60 SEPTEMBER 2013 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Experimental topics of study with yellowfin tuna at the Achotines Laboratory have expanded in recent years. The effects of ocean acidification are receiving increased attention worldwide. For tuna, early life stages are sensitive to environmental changes but potential impacts of ocean acidification on tuna populations are unknown. Research trials completed at the Achotines Laboratory in late 2011 examined potential effects of ocean acidification on survival and growth of yellowfin tuna eggs and larvae. These trials were conducted in collaboration with scientists from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and were funded by the Pelagic Fisheries Research Program (PFRP) of the University of Hawaii. In 2010 and 2011, eggs and/or larvae of yellowfin tuna were successfully shipped by air from the Achotines Laboratory to the Hubbs Sea World Research Institute (HSWRI) in San Diego, California, USA, as part of a feasibility study funded by the Saltonstall-Kennedy Program, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The study proved that it is possible to send live tuna larvae and eggs from Panama to the United States for research purposes. The success of the project was instrumental in the IATTC and HSWRI recently receiving funding from California Sea Grant to continue and expand air-shipment trials. The new project began in May 2012 and will continue for 3 years. Comparative studies of yellowfin tuna and Pacific bluefin tuna early life history: SATREPS. In January 2011, the IATTC, Kinki University of Japan, and ARAP began a comparative study of the early life history and reproductive biology of yellowfin tuna and Pacific bluefin tuna. This joint research project is being conducted by faculty and staff of Kinki University, the ELH Group of the IATTC and scientists of ARAP and will continue through March 2016. The majority of the research is being carried out at Achotines Laboratory and the Fisheries Laboratory of Kinki University. The study will be the first in the world to investigate important comparative aspects of the reproductive biology, genetics, and early life history of these two tuna species. The project will also support graduate research through Kinki University for selected members of all three participating groups. It is being implemented under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS); the studies conducted in Japan are supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and those in Panama by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Collaborative Activities IATTC-University of Miami Annual Workshop. Since 2003, the IATTC and the University of Miami’s Aquaculture Program have jointly hosted an annual workshop entitled “Physiology and Aquaculture of Pelagics with Emphasis on Reproduction and Early Developmental Stages of Yellowfin Tuna” at the Achotines Laboratory. International researchers, industry professionals and University of Miami graduate students gather to study and share advanced technologies and improved methods for experimental studies and rearing of larval tunas and other species of marine fish. A fee for participants and students covers the expenses of conducting the workshop. Future Directions In addition to the joint research projects described previously, the IATTC maintains close affiliations with other universities, government agencies, and private research organizations and institutions at local, national, and international levels. Scientists from the following institutions have conducted collaborative or independent research at the Achotines Laboratory: University of Tokyo (Japan), Universidad de Panamá (Panama), University of Istanbul (Turkey), University of Washington, Cornell University, University of Michigan, California State University at Fullerton, Northern Arizona University, Yale University, Princeton University, University of Miami (USA), Florida Marine Research Institute, the U.S. NOAA Fisheries Service, Universidad de Oriente (Venezuela), Australian Institute of Marine Science, Japan Sea Farming Association, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. From modest beginnings, the IATTC’s Achotines Laboratory has developed into one of the world’s premier tuna research laboratories. Extensive research facilities combined with the ability to routinely work with all life stages of tuna (captured wild from tropical coastal and oceanic waters or cultured in the laboratory) will continue to provide a unique research setting for researchers from around the world. More information on the Achotines Laboratory, including descriptions of research programs and a full list of scientific publications based on research conducted there, can be found on the Laboratory website: www.iattc.org/AchotinesLab/ AchotinesDefaultENG.htm. Notes Vernon P. Scholey, Achotines Laboratory, Las Tablas, Los Santos, Republica de Panama. E-mail: vscholey@iattc.org Daniel Margulies, Jeanne B. Wexler and Maria S. Stein, InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, California 92037, USA FIGURE 8, LEFT. Early-juvenile yellowfin, 30 days old (25 mm in length) in rearing tank at Achotines Laboratory (Photo: Daniel Benetti). FIGURE 9, RIGHT. Larval and early-juvenile rearing tanks (Photo: IATTC).
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