Kona Kampachi fingerlings at 26 days post-hatch.jpg

Fish Research

  • Precocious Puberty

    This study aims to accelerate the maturation process for high-value fish, such as the longfin amberjack (Seriola rivoliana). By shortening the life history of these fish, we seek to enhance the efficiency and resilience of fish farming, contributing to a more competitive and sustainable industry. This advancement supports the goal of feeding the world more effectively.

  • Demonstrating commercial viability of Hawaiian snapper

    Green SnapperAprion virescens or known in Hawaii as Uku inhabits reef slopes, seamounts, and banks from shallow waters to 200 fathoms. They are crucial to Hawaii’s bottom fisheries and, after annual catch limits are reached, help sustain commercial operations. However, their populations are at risk, prompting our interest in farming them.

    We are evaluating if Aprion virescens meets the following criteria for commercial aquaculture:

    • Provides reliable and frequent spawns, naturally or through hormonal induction.

    • Adapts well to large-scale larval rearing in hatcheries.

    • Grows efficiently to market size with cost-effective, nutritious diets.

    • Suits culture in offshore pens or high-density land-based systems.

    • Has broad market appeal and can be priced to cover production costs and risks.

  • Resolving Impediments to Captive Longevity and Fecundity in Seriolids.

    Partnering with the Oceanic Institute, our project focuses on enhancing reproductive management for longfin amberjack (Seriola rivoliana) by optimizing dietary and environmental conditions. Our main goal is to improve the spawning capacity and overall quality of fish from F1 and subsequent generations, ensuring reliable production of juveniles.

    We will compare the effects of diet and environmental conditioning on the reproductive performance and captive rearing of Seriola rivoliana.

  • Kyphosus vaigiensis: Tapping into the Commercial and Fishpond Potential of Herbivorous Reef Fish

    With support from the Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA), we are advancing the commercialization of Nenue (Kyphosis vaigiensis) through fundamental research to develop a sustainable fish raised on a plant-based diet. Our recent work includes larval production, shipping, fishpond acclimation, and student training.

    This trial aims to assess how macroalgae affects Nenue growth rates and to broaden the use of macroalgae in aquaculture.