Black-Lip Pearl Oyster Hatchery Technology

黑唇珍珠牡蛎（pintada margaritifera）是稀有珍贵的黑珍珠的来源。该物种的养殖在法属波利尼西亚已被证明是非常有利可图的，全球需求不断增强。夏威夷的亚种，P. margaritifera galtsoffi，在夏威夷州濒危物种名单上。由于自然繁殖的限制和过度捕捞珍珠壳的历史，种群数量很少。黑珍珠文化在夏威夷的发展似乎只是受到这种稀缺性的限制。这个亚种达到最大尺寸，并有极好的珍珠色，因此应该产生优秀的黑珍珠。我们建议在夏威夷的科纳建立一个玛格丽蒂菲（P. margartifera galtsoffi）孵化场。标准的双壳类培养方法将适用于该物种。我们熟悉其他珍珠贝的孵化场养殖方法，并已确认当地有可用的种苗。实验将测试产卵诱导、水质、幼虫处理、藻类饲料、首选基质和定居线索的方法。如果成功解决，随后的试验将确定商业规模生产的可行性。如果美国要同日本、澳大利亚和其他国家在这个利润丰厚的市场上分一杯羹，我们就必须获得我们自己的珍珠贝孵化技术。

The black-lip pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, is the source of rare, valuable black pearls. Culture of this species has proven highly lucrative in French Polynesia, with strengthening worldwide demand. The Hawaiian sub-species, P. margaritifera galtsoffi, is on the Hawaii State endangered species list. Stocks are scarce due to both natural recruitment limitations and the history of overfishing for pearl shell. The development of black pearl culture in Hawaii appears limited only by this scarcity. This sub-species attains a large maximum size, and has excellent nacre color, and should therefore produce excellent black pearls. We propose to develop a hatchery for P. margaritifera galtsoffi, in Kona, Hawaii. Standard bivalve culture methods will be adapted to this species. We are familiar with methods used in hatchery culture of other pearl oysters, and have confirmed the availability of local broodstocks. Experiments will test methods of spawning induction, water quality, larval handling, algal rations, preferred substrates and cues for settlement. if successful settlement is achieved, subsequent trials will determine the feasibility of commercial- scale spat production. We must acquire our own pearl oyster hatchery technology if America is to compete with Japan, Australia, and other countries for a stake in this lucrative market.