Reproduction: life cycle, larvae and larviculture

Abstract

Nephrops norvegicus represents a very valuable fishery across Europe, and the species possesses a relatively complex life cycle and reproductive biology across spatial and temporal scales. Insights into embryonic and larval biology, and associated abiotic and biotic factors that influence recruitment, are important since this will affect population and species success. Much of the fishery, and indeed scientific sampling, is reliant on trawling, which is likely to cause direct and indirect stresses on adults and developing embryos. We have collated evidence, including that garnered from laboratory studies, to assess the likely effects on reproduction and population. Using know-how from hatchery operations in similar species such as Homarus sp., we also seek to optimise larviculture that could be commercialised to create a hatchery and thus assist stock remediation. This review chapter is therefore divided into three sections: (1) general N. norvegicus reproductive biology, (2) life cycle and larval biology and (3) a comprehensive review of all rearing attempts for this species to date, including a likely way forward for pilot scale and hence commercial restocking operations.