Methods for Manipulating Yellow Perch Spawning Cycles
More Crops – Gametes can be produced every 2-3 months rather than once a year Year round supply – Perch can be conditioned to spawn any time during the year Safer – The process does not involve hormones or chemicals to induce spawning Healthy – Yellow perch are low in fat and calories and high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids Toxin free – Fish are reared in clean water and fed a controlled diet to ensure safety Flexibility – Large holding facilities can be scaled down due to constant year-round production Domesticated Brood stocks – Brood stocks have been selected for growth and health attributes
Yellow perch have long been a popular member of the Friday night fish fry inmany Great Lake shoreline communities. The commercial retail value ofyellow perch remains high at $13-16 per pound. Annual harvests from all theGreat Lakes averaged more than 23 million pounds from 1950 to 1970, butjust 5.75 million pounds from 1990 to 2000. During the 1970s the high marketvalues and decline in commercial catches led to heightened interest incommercial culture of this species, primarily in mid-western states. Adistributor in the Midwest has estimated market demand to be 50 to 100 millionpounds annually. The annual market value for all aquaculture in the U.S. isapproximately $1 billion. Yellow perch flesh is very high quality, with a firm, flaky texture and mild flavor.The meat has less fat (<1 percent) than other popular cultured food fish, andalso fewer calories per 100-gram serving (91). Yet it is high in protein (19.5percent) and contains a modest level of omega-3 fatty acids (0.3 percent). Thelower fat content of yellow perch can result in a longer shelf life. Thecommercial harvest of yellow perch is prohibited in some areas because of lowpopulations and closes periodically in other areas because of concerns aboutcontaminants. As the commercial harvest of yellow perch declines, the marketfor farm-raised fish is becoming increasingly valuable.
Dr. Binkowski has developed a process that involves conditioning yellow perch,through modification of water temperature and photoperiod regimes, to spawnanytime on the 12 month calendar once sexual maturity is reached. Out-ofcyclespawning brood stocks can be developed to produce gametes every 2-3months.
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