Abstract
The experimental release of juvenile abalone (Haliotis midae) in an area beyond the natural range of the species, on the northwest coast of South Africa was evaluated. A novel release mechanism was designed and tested for these experiments. Mean minimum survival rates at three experimental sites, at 6 months postrelease, were about 30%, and growth rates were within the range of those reported for naturally occurring populations farther south. Seasonal growth effects as well as between release site variability were observed. These factors as well as age at release and some economic considerations (recapture rate and associated profit for one ton of market size abalone) were considered. Based on these results, it is concluded that seeded abalone will reach market size between 3.5 and 6 years postsettlement, which we suggest offers good prospects for commercial-scale abalone ranching on this coast.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 897-904 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Journal of Shellfish Research |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 1998 |
| Externally published | Yes |