Current Research:
Recent research in the Collins laboratory has been focused on several facets of reproduction, development and growth of the model marine teleost, the rockfish (Sebastes spp.). Identifying the optimal conditions for reproductive performance in culture as well as the conditions that optimize growth from birth to sexual maturity for threatened nearshore rockfish species have been a central goal in order to assess the potential for the development of culture for marine enhancement or food resource programs, as is done with significant success for the black rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) on the Western Pacific rim.
Oocyte, embryonic, larval and juvenile growth data is being combined with previously established information on the endocrine and paracrine control of pregnancy in order to develop a comprehensive picture of the viviparous reproductive strategy of this highly fecund teleost.
The growth data from the successful nearshore rockfish rearing trials provides essential information on the early life-history of this threatened component of the California (and West coast) rockfish fishery that can assist marine managers in their continued efforts to effectively manage the fishery and its rehabilitation.
Click here for a video of 1 year old rockfish being fed.
Additionally, the data can assist in the assessment of the feasibility of culturing rockfish both for marine enhancement and food resource programs as is done with enormous success in countries such as Japan, Korea and China but has yet to gain momentum in the United States. While there clearly is still a long way to go in culturing Eastern Pacific rockfish species for profit there are places such as Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and the Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA), along with others, that are working to develop culture programs primarily for marine enhancement.
Lastly, the ability to culture this nearshore species in captivity from oocyte and embryonic development through critical stages of larval development has laid a foundation for examining the effects of various environmental changes.
Findings of these studies have application for both increasing the capacity to optimize survival and growth in culture and to better understand how changes in the natural environment might contribute to differences in recruitment and year-class strength of rockfish populations. We are working closely with the Centre for Marine Environmental Research and Innovative Technology (MERIT), a collaborative research group based at the City University of Hong Kong led by Professor Rudolf Wu, to further elucidate the effects of environmental changes on rockfish reproduction and development.
Click here for an overview poster of Collins Laboratory Research.