Overview

Biological and ecological aspects of the life cycle of selected species will be covered in detail, including reproductive biology, larval development, larval feeding and nutrition. Factors controlling larval supply and recruitment in natural populations will be considered. Current status of aquaculture for invertebrate species will be reviewed, moving on to biological criteria for selecting species of aquaculture and culture practices for a range of commercially important species. This will include all aspects of larval and growout culture for molluscan and crustacean shellfish from water quality management, live food production, broodstock selection and management, spawning induction, handling gametes and embryos, larval development and growth. Grow-out production systems from extensive to intensive will be covered.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold - (Pass) Rudimentary report containing the very basics of what was done, but missing detail and with only the simplest analysis. Design and layout of report acceptable.

Good - (Merit) Report sufficiently introduced and referenced and containing the important details of material and method, with tabulated and/or graphical presentation of data obtained and a concise but sufficient analysis of the data. Short but pertinent discussion with a few papers referred to. Design and layout of report reasonable

Excellent - (Distinction) Outstanding report having a concise introduction covering all relevant aspects of the study and giving full references. Materials and methods fully and succinctly described, data well presented in tabular and/or graphical format, data fully analysed using the correct analytical methods for all data sets. Discussion focused, critical and concise, covering all aspects of the study, and fully referenced. Design and layout of report exceptional.

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to search and review primary research literature around a selected topic, analyse data, and present interpretation in formal scientific writing style .

• Understand the principle components of a marine invertebrate hatchery and conceptual design principles.

• Understanding and knowledge of principles for selection of species of aquaculture and aquaculture practices for a range of commercially important species.

• Understanding of the biology, life cycle and ecology of a range of marine invertebrates