Evaluation of alternative stocking and harvesting models on production of black sea bass, <i>Centropristis striata</i> , in recirculating aquaculture systems: Potential effects of genetic selection

Abstract A study conducted at the University of North Carolina Wilmington examined the growth of hatchery‐raised black sea bass (BSB), Centropristis striata , juveniles using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) technologies. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between fish weight and age. Subsequent growth curves were derived for hypothetical genetic generations (F1 and F2) assuming a 12.5% weight increase per generation. A model of a commercial‐scale RAS facility was developed to optimize stocking, tank transfer, and harvesting schedules for each generation. The study compared biomass, harvest frequency, annual yield, and tank space efficiency (TSE) under various scenarios. Results showed that a four‐stage production plan model consisting of three tanks during the final growout stage was most effective to produce F0 generation fish, yielding 35,389 lbs (16,052 kg) per cohort, 6.02 harvests, and 220,035 lbs (99,806 kg) total biomass annually, with a TSE of 89.29%. For F1 and F2 generations, similar production plan models resulted in increased biomass and TSE. Selective breeding led to an 11.8% increase in annual biomass yield for F1 fish and an additional 9.2% for F2 due to shorter inter‐harvest intervals and higher TSE. Iterative testing of stocking and harvesting strategies was determined to be crucial for optimizing harvest quantity and timing in RAS BSB growout facilities.