Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan February 20120

Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 4 BACKGROUND 4

HISTORY OF THE FACILITY .......................................................................................................................................4 LOCATION OF THE FACILITY.....................................................................................................................................6 CURRENT OWNERSHIP AND OPERATOR....................................................................................................................6

GOALS 6
MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................................................................6 OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................................................................................7

FACILITY DESCRIPTION 7
HATCHERY DESIGN....................................................................................................................................................7 WATER SYSTEM.........................................................................................................................................................8 WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM........................................................................................................................8 TYPE OF FOOD PRODUCTION, HOLDING, SPAWNING, AND REARING SYSTEMS......................................................9 Algal production system ........................................................................................................................................9 Broodstock holding system..................................................................................................................................10 Broodstock conditioning & spawning system......................................................................................................10 Larval rearing system..........................................................................................................................................10 Intense nursery system.........................................................................................................................................11 Long term nursery system....................................................................................................................................11 Outside enclosed tank system ..............................................................................................................................11 SHELLFISH HATCHERY FLOOR PLANS ...................................................................................................................11 MARINE TECHNICAL CENTER FLOOR PLANS ........................................................................................................13

SHELLFISH HATCHERY OPERATIONAL PLANS 14

BROODSTOCK ACQUISTION ....................................................................................................................................14 SEED PRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................17

MARINE TECHNICAL CENTER OPERATIONAL PLANS 21 GENETICS MANAGEMENT 21 PATHOLOGY AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT 22 APPENDICES 24
APPENDIX 1. ALUTIIQ PRIDE SHELLFISH HATCHERY APPROVED SPECIES LIST .................................................25 APPENDIX 2. PACIFIC GEODUCK ............................................................................................................................26 Broodstock...........................................................................................................................................................26 Temperatures .......................................................................................................................................................26 Food ....................................................................................................................................................................26 Timelines..............................................................................................................................................................26 Survival Goals.....................................................................................................................................................26 Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................27 APPENDIX 3. PACIFIC OYSTERS..............................................................................................................................28 Broodstock...........................................................................................................................................................28 Temperatures .......................................................................................................................................................28 Food ....................................................................................................................................................................28 Timelines..............................................................................................................................................................28 Survival Goals.....................................................................................................................................................28 Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................28 APPENDIX 4. NUTTALL COCKLE .............................................................................................................................29 Broodstock...........................................................................................................................................................29 Temperatures .......................................................................................................................................................29

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Food ....................................................................................................................................................................29 Timelines..............................................................................................................................................................29 Survival Goals.....................................................................................................................................................29 Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................29 APPENDIX 5. GIANT ROCK-SCALLOP......................................................................................................................30 Broodstock...........................................................................................................................................................30 Temperatures .......................................................................................................................................................30 Food ....................................................................................................................................................................30 Survival Goals.....................................................................................................................................................30 Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................30 APPENDIX 6. PACIFIC RAZOR CLAM ......................................................................................................................31 Broodstock...........................................................................................................................................................31 Temperatures .......................................................................................................................................................31 Food ....................................................................................................................................................................31 Timelines..............................................................................................................................................................31 Survival Goals.....................................................................................................................................................31 Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................32 APPENDIX 7. PACIFIC LITTLENECK........................................................................................................................33 Broodstock...........................................................................................................................................................33 Temperatures .......................................................................................................................................................33 Food ....................................................................................................................................................................33 Timelines..............................................................................................................................................................33 Survival Goals.....................................................................................................................................................33 Production Goals ................................................................................................................................................33 APPENDIX 8. RED SEA CUCUMBERS........................................................................................................................34 0

Introduction 5 AAC 41.27(c) A hatchery operation permit holder shall manage the hatchery in accordance with a basic management plan approved by the commissioner. The basic management plan shall Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan Page 3

be drafted in conjunction with departmental staff and the hatchery permit holder and filed as an addendum to the current permit approved by the commissioner and is to be revised whenever changes are necessary or at least every five years. The purpose of this plan is to outline the goals and operational aspects of the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery (APSH) in Seward for invertebrates in Alaska. The plan provides a history and description of the hatchery, 0 summary of the basic culture techniques and the current vision for management and operation of the hatchery. Since culture practices for invertebrates in Alaska are still in development, the plan is meant to be adaptable and 0 should be regularly updated. 1.0 Background 1 History of the Facility

In 1991, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) requested operating funds as part of its annual budget to conduct preliminary research towards the construction of a Mariculture Technical Center (MTC) that could support the growing mariculture industry. While not approved that year, then-Governor Walter Hickel inserted funds in the capital budget to build the MTC. The MTC project was later merged with a shellfish hatchery project proposed by the Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC). During the legislative appropriation process, these projects were also joined to a site selection study for the MTC facility and the construction of a marine nursery facility referred to as a Floating Upweller System (FLUPSY) in Halibut Cove Lagoon on the lower Kenai Peninsula. A portion of the Exxon settlement money (Section 5 of the HSCCSSB 183 [FIN]) was used for funding these projects. Dames and Moore was the contracting firm awarded funding for the site selection study. ADF&G managed the contracts for all the projects and was responsible for managing both the MTC and shellfish hatchery. Seward was the final choice for a location for the facility among several sites considered. Construction of the MTC/SH facility began in 1996, was completed in 1997, and the facility began to sell oyster spat grown from eyed-larvae purchased from Washington hatcheries in 1998. While the shellfish hatchery was always intended to be hired out to a private contractor, plans for administering of the MTC changed before construction was completed. ADF&G lost annual operating funds in 1996, so they contracted a study to determine how best to manage the space within the intent of remaining capitol funding. The contractors for this study were the Alaskan Shellfish Growers Association and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Marine Advisory Program under the umbrella of the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District. In coordination with ADF&G and other interested parties, the contactors developed a plan to create a private nonprofit corporation to oversee the management of the MTC portion of the facility. It would be composed of representatives from the City of Seward, industry (Alaskan Shellfish Growers Association and Kachemak Shellfish Mariculture Association), ADF&G, Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan Page 4

operator of the shellfish hatchery, and the University of Alaska. Concurrent with seeking a plan to manage the MTC, ADF&G sought a shellfish hatchery contractor, but was unsuccessful. With severe cuts in the ADF&G Mariculture Program budget, ADF&G decided that the best way to accomplish the intended purpose of the MTC facility was to contract the operations to the City of Seward, who had expressed an interest in this oversight. Under the City of Sewards sub-contractor, the MTC facility was used informally and intermittently by the nearby Alaska SeaLife Center and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Seward Marine Center. The shellfish hatchery portion of the facility has been in continuous operation since the doors to the facility first opened in 1997. One of the first operators was Qutekcak Native Tribe of Seward with administrative support from CRRC. Qutekcak hired an experienced shellfish production specialist, Jon Agosti, and business manager, Ron Long, to run the facility. The Qutekcak Shellfish Hatchery (the name of the facility back then), focused on producing oyster spat from stock furnished by the Oregon State University Molluscan Broodstock Program and experimental work with Pacific littleneck, Pacific geoduck, and giant rock-scallops. Unfortunately, seed production fluctuated and did not always meet the needs of the Alaskan mariculture industry. A series of grants from the legislature kept the hatchery afloat along with research grants and enhancement projects from a variety of sources, such as the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation, National Marine Fisheries Service, Administration for Native Americans, and the Small Business Innovative Research Program. In 2005, CRRC assumed management of the hatchery, hiring Jeff Hetrick as hatchery manager and renamed the facility, Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery (APSH). One significant change in how the facility was run has been to cease spawning oysters at the hatchery and to import eyed-larvae or oyster spat from other certified sources. The hatchery has continued to produce spat of other species for shellfish farmers while significantly increasing involvement in research and development projects. One of the most successful initiatives of APSH has been to put the MTC to work with a king crab enhancement project that has accounted for more than half the total revenues into the facility. Since management of the shellfish hatchery was transferred to CRRC in late 2004, revenues from research projects in the MTC have become the hatcherys primary source of funding in recent years. Hatchery revenues have remained insufficient to fund the facility completely due to continuing struggles between seed demand, seed availability, production costs, and seed quality issues. Disaster struck the hatchery in October 2006 when torrential rains caused major flooding in Seward, including blockage of a stream that backed up and swept tons of mud and rubble through the hatchery. The hatchery incurred about $200,000 in damage and took several months to clean up after the floods. Fortunately, there was no structural damage, and the staff was able to get the hatchery back up and running within a couple of months. In the reconstruction process, the MTC was revamped for the crab project with the addition of research and production tanks and a wall clearly separating the research and hatchery component of the facility. Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan Page 5

0 Location

of the Facility

The facility is located on 101 Railway Road in Seward, Alaska on the north side of Resurrection Bay. 3Current Ownership and Operator: The current ownership of the building is complex: Component MTC/SH building Owner City of Seward (owned by ADF&G until 2004), Note: Currently, the MTC/SH Building is leased to Chugach Region Resources Commission Lot City of Seward Tidelands adjacent to MTC/SH City of Seward The MTC and shellfish hatchery currently are managed by CRRC under contract to the City of Seward. CRRC has been involved with the hatchery facility since its conception and has the administrative and technical capability to operate the hatchery successfully. , It is very familiar with hatchery operations and its problems. Patty Schwalenberg (Executive Director for CRRC) and Mr. Jeff Hetrick comprise the management team for the hatchery. Ms Schwalenberg has overall responsibility for the shellfish hatchery and MTC. Her primary duties are to assure that the facility has adequate administrative support, funding, and oversight. As hatchery director, Mr. Hetrick, is the primary contact and CRRC representative for the facility. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations as well as planning and budgeting. 2.0 Goals 2.01 Mission Statement

To operate the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery as a non-profit business in an open and transparent manner, that encourages technical excellence and is dedicated to meeting its customers' needs as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. Recognizing that all facets of the Alaska mariculture industry share the same future, the hatchery should establish a close working relationship with all industry participants to ensure that the ultimate customer is provided with the highest quality product at the lowest possible cost. 2.02 Objectives Become a self-sustaining business. Promote additional staff education and training to ensure that the hatchery maintains a high level of technical competence. Page 6

Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan

Seek out technical expertise from consultants, other hatcheries, universities, etc in order to ensure productive and efficient culture techniques. Develop an easy and effective communications system with customers. Work with commercial nurseries and growers to develop techniques and procedures that will help make the Alaskan mariculture industry more competitive. Continue to look for additional species to culture including species other than bivalve mollusks. Any species development work done in the hatchery must pay its own way. Establish production and percentage survival goals and once established meet or exceed performance standard survival assumptions.

3.0

Facility Description 3.01 Hatchery Design

The hatchery building was constructed as a shared facility with 7,660 ft allocated to the shellfish hatchery, 1,550 ft to the Marine Technical Center, and 1,171 ft as shared spaces including mechanical facilities, laboratory space, and a shop (Figure 2). A detailed breakdown of the space allocation in the facility is provided in Table 1.
Table 1. Hatchery Use Specifications (in ft.2) Hatchery Tank Room Mariculture Technical Center Shared Space Mechanical Room Offices. Restrooms, Hall Shop Algae Culture Lab Dry Lab Electrical Room Figure 1. Hatchery 6,330 1,550 840 810 520 520 200 150

The facility structure can withstand the constant flow of salt water inside and Sewards harsh weather conditions outside. The quality of construction was demonstrated by the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan Page 7

lack of structural damage from the 2006 flood. While the boiler was damaged by the flood and there was minor damage inside, the physical plant emerged relatively intact. The facility provides sound, reliable water supply and drain systems for anticipated activities of both the hatchery and MTC. Seawater pumps through an 8-inch HDPE underwater pipeline extended to a depth of 250 feet just off the Seward Marine Center dock. The water treatment used a system of sand filters and UV radiation, and both ambient and heated seawater are distributed throughout the facility through oversized header pipes. As required by research projects approved by ADF&G, the MTC intake water can be separated and be further treated beyond hatchery specifications. Processed water draining from shellfish culture tanks is collected in floor trenches and is routed through a heat recovery system. All effluent is treated with chlorine to eliminate the potential for disease organisms leaving the facility. The building provides flexible space that can be converted to a variety of configurations without major modifications. 3.02 Water System

Between April and November, in the Resurrect Bay near APSH become stratified with surface salinity at 23-29 practical salinity units (psu) and temperatures up to 14 C. During the winter months, there is much more mixing of the water column; surface salinity is approximately 31 psu and temperature is 3-4 C. Primary productivity here is typical of Alaskan fjords, with 1776 mg C/m/day in summer and 8 mg C/m/day in winter. Analysis of the deep-water intake at the Institute of Marine Science (located next to the MTC/SH building), detected no unusual levels of trace metals, pollutants, or primary constituents. The shellfish hatchery now has four sources of salt water. Those sources include an 8inch pipeline extending to a depth of 250 feet; a saltwater well; a connection to the primary intake line for the neighboring University of Alaskas Marine Science Center; and a backup line from the hatchery. The primary source of water into the MTC is the connection to the university intake line that can be transferred to one of the hatchery sources as needed. Intake water is treated by a series of filters (sand, bag and cartridge) to remove particles greater than 1 micron in diameter and ultraviolet ray (UV) system (Figures 2 and 3). I
Figure 2. Sand Filters

3.03Wastewater Treatment System All effluent water from culture and broodstock holding tanks is Page 8

Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan

treated with chlorine (2 ppm) to prevent the possibility of disease causing organisms leaving the hatchery. Effluent water is captured in floor trenches covered by steel grates. The effluent water goes out into Resurrection Bay after being treated with metered chlorine. 3.04Type of Food Production, Broodstock Holding and Spawning, and Larvae Rearing and Nursery Systems The production facilities include systems that provide food or meet the environmental requirements of the shellfish at the various stages of development and growth. The following is a brief description of each of these systems. 3.04.1 Algal production system This system is the resource for producing food for broodstock and juvenile shellfish seed through their various stages of production. The steps involved include starting a 250 ml culture in an axenic 500 ml flask for four days, using the flask culture to inoculate a 20-liter carboy that is cultured for five days and using the carboy culture to inoculate a 20,000-liter fiberglass tank containing 22 C seawater. The alga is then cultured for 4 to 6 days to reach 1 billion cells per liter before being fed to the shellfish. The hatchery also has a continuous "bag culture system" that produces a mix of high-density dinoflagellates. See Figures 4-6

below. Feeding involves diluting the cell concentration by two-thirds by pumping 10,000 liters from the algae tank to a 30,000-liter tank containing 20,000 liters of seawater heated to between 16 C and 20 C, depending on the species of shellfish. This is then sent to the various systems containing the rearing shellfish and fed via a drip system at various rates depending on the life stage. A 30,000liter tank of the diluted algae lasts about one day. Toward the end of the workday, the tank is replenished with about 10,000 liters of heated seawater to ensure that it lasts throughout the night. Feed can also be pumped from the algae tanks directly Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan
Figure 4. Carboys in the wet lab Figure 5. Bag culture of dinoflagellates Figure 6. 180-liter cylindrical containers used for diatom

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to the rearing shellfish as opposed to the drip feed. Known as "pulse feeding" this method can be a more convenient method of feeding under certain configurations, but it is wasteful because the shellfish cannot consume all the algae at high concentrations and a significant portion ends up going down the drain. 3.04.2 Broodstock holding system This is the system for inactive maintenance and isolation of the various species of broodstock in the hatchery. It consists of 1,000 liter fiberglass tanks that contain the tray setup for holding brood animals, and a system for supplying unheated, untreated seawater (except UV radiation) at 1 to 4 liters per minute. The animals are typically pulse fed at varied times and amounts. 3.04.3Broodstock conditioning & spawning system This is the system for ripening broodstock and spawning them. It has the same components as described for the broodstock holding system plus, including UV light and 1 micron filtering and heated seawater (10 C) to induce spawning. The purpose of this system is to produce a "controlled spawn." This involves spawning equal numbers of each sex to ensure genetic diversity and keeping the sexes separate as spawning is induced. The process involves close monitoring. As the animals spawn, the gametes are removed and placed in a fertilization bucket in a set egg to sperm ratio to help ensure a successful fertilization. After several cell divisions, the eggs are inspected to estimate the fertilization rate. Fertilized eggs are removed from the fertilization buckets and placed in larval rearing tanks. 3.04.4 Larval rearing system This is the system for rearing larvae from spawn to the pediveliger stage. It involves UV light treatment, 1 micron filtration and heated water (16 C, 20 C for oysters) enough saltwater to fill a 30,000 liter fiberglass tank. Hatched larvae are then placed in the tank and fed. Approximately every 2.5 days the tank is drained and larvae are collected in a screen placed underneath the drain cock. Growth, health and survival data are gathered before the larvae are transferred to another 30,000-liter tank, prepared and operated in the same manner as described above. These steps are repeated until the larvae reach the pediveliger stage, which differs with species and temperature but is usually complete within three to five weeks. 3.04.5 Intense nursery system This is the system for taking shellfish larvae from the pediveliger stage to 2millimeter seed. A single unit consists of an 80 cm x 2.5 m x 80 cm fiberglass tank within which three fiberglass upwelling trays 60 cm in diameter and 70 cm tall with plastic screened bottoms are placed with the bottoms about 10 cm off the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan Page 10

bottom of the trough. The shellfish are located in the trays, which may be supplied with an artificial substrate to promote settlement. UV treated, 1 micron filtered and heated (to about 16 C, or 24 C for oysters) seawater flows into the tank and out a screened port. After the pediveligers have set (metamorphosed into tiny bivalves), an airlift system is initiated to circulate water and food efficiently. The system typically downwells (water/food in the top and out the bottom) until the animals reach about 1.2 mm in size at which time the system is reversed to up well mode (water/food in the bottom and out through a screened standpipe). In the case of trays with substrate, the water flows across the substrate. 0 3.04.6 Long term nursery system This is the outdoor system for taking 2 mm seed to 6 mm to 9 mm depending on the species. This system is similar to the larval settlement system except each trough is much larger (3.3 m x 1.6 m x 0.8m) and holds 10 upwelling trays instead of three. The algae for the system will come from the outside enclosed tank system. 3.04.7 Outside enclosed tank system The outdoor nursery system consist of: 1) a series of upwelling and downwelling tanks (6), with the capacity of 12 rearing rings per tank, for growing and holding of shellfish; and 2) 50' diameter outside tanks for culturing algae from natural blooms from Resurrection Bay. The upwelling and downwelling tanks can be fed from any combination of ambient saltwater from Resurrection Bay, cultured algae and water from the hatchery or algae raised in the outside tanks. 3.05 Shellfish Hatchery Floor Plans

The layout of the hatchery portion of the building is almost identical to the original floor plans (Figure 2).

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The location of production and holding tanks are the same as shown in the copy of construction drawings by project architect KCM on next page. Table 2 summarizes the various types of tanks at the hatchery. Photos of the shellfish and algae culture tanks on the hatchery floor are provided in Figures 3-6.

Table 2. Descriptions of shellfish and algae culture tanks on the hatchery floor. Type of Tank Number Volume (liters) Size Uses

Reservoir Tanks

30,000

Water and food tanks for all seed and broodstock Larval tanks for large spawns of shellfish. Larval rearing and some algae culture 8x2x16 11x5x30 20x1x1 Holding and conditioning sea cucumbers or other shellfish. Oyster/geoduck culture Geoduck spat nursery with capacity to handle up to 1 million seed per trough.

Larval Rearing Tanks Broodstock Conditioning Tanks S Tanks Aluminum Troughs

2 2 7 2

3,800 604 3,894 566

Figure 4. Broodstock Conditioning Tanks

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3.06

Marine Technical Center Floor Plans

Figure 6. SS Tanks

Figure 5. Reservoir Tanks

As shown on the MTC floor plan in Figure 7, the MTC main floor is equipped with tanks for holding broodstock and a variety of other research purposes. These include tanks for holding broodstock during spawning events, tanks for larval production, and juvenile rearing tanks. A wall is erected to provide isolation of MTC activities from the shellfish hatchery. MTC Module 1 has nine larval rearing tanks and MTC Module 2 has 16 conical larval rearing tanks set up (Figures 8 and 9) The layout of the MTC changes dramatically from project to project, or can change even between different stages of the same project. The following is a description of the MTC floor design for years one and two of the king crab enhancement project. The king crab enhancement project also will be utilizing the large outdoor tanks at the hatchery complex for nursery experiments. The tanks are supplied with seawater from the University of Alaskas Marine Center.

Figure 8. MTC Module 1 Larval Rearing Tanks

Figure 7. MTC Floor Plan

4.0

Shellfish Hatchery Operational Plans

Figure 9. MTC Module 1 Conical Larval Rearing Tanks

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The Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery (APSH) is a state-of-the-art shellfish hatchery with a mandate to operate as a private business, and operations must be responsive to market demand. The Alaska shellfish farming industry has been developing at a much slower pace than envisioned at the time the hatchery complex was constructed. As a result, the operation and development schedule will vary with the demand. Details on the broodstock acquisitions and seed production are provided in sections below. 4.01 Broodstock Acquisition

The APSH has acquired broodstock for several species since 2000, including Pacific oysters, Nuttall cockles, Pacific geoducks, Pacific razor clams, Pacific littleneck, and giant rock-scallops. A history of each species used for broodstock and culture details appears in Appendices 2-8. Over the last ten years, maximum number for shellfish broodstock acquired for any one year ranged from 30 to 356 (Table 3). Projected acquisition for future hatchery spawning needs range from 200 to 300 depending on the species. The actual broodstock acquisitions will ultimately depend on the demand for seed.
Table 3. Alutiiq Pride Broodstock Acquisition Projections for 2011-2015 2000-2010 Species Pacific oyster Nuttall cockle Pacific geoduck Razor clam Pacific littleneck Giant rockscallops Region Out-of-State SC SE SC SE SC SE SC SE SC SE Maximum Number Acquired For Any One Year 200 365 250 0 248 40 0 0 221 30 48 2011-2015 Projected Acquisition Needs None 200 200 None 200 300 200 200 None 200

The current hatchery operation permit for APSH has special conditions pertaining to breeding practices that requires APSH to use a minimum of 200 broodstock (100 pairs 100 females and 100 males) with at least 50% replacement of broodstock on an annual basis for all indigenous shellfish bivalves approved on the permit to avoid inbreeding depression. This benchmark maybe lowered upon approval by the department, based on the broodstock size and good culture practices at the hatchery, the hatchery capacity, or the industry needs. The projected broodstock needed by the hatchery meets the minimum number requirement. Broodstock collection will be from source locations with an established disease history and the department will approve acquisitions. Broodstock from different larval drift Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan Page 14

zones, as such zones are defined in 5 ACC 41.295(d), will be kept separate in the hatchery when spawning to avoid pooling of progeny. For the same reasons, broodstocks from different geographical areas that are found to be genetically distinct will be kept separated in the hatchery. In 2005, spawning of Pacific oysters ceased and APSH began acquisitions of eyed-larvae from certified out-of-state sources. Table 5 summarizes the juvenile Pacific oyster (seed and juveniles) acquired by APSH from 2000 to 2010. The projected acquisition for APSH for 2011-2015 ranges from 1 to 3 million each year and depends on the demand. During periods of seed supply shortages, APSH is ready can ramp up Pacific oyster acquisitions and can rear them until they are marketable seed size for Alaska nurseries and/or farmers.

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Table 4. Alutiiq Pride Broodstock Acquisitions History for 2000-2010 2000 Species Region
Out-ofState SC SE SC SE SC SE SC SE SC SE SC SE 500 250 250 91 500 500 250 ? 90 36

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Per Acq Acq Per Acq Per Acq Per Ac Per Ac Per Acq Per Acq Per Acq Per Acq Per Acq mitte uire Permi uire mitte uire mitte uire mitt qui mitt qui mitt uire mitt uire mitte uire mitt uire mitte uire d d tted d d d d d ed red ed red ed d ed d d d ed d d d
1000 200 950 500 1000 0 1000 72 10 950 40 650 250 250 0 100 0 200 60 200 150 200 356 300 180 300 100 200 200 200 76 200 42 300 0

Pacific oyster Basket Cockle Pacific geoduck Razor clam Pacific littleneck Rock scallop Blue mussel

500 250

0 63

1,600 200 150 48

800 800 150

0 800 0 800 265 150 1,600 0 1,600 0 800 24 150 0 150 0 150

0 50 52 100 100 300 248 200 145 200 80 300 121 0 180 40 180 0 300 0 300 0 300 0 30 0 200 62 200 86 300 100 0 200 200 200 221 300 0 300 220 12 20 200 30 0 200 28 200 0 400 0 300 0

Table 5. Alutiiq Pride Stock Acquisitions History from 2003 -2009 and Projections for 2011-2015 Pacific oysters (seed and juveniles only) 2011-201 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 5 Per Acq Per Per Per Ac Per Acq Per Ac Per Acq Per Acq mit uire mitt Acquire mitt Acquir mit qui mit uire mitt qui mit uire mit uire Projec ted d ed d ed ed ted red ted d ed red ted d ted d ted (mi (mil (mil (million (mil (millio (mi (mi (mi (mil (mil (mi (mi (mil (mi (mil (per llio lion lion s) lion ns) llio llio llio lion lion llio llio lion llio lion year) Source ns) s) s s ns ns) ns s) s ns) ns s) ns s)
Coast Oyster Company Quilcene Hatchery (eyedlarvae) 65 26.4 100 Coast Oyster Company Kona Coast Hatchery Eagle Shellfish Aquatic Farm OSU Hatfield Molluscan Broodstock Program Qutekcak Shellfish Hatchery Production Aluttiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Production

33

100

50.6 5 5

0 36.75 100 0 5 2.099 5 2 5 1 5 1

1-3 0 0

not 0.3 reported 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.5 not reported new operator 33 0 0 0.1
0.0005 0.1 0.0005

0 0

4.02

Production Appendix 1 lists the approved species on the APSH hatchery operation permit. The most important species produced by APSH have been Pacific oyster, Pacific geoducks, and Pacific littleneck. Pacific oysters are the only species that can be imported from out-of state certified sources. All other species must be produced in the state using indigenous species. Currently, APSH is the only hatchery that is permitted to produce indigenous species for use in nurseries and aquatic farming in Alaska. Table 6 summarizes the seed production recorded for 2008 and 2009 for all species by management area and statewide. The percentage of seed produced from APSH and sold to aquatic farmers and nurseries is also shown. Only 7% of the Pacific oysters were sold by APSH from all the certified seed sources. With seed shortages In Washington, APSH can help fill the gap and meet the permit holders needs for Pacific oysters.

Table 6. Seed Production by APSH and Other Certified Seed Sources by Management Area in 20082009
Alaska Department of Fish & Game Management Area Northern Southeast Pacific geoduck Pacific oyster Pacific littleneck Southern Southeast Cockle Pacific geoduck 75,000 Pacific oyster 2,707,636 Pacific littleneck Cook Inlet Pacific oyster 1,245,000 Pacific littleneck Statewide Pacific geoduck 75,000 Pacific oyster 4,839,510 Pacific littleneck 100% 129,500 44% 11,985,550 200,000 129,500 600,000 200,000 100% 7% 100% 0% 2,325,000 0% 0% 75,000 1,200,000 100% 44% 100,000 128,000 8,218,550 200,000 100,000 128,000 600,000 200,000 100% 100% 7% 100% Number of Seed Produced 2008 All CSS* 108,874 APSH^ % APSH 0% All CSS* 1,500 42,000 2009 APSH^ 1,500 % APSH 100% 0% 0%

* CSS: Certified Seed Source. In 2008 and 2009, there were 5 Certified Seed Sources. ^ APSH: Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Cook Inlet Includes Kachemak Bay. Pacific littlenecks are cultured using suspended gear only in Kachemak Bay.

Table 7 presents the estimated seed projections by management areas for the years, 2011-2013, for each species based on the aquatic farm operation development plan schedules. The projected minimum numbers are within the range of the preliminary hatchery production goals in Table 9 provided by APSH.

Table7. Projected Seed Production* by Management Area for 2011-2013

Alaska Department of Fish & Game Management Area Northern Southeast Pacific geoduck Pacific oyster Pacific littleneck Southern Southeast Nuttall cockle Pacific geoduck Pacific oyster Pacific littleneck Prince William Sound Pacific oysters Cook Inlet Pacific oysters Pacific littleneck Statewide Nuttall cockle Pacific geoduck Pacific oysters Pacific littleneck 300,000 630,050 8,252,001 352,000 131,000 640,050 7,927,001 131,000 250,000 690,050 8,417,001 250,000 2,675,000 2,000 3,050,000 3,350,000 700,001 800,001 800,001 300,000 630,050 8,252,001 150,000 131,000 640,050 7,927,001 131,000 250,000 690,050 8,417,001 250,000 80,000 330,000 200,000 80,000 10,000 80,000 10,000 2011
Minimum

Projected Seed Production Numbers (*Based on Aquatic Farm Operation & Development Plans Data) 2012
Minimum

2013
Minimum

* CSS: Certified Seed Source. In 2008 and 2009, there were 5 Certified Seed Sources. ^ APSH: Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Cook Inlet Includes Kachemak Bay. Pacific littlenecks are cultured using suspended gear only in Kachemak Bay.

Table 8 presents the history of production between 2000 and 2010 and the approximate value of this production. The sales of hatchery-produced seed have increased from $15,122 in 2000 to $69,270 in 2007, but fell in subsequent years for a number of reasons. Production is expected to increase in the next few years. While several species of shellfish show great potential, there are only commercial in-state spat markets for Pacific geoducks and Pacific oysters only. Aquatic farmers are interested in purchasing Pacific littleneck spat to help sustain their permitted beaches and farmers and nurseries are working with APSH to produce spat for the coming years. The shellfish hatchery has been in operation for over ten years and has not, to date, codified production goals or established percentage survival goals for the various life history stages of shellfish propagated and cultured in the hatchery. Table 9 shows the typical hatchery seed survival and production goals. All of the species raised are new to the Alaskan shellfish culture industry with the exception of the Pacific oyster. Although the techniques are not novel, feeding regimes, culture techniques and setting strategies are unique to each species. The size of shellfish seed to be sold is expected to be in the ranges of3 to 5 mm. At this time, APSH plans to produce Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan Page 18

enough Pacific geoducks and Pacific oyster spat to respond to market demand. Production of other species, such as giant rock-scallops, Nuttall cockles, Pacific littleneck, Pacific razor clams and sea cucumbers, will continue on experimental levels to help the industry continue to work on research and development projects.0

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Table 8. Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Seed Production by Species from 2000 through 2010
Species Basket Cockle Pacific geoduck Littleneck clam Pacific oyster Productio n Number Value Number Value Number Value 45,000 2,875,000 $0 $22,432 0 0 47,400 $11,850 547,000 $4,535 31,500 $6,300 410,000 $3,715 53,080 $10,482 110,000 $917 2000 0 2001 50,000 2002 0 2003 0 2004 0 2005 38,500 $308 187,800 $21,283 501,100 $4,009 2006* 60,000 $1,080 150,000 $18,750 0 660,000 $59,320 0 2007 0 2008 52000 $ 30,000.00 2009 0 2010

75,000 162,400 71,100 $7,500 $28,550 $6,500 50000 $2,000 0 50,000 $0

Number 1,969,000 2,959,000 3,108,000 1,728,000 2,359,800 5,253,000 1,750,000 2,579,500 1,200,000 600,000 540,000 Value $15,122 0 $18,338 0 $20,264 0 $11,000 0 $12,174 0 $28,742 150,000 $10,000 3,250 $0 0 0 0 0 0 8,000 $1,600 0 0 0 $7,875 0 $9,950 0 $5,400 0 $3,300 $2,430 0

Pacific Number Razor clam Value PurpleHinged Number Rock Scallop Value Total Sales by Year

$15,122

$40,770

$36,649

$21,015

$23,573

$64,342

$29,305

$69,270

$44,900 $31,850 $8,930

* In 2006, APSH ceased spawning oysters at the hatchery and started importing eyed-larvae or oyster spat from outof-state certified sources. Table 9. Preliminary Shellfish Seed Survival and Production Goals
Species Basket Cockle Pacific geoduck Littleneck clam Pacific oyster Pacific Razor clam Purple- Hinged Rock Scallop Survival Goals Setting 30%, To 2 mm 50%, To 6 mm 35% 250 screen min. or larger 25%, Approx. 1mm 15-20%, 8 mm 30% Set 25%, 1 mm 25%, 3 mm 75% Setting 10%, 710 micron screening 30% 250 screen min. or larger 25%, Approx. 1mm 15-25, 8 mm seed size 50% Larvae 10%, Setting 10%, To 1 mm 10% Annual Production Goals Seed Size To Be Sold 0 10,000,000 500,000 2,000,000 0 1,000,000 2,000,000 10,000,000 0 1,000,000 0 1,000,000 3-5 mm 4-6 mm 3 mm 3-5 mm 3 mm 3 mm

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5.0

Marine Technical Center Operational Plans

The MTC is the focal point of early research by the Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology program (AKCRRAB), which is a joint research project involving scientists with the APSH, National Marine Fisheries Service and University of Alaska. The project is directed by a steering committee involving the three research groups and representatives from the crab industry and coastal communities. As the project matures, the focus of research may shift to different arenas, but APSH is likely to continue to use the MTC to refine hatchery techniques and nursery technology until at least 2012. When the research into king crab culture is complete, the MTC will likely attract additional research projects. As research projects cycle through the MTC, the configuration of the facility is likely to change as well. AKCRRAB develops detailed study plans for ADF&G on an annual basis to obtain fish resource permits and has a long-range strategic research plan. A copy of the strategic plan has been provided to ADF&G Division of Commercial Fisheries. 0 6.0 Genetics Management

The hatchery has implemented several procedures to support the States genetics policy in its attempt to protect the genetic integrities of wild populations. One focus is on the selection of broodstock and the distribution of spat and juveniles. In the absence of suitable information about genetic population structure for many species, Alaska Regulation, 5 AAC 41.295, identifies six distinct larval drift zones across the state and restricts the movement of aquatic farm stocks to within the zone from which broodstock were collected. In other words, the hatchery can only sell Southeast farmers spat that are produced from Southeast broodstock. The intent of this policy is to prevent the introduction of new genetic strains into wild populations. This regulation requires that the hatchery maintain separate stocks for broodstock originated from each larval drift zone. The implicit assumption is that only one genetic population for each shellfish species is present within each zone. However, additional genetic structure may be present within a larval drift zone, and research on the genetic population structure within zones is needed to confirm the assumption of genetic homogeneity within a drift zone. A second related focus is on the maintenance of genetic diversity among and within broodstocks. The first issue is addressed by separating in the hatchery broodstocks from different regions. The mixing of broodstocks from different areas may lead to out breeding depression so that offspring are mal-adapted to any one area. A conservative best practice is to spawn individuals that have been collected from one location. Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan Page 21

To address the second issue, spat for release must be produced from large effective population broodstock sizes, so that genetic diversity is not lost by culture practices. High fecundities and high larval mortalities in most invertebrate species can lead to a rapid shift in genetic architecture and the release of domesticated individuals can potentially affect wild populations. While the use of only a few parents can produce large numbers of spat for outplanting, the use of a small number of individuals may lead to inbreeding (and inbreeding depression), the loss of genetic diversity or domestication selection. Several steps can be taken to maintain large effective population sizes in a hatchery. While aquaculture generally benefits from selective broodstock programs for traits conducive to shellfish husbandry, Alaskas requirements for genetic diversity effectively preclude selective breeding programs. To conform to this strategy, APSH has adopted an acquisition program involving the annual renewal of all broodstock from approved wild stock sources. The use of new broodstock also helps to maintain genetic diversity in outplanted individuals. APSH typically collects wild individuals for broodstock and holds them in the hatchery for spawning. Since the cost of ripening and conditioning these individuals in a hatchery environment is high, APSH attempts to time broodstock collections when the target wild stocks are most likely to spawn. The cost of holding brood animals beyond their spawning window is prohibitive, so broodstock are destroyed after spawning goals are met or when it appears reproductive periods have passed. The turnover of broodstock also helps to increase the effective population size in the hatchery. 7.0 Pathology and Disease Management

The State of Alaska, with a comprehensive fisheries pathology management program, closely regulates the movement and culture of shellfish stocks. Alaska prohibits the importation of shellfish stocks into the state, with the exception of Pacific oyster spat less than 20 mm in length. Those out-of-state hatchery-produced stocks must come from sources that are certified by ADF&G Pathology staff. Years of pathology screening by ADF&G, coupled with tight regulation of the hatchery industry, have shown that cultured Alaskan bivalves and other shellfish, as a rule, are relatively free of harmful pathogens or parasites. There have been no reported outbreaks of disease at any aquaculture facility in the state. Copies of pathology reports on APSH broodstock and spat are available upon request from either the hatchery or Alaska Department of Fish and Game. APSH is required to follow ADF&G pathology guidelines, and other generally accepted good disease management practices of shellfish and finfish hatcheries: Pathology Screening. APSH annually renews its broodstock for all species. These adult shellfish come from wild stocks that have been previously screened Page 22

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for pathogens by the ADF&G pathology lab. These transports of broodstock are authorized under ADF&G broodstock acquisition permits that are reviewed by ADF&G staff. After receiving approval to acquire broodstock, APSH provides the necessary specimens to the ADF&G lab for disease screening. If there are any pathology issues of transport significance, special conditions are attached to the permits. If progeny of these disease-screened broodstocks are to be taken outside of the hatchery facility, the seed stock must again be certified by the ADF&G pathology section and a Shellfish Transport Permit must be approved. Holding Conditions. All stocks are held in isolation from other shellfish, both by physical isolation and with separate water supplies. Stocks are never commingled. Water discharged from each tank is plumbed to drain into a covered center trough where the wastewater is treated with chlorine to kill all potential pathogens. All tanks are checked periodically for the presence of harmful levels of Vibrio sp. and other pathogens.

APSH is working towards receiving an Animal Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S.D.A. (A.P.H.I.S.) High Health Certification, rating. This official recognition, developed by noted aquatic pathologist Dr. Ralph Elston, would be necessary for APSH to export seed outside of Alaska. ADF&G protocols meet or exceed the requirements for the High Health Certification.

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Appendices

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Appendix 1. Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Approved Species List

Shellfish Seed Produced For Use at Aquatic Farms or Nursery Sites Pacific geoduck (Panopea generosa) Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Nuttall cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii) Also referred to by the hatchery as basket cockles Giant rock-scallop (Crassodoma gigantea) Also referred to as purple-hinged rock scallop Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula) Production for Research Purposes Only and Potential Enhancement Projects Giant red sea cucumber (Parastichopus californicus) Added in amendment with special conditions Red king crab (Parastichopus californicus) Added in amendment with special conditions Blue king crab (Parastichopus californicus) Added in amendment with special conditions Blue mussel (Mytilus trossolus) Added in amendment with special conditions

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Appendix 2. Pacific Geoduck (Panopea generosa) Geoducks are the worlds largest burrowing clams and are prized in China for texture and taste of their neck meat. The APSH is one of the few hatcheries in the world to produce geoduck spat. Demand for geoduck spat is high, despite seed pricing far above other shellfish species. Culture methods are similar to most other bivalve clams. The broodstock is placed in shallow tanks in heated seawater. Larvae are transferred to the 22,000-liter tanks and fed algae until they are large enough to be filtered by a 250-micron screen. The larvae set within three weeks while being continuously fed algae diets. The small seed (1.5 mm) are then transferred to a shallow tank lined with 3-6 inches of sand. The spat are fed algae continuously until the shellfish reach 4-6 mm. Broodstock Broodstock are obtained annually from wild geoduck beds by professional divers. Broodstock acquisition permits must be applied for annually. Broodstock are held in seawater no warmer than11C. Spawning is induced by raising water temperatures to 13 C. Larval production requires a constant 14 C., while temperatures during the nursery stage for seed system I should be maintained within a 14-16 C range and for seed system II should be maintained at 12-14 C range for best growth or a couple of degrees cooler if energy savings is a factor and slower growth is adequate. Seed System I - Continuously feed 25,000 cells per ml using a mix of species. This works best if a reservoir tank is used and food is added to that tank to achieve 25,000 cells per ml with the reservoir tank changed daily to maintain cleanliness. Seed System II - Continuously feed 25,000 cells per ml using a mix of species. A reservoir can be used for quality control as in the setting system but higher total flow rates to this system may make this impractical. A good rule of thumb can be used: If the algae density is 1 x 106 then to get 25,000 cells per ml, seawater will be 40 parts to 1-part algae. Mix of species used is as follows: Tahitian isochrysis, Pavlova lutherii, Thalliosara, Chaetoceros calcitrans, Chaetoceros muelleri. Timelines Survival Goals Spawning 21 days; Larval 28-42 days; Nursery 70-84 days Larvae Larval Age 2 to setting size Page 26

Temperatures

Food

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(250 screen min. or larger) 25% Seed System I Setting size to post-set (approx. 1mm) 15-20% Seed System II Post-set (1 mm) to 8 mm seed size 30% The actual survival will vary considerably from one group to another but these figures derived from experience with geoducks can be used for management and general planning purposes. Production Goals 500,000 to 2 million 0 mm spat annually 2-6

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Appendix 3. Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) Virtually every Alaskan aquatic farm-selling 0 business in 2007 sold oysters. Alaskans have been planting oyster seed since the 1930s, and Pacific oysters are likely to remain the primary seed required by the industry for at least another decade. Pacific oysters also are farmed throughout the world and hatchery culture practices are well understood. At this time, Oyster larvae from 2006 spawn APSH does not intend to spawn adult oysters to produce spat for Alaska farmers in the near future. Since Alaska shellfish nursery operators have the ability to purchase oyster spat from hatcheries outside Alaska and APSH cannot compete with these producers on a cost per unit basis, it makes little sense for the hatchery to focus on this market. The cost of heating ambient water from 68 C to 20 C at the Seward hatchery is an obvious problem when the competition has incoming water at the right temperature. Nevertheless, it is important that APSH continue to produce oyster spat to ensure Alaska farmers always have a source of spat and the hatchery continues to have local demand for oyster spat. Consequently, APSH intends to provide nursery customers 35 mm oyster spat produced from 1 mm spat purchased from an Outside hatchery. This strategy will minimize the losses from oyster production. If problems develop with oyster spat availability for Alaska nursery systems in the future, APSH will increase production. Culture methods are simple: the small spat is placed in a shallow tank filled with seawater heated to 10 C and the shellfish are continuously fed diets of algae. Broodstock Temperatures Food Timelines Survival Goals Production Goals None. Ambient or heated to 22 C. Chaetoceros mulleri, Thalassiosira pseudonana, Pavlova lutherii, and Isochrysis galbana. 30 days larvae, 1 month to 710 micron screen 10% set, 30% to 710 micron screening 210 million 35 mm spat annually

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Appendix 4. Nuttall Cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii) A recent study of culturing Nuttall cockles in Alaska concluded that they hold promise as a potential shellfish crop for Alaska growers, but more R&D is needed before the species can be commercialized. APSH plans to continue to produce cockle spat to support R&D work and to supply potential enhancement projects. Culture methods for Nuttall cockles are similar to those for other cold-water bivalves. broodstock are placed in shallow tanks in heated seawater. Larvae are transferred to the 22,000-liter tanks and fed algae until they are large to be filtered by a 250-micron screen. The larvae set within three weeks while being continuously fed algae diets. The small seed (1.5 mm) are then transferred to a shallow tank lined with 36 inches of sand. The spat are fed algae continuously until the shellfish reach 46 mm. Broodstock Broodstock is obtained annually from Southeast and Southcentral shellfish growers in the early spring. Broodstock acquisition permits must be applied for annually. Broodstock is held in seawater no warmer than 11C. Spawning is induced by raising water temperatures to 13 C. Larval production requires a constant 14 C., while temperatures during the larval phase should be maintained at 1416 C. Flagellates 2months to 2mm from spawning 30% to setting, 50 % to 2mm, 25% to 6mm. 010 million 35 mm spat annually

Temperatures

Food Timelines Survival Goals Production Goals

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Appendix 5. Giant Rock-scallop (Crassodoma gigantea) The only known source of giant rock-scallops available to commercial markets is a small operation where divers harvest adult scallops from the legs of oil platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel. However, there has been a great industry interest in the species and there have been sporadic attempts to grow the bivalves in California, Washington and Alaska. Growth experiments in Alaska were encouraging, but the project ran out of funds before it was concluded and no efforts have been made to commercialize the species. Giant rock-scallops continue to be of high interest to Alaska growers and APSH intends to respond to R&D projects by producing additional spat as needed. Culture methods are similar to other cold-water bivalves. Broodstock are placed in shallow tanks filled with 17 C seawater to induce spawning. Fertilized larvae are transferred to the 22,000-liter tanks and fed continuous algal diets. After the larvae set, the 1 mm shellfish are transferred to shallow tanks lined with Astroturf where they are fed continuous diets of algae until they reach 35 mm. Broodstock Broodstock is obtained annually from Southeast growers in the spring. Southcentral broodstock comes from periodic natural sets in oyster gear and is not always available. Broodstock acquisition permits must be applied for annually. Broodstock is held in 8-12 C seawater. Spawning is induced by raising water temperatures to 17 C. Larval production requires a constant 14 C., while temperatures during the nursery phase should be maintained at 812 C. Pavlova sp, Tahitian isochrysis, 6 weeks to set, 3 months of setting, 1mm after 2 months 10% larvae, 10% set, 10% to 1mm 01 million 3 mm spat annually

Temperatures

Food Timelines

Survival Goals Production Goals

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Appendix 6. Pacific Razor Clam (Siliqua patula) The only commercial source of wild Pacific razor clams are those harvested on the western shore of Cook Inlet, but Prince William Sound beaches once supported a huge commercial fishery. These stocks were heavily harvested prior to the 1964 earthquake, but show little sign of recovery since that event. Interest 1 mm razor clam spat in Pacific razor clams is strong, but culture of the species and hatchery production of spat had been limited to China until 2006 when APSH produced spat and seeded beaches near Cordova. APSH plans to continue its efforts to produce spat to support enhancement projects in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. While no Alaskan growers have yet attempted to farm this species, successful enhancement projects could spur interest. Culture methods for Pacific razor clams are similar to other cold-water clams. Adult are placed in a shallow tank or trough filled with 12-14 C seawater. Larvae are collected and transferred to one of the 22,000-liter tanks at densities of 1 per ml or 22 million to a tank. The larvae are continuously fed a diet of algae until they weigh about 4 grams. The larvae set on screens with about inch of sand. When the shellfish reach 1 1.5 mm, they are transferred to a nursery tank with up to 6 inches of sand on the bottom. The clams are continuously fed an algal diet throughout the nursery process. Broodstock Broodstock has been obtained with the assistance of Eyak residents. The shells of Pacific razor clams are fragile and great care must be taken during shipments. Work with Southeast stocks had not been initiated at the time of this report. Broodstock acquisition permits must be applied for annually. Broodstock is held in 10 C seawater. Spawning is induced by raising water temperatures to 1214 C Larval production require a constant 14 C, while temperatures during the nursery phase should be maintained at 1214 C. Tahitian isochrysis, Pavlova lutherii, Thalliosara, Chaetoceros calcitrans and Chaetoceros muelleri 21 day larvae at 12 C, 2 months in sand to 2 mm Larvae Age 2 to setting size (250 screen or larger) 25% Seed System I - Setting size to post-set (approx. 1 mm) 25% Seed System II - Post-set (1mm) to 8 mm seed size 50% Page 31

Temperatures

Food

Timelines Survival Goals

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Production Goals

01 million 3 mm spat annually

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Appendix 7. Pacific Littleneck (Protothaca staminea)

Local growers have viewed Pacific littleneck as Alaskas answer to the manila clam, but littlenecks are attractive only to buyers in the state. Virtually all of the Pacific littlenecks produced by Alaska farmers are ranched stocks coming from natural sets. APSH has been producing littleneck clam seed since the facility opened, but markets for the seed have never materialized. One major problem is that the species grows slowly during its early life stages and the spat need twice the nursery time as oysters. Survival of littleneck spat less than 10 mm has proven to be low. Consequently, the high cost of production prices littleneck spat out of the reach of growers. Enhancement projects face the same problem. APSH will continue to support R&D projects in the hopes of developing a market for littleneck spat, but may have to re-evaluate that decision in the face of rising energy costs. Hatchery culture methods for Pacific littleneck are similar to those of other cold-water bivalves. Broodstock is collected in late spring presumably in a reproductive condition. Spawning is initiated by warm water and high algal concentrations. Fertilization is allowed to take place in the tanks since an individual female has only about 200,000 eggs. Fertilization takes after about two hours; eggs are rinsed and held in tanks. Larvae take approximately 30 days to set. Broodstock Broodstock is obtained annually from Southeast growers in the spring. Southcentral broodstock generally comes from Native village subsistence clam diggers. Broodstock acquisition permits must be applied for annually. 12 C Chaetoceros mulleri, Thalassiosira pseudonana, Pavlova lutherii, and Isochrysis galbana. 30 days to set 60 days to 1mm. 25% to set, 25% 1 mm, 75% to 3 mm. Page 33

Temperatures Food

Timelines Survival Goals

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Production Goals

01 million 3 mm spat annually

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Appendix 8. Red Sea Cucumbers (Parastichopus californicus) Red sea cucumbers support one of Southeast Alaskas most valuable fisheries, and some divers are interested in exploring the potential of enhancing commercial beds to increase harvests in favorable diving areas. At least two delegations of Alaska seafood experts have visited sea cucumber hatcheries in China, but little was learned about the culture process. Research on the reproduction of red sea cucumbers by Alaskan scientists has revealed challenges in duplicating the Chinese success, at least using the local species. Early work on this species was successful and hundreds of thousands of sea cucumber larvae were swimming in tanks at the MTC in early August 2008. Longer-term research goals had not been developed at the time this document was developed. Broodstock Broodstock are obtained annually from wild populations in southeastern Alaska by divers. Broodstock is held in seawater at 1012 C. Spawning is induced by raising water temperatures to 13 C. Water temperature during the larval phase is maintained at 11.513 C. Chaetoceros mulleri, Thalassiosira pseudonana, Pavlova lutherii, Isochrysis galbana, Navicula pelliculosa, and macroalgae. Unknown at this early stage. Unknown at this early stage. Unknown at this early stage.

Temperatures

Food

Timelines Survival Goals Productions Goals

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APPROVAL
0

The Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery Basic Management Plan is hereby approved. _______________________________________ David Bedford Deputy Commissioner ADF&G, Juneau _________________ Date

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