A method of controlling a growth rate and other characteristics of marine worms is disclosed. The method concerns the control of light to which the worms are subjected, and allows the rate growth to be manipulated (i.e. increased) outwith the normal growing season.
The present invention provides a method for inducing gamete maturation in marine worms of the family arenicolidae and which exhibit epidemic spawning. In the method, male and/or female worms in a housing substrate (such as sand) in sea water are maintained at a temperature of 4 to 8.degree. C. for 14 to 24 days, preferably 5 to 7.degree. C. for 20 to 22 days. Spawning of the worms can them be induced either by exposure to suitable spawning promoting hormones or by raising the temperature of the sea water to 12 to 14.degree. C.
The present invention provides a method for the aquaculture of marine deposit feeders, such as Arenicola marina and Arenicola defodiens. The method comprises providing a foodstuff such as brewery yeast or waste from fish farms within the substrate housing the worms. The foodstuff is conveniently particulate or microparticulate to aid intimate admixture with a substrate, which is typically sand.
The present invention provides a method for the aquaculture of marine deposit feeders, such as Arenicola marina and Arenicola defodiens. The method includes providing a foodstuff such as brewery yeast or waste from fish farms within the substrate housing the worms. The foodstuff is conveniently particulate or microparticulate to aid intimate admixture with a substrate, which is typically sand.
