to remain the primary seed required by the

industry for at least another decade. Pacific oysters

also are farmed throughout the world and hatchery

culture practices are well understood. At this time,

APSH does not intend to spawn adult oysters to

produce spat for Alaska farmers in the near future.

Since Alaska shellfish nursery operators have the ability to purchase oyster spat from

hatcheries outside Alaska and APSH cannot compete with these producers on a cost per

unit basis, it makes little sense for the hatchery to focus on this market. The cost of

heating ambient water from 68 C to 20 C at the Seward hatchery is an obvious

problem when the competition has incoming water at the right temperature.

Nevertheless, it is important that APSH continue to produce oyster spat to ensure Alaska

farmers always have a source of spat and the hatchery continues to have local demand for

oyster spat. Consequently, APSH intends to provide nursery customers 35 mm oysterspat produced from 1 mm spat purchased from an Outside hatchery. This strategy will

minimize the losses from oyster production. If problems develop with oyster spat

availability for Alaska nursery systems in the future, APSH will increase production.

Culture methods are simple: the small spat is placed in a shallow tank filled with

seawater heated to 10 C and the shellfish are continuously fed diets of algae.

Broodstock None.

Temperatures Ambient or heated to 22 C.

Food Chaetoceros mulleri, Thalassiosira pseudonana,Pavlova lutherii,

andIsochrysis galbana.

Timelines 30 days larvae, 1 month to 710 micron screen

Survival Goals 10% set, 30% to 710 micron screening

Production Goals 210 million 35 mm spat annually


Oyster larvae from 2006 spawn


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Appendix 4. Nuttall Cockle

(Clinocardium nuttallii)

A recent study of culturing Nuttall

cockles in Alaska concluded that they

hold promise as a potential shellfish

crop for Alaska growers, but more

R&D is needed before the species can

be commercialized. APSH plans to

continue to produce cockle spat to

support R&D work and to supply

potential enhancement projects. Culture methods for Nuttall cockles are similar to those

for other cold-water bivalves. broodstock are placed in shallow tanks in heated seawater.

Larvae are transferred to the 22,000-liter tanks and fed algae until they are large to be

filtered by a 250-micron screen. The larvae set within three weeks while being

continuously fed algae diets. The small seed (1.5 mm) are then transferred to a shallow

tank lined with 36 inches of sand. The spat are fed algae continuously until the shellfish

reach 46 mm.

Broodstock Broodstock is obtained annually from Southeast and Southcentral

shellfish growers in the early spring. Broodstock acquisition

permits must be applied for annually.

Temperatures Broodstock is heldin seawater no warmer than 11C. Spawning isinduced by raising water temperatures to 13 C.

Larval production requires a constant 14 C., while temperatures

during the larval phase should be maintained at 1416 C.

Food Flagellates

Timelines 2months to 2mm from spawning

Survival Goals 30% to setting, 50 % to 2mm, 25% to 6mm.




30/36

Appendix 5. Giant Rock-scallop (Crassodoma

gigantea)

The only known source of giant rock-scallops

available to commercial markets is a small

operation where divers harvest adult scallops from

the legs of oil platforms in the Santa Barbara

Channel. However, there has been a great industry

interest in the species and there have been sporadic

attempts to grow the bivalves in California,

Washington and Alaska. Growth experiments in Alaska were encouraging, but the

project ran out of funds before it was concluded and no efforts have been made to

commercialize the species. Giant rock-scallops continue to be of high interest to Alaska

growers and APSH intends to respond to R&D projects by producing additional spat as

needed. Culture methods are similar to other cold-water bivalves. Broodstock are placed

in shallow tanks filled with 17 C seawater to induce spawning. Fertilized larvae are

transferred to the 22,000-liter tanks and fed continuous algal diets. After the larvae set,

the 1 mm shellfish are transferred to shallow tanks lined with Astroturf where they are

fed continuous diets of algae until they reach 35 mm.

Broodstock Broodstock is obtained annually from Southeast growers in the

spring. Southcentral broodstock comes from periodic natural sets

in oyster gear and is not always available. Broodstock acquisition

permits must be applied for annually.

Temperatures Broodstock is heldin 8-12 C seawater. Spawning is induced byraising water temperatures to 17 C. Larval production requires a

constant 14 C., while temperatures during the nursery phase

should be maintained at 812 C.

Food Pavlova sp, Tahitianisochrysis,

Timelines 6 weeks to set, 3 months of setting, 1mm after 2

months

Survival Goals 10% larvae, 10% set, 10% to 1mm




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Appendix 6. Pacific Razor Clam

(Siliqua patula)

The only commercial source of wild

Pacific razor clams are those

harvested on the western shore of

Cook Inlet, but Prince William Sound

beaches once supported a huge

commercial fishery. These stocks

were heavily harvested prior to the

1964 earthquake, but show little sign

of recovery since that event. Interest

in Pacific razor clams is strong, but

culture of the species and hatchery

production of spat had been limited to China until 2006 when APSH produced spat and

seeded beaches near Cordova. APSH plans to continue its efforts to produce spat to

support enhancement projects in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. While no Alaskan

growers have yet attempted to farm this species, successful enhancement projects could

spur interest. Culture methods for Pacific razor clams are similar to other cold-waterclams. Adult are placed in a shallow tank or trough filled with 12-14 C seawater. Larvae

are collected and transferred to one of the 22,000-liter tanks at densities of 1 per ml or 22

million to a tank. The larvae are continuously fed a diet of algae until they weigh about 4

grams. The larvae set on screens with about inch of sand. When the shellfish reach 1

1.5 mm, they are transferred to a nursery tank with up to 6 inches of sand on the bottom.

The clams are continuously fed an algal diet throughout the nursery process.

Broodstock Broodstock has been obtained with the assistance of Eyak

residents. The shells of Pacific razor clams are fragile and great

care must be taken during shipments. Work with Southeast stockshad not been initiated at the time of this report. Broodstock

acquisition permits must be applied for annually.

Temperatures Broodstock is heldin 10 C seawater. Spawning is induced byraising water temperatures to 1214 C Larval production require a

constant 14 C, while temperatures during the nursery phase

should be maintained at 1214 C.

Food Tahitianisochrysis,Pavlovalutherii, Thalliosara, Chaetoceros

calcitrans and Chaetoceros muelleri

Timelines 21 day larvae at 12 C, 2 months in sand to 2 mm

Survival Goals Larvae Age 2 to setting size (250 screen or larger) 25%

Seed System I - Setting size to post-set (approx. 1 mm) 25%

Seed System II - Post-set (1mm) to 8 mm seed size 50%


1 mm razor clam spat


32/36




33/36

Appendix 7. Pacific Littleneck

(Protothaca staminea)

Local growers have viewed Pacific littleneck as Alaskas answer to the manila clam, but

littlenecks are attractive only to buyers in the state. Virtually all of the Pacific littlenecks

produced by Alaska farmers are ranched stocks coming from natural sets. APSH has

been producing littleneck clam seed since the facility opened, but markets for the seedhave never materialized. One major problem is that the species grows slowly during its

early life stages and the spat need twice the nursery time as oysters. Survival of littleneck

spat less than 10 mm has proven to be low. Consequently, the high cost of production

prices littleneck spat out of the reach of growers. Enhancement projects face the same

problem. APSH will continue to support R&D projects in the hopes of developing a

market for littleneck spat, but may have to re-evaluate that decision in the face of rising

energy costs. Hatchery culture methods for Pacific littleneck are similar to those of other

cold-water bivalves. Broodstock is collected in late spring presumably in a reproductive

condition. Spawning is initiated by warm water and high algal concentrations.

Fertilization is allowed to take place in the tanks since an individual female has onlyabout 200,000 eggs. Fertilization takes after about two hours; eggs are rinsed and held in

tanks. Larvae take approximately 30 days to set.

Broodstock Broodstock is obtained annually from Southeast growers in the

spring. Southcentral broodstock generally comes from Native

village subsistence clam diggers. Broodstock acquisition permits

must be applied for annually.

Temperatures 12 C


andIsochrysis galbana.

Timelines 30 days to set 60 days to 1mm.

Survival Goals 25% to set, 25% 1 mm, 75% to 3 mm.



34/36




35/36

Appendix 8. Red Sea Cucumbers (Parastichopus californicus)

Red sea cucumbers support one of Southeast

Alaskas most valuable fisheries, and some

divers are interested in exploring the

potential of enhancing commercial beds to

increase harvests in favorable diving areas.

At least two delegations of Alaska seafood

experts have visited sea cucumber hatcheries

in China, but little was learned about the

culture process. Research on the

reproduction of red sea cucumbers by

Alaskan scientists has revealed challenges in

duplicating the Chinese success, at least

using the local species. Early work on this

species was successful and hundreds of thousands of sea cucumber larvae were

swimming in tanks at the MTC in early August 2008. Longer-term research goals had

not been developed at the time this document was developed.

Broodstock Broodstock are obtained annually from wild populations in

southeastern Alaska by divers.

Temperatures Broodstock is held in seawater at 1012 C. Spawning is induced

by raising water temperatures to 13 C. Water temperature during

the larval phase is maintained at 11.513 C.


Isochrysis galbana, Navicula pelliculosa, and macroalgae.

Timelines Unknown at this early stage.

Survival Goals Unknown at this early stage.

Productions Goals Unknown at this early stage.



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APPROVAL

0

The Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan is hereby approved.

_______________________________________ _________________

David Bedford Date

Deputy Commissioner

ADF&G, Juneau

Date post:	04-Apr-2018
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