ABSTRACT
Both intensive farming and searanching of cod (Gadus morhua) have been suggested, but lack of juveniles has hitherto prevented development of these options. An intensive rearing method, including production of live feed, i.e. micro-alga, rotifers and brine shrimp, has been developed in industrial scale. Cod spawn willingly in captivity and the spawning lasts for 8–10 weeks. High survival and good reproducibility between tanks have been obtained during the rotifer phase till metamorphosis. During metamorphosis and weaning, sub-optimal feeding conditions will induce aggressive behaviour and cannibalism, resulting in high mortality. A production model for startfeeding of cod that has been developed, helps to calculate the daily feed doses more correctly. The production cost is estimated at 0.3–0.5 ECU per juvenile (5 g) presuming a cost-effective production of 1–2 mill. fry annually. Parts both of the equipment and the method developed, will be suitable also for fry production of other marine fish species.
