Application of Live Monocells from Macroalgae to Shellfish Seed Production

Monocells were isolated from several macroalgae, Porphyra yezoensis, Undaria pinnatifida, and Laminaria japonica, by digestion with alga-tool enzymes. The monocells were then used to feed the parents or larvae of bay scallop Argopecten irradians, blood cockle Arca inflata, and abalone Haliotis discus juveniles. Results showed that the parents of bay scallop and blood cockle fed with Porphyra monocells could mature and discharge eggs and spermatozoa and their larvae could metamorphose; the survival rate of abalone juveniles fed with isolated cells from Laminaria and Undaria increased by 100% compared with that of those fed with artificial food. Received October 2, 1997; accepted December 18, 1998.