First report on the use of various fishing gears and transport schemes for the captive breeding of shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma) as a potential species for aquaculture

Abstract

This study establishes the first protocols for the live capture and transport of shortfin scad (<i>Decapterus macrosoma</i>), a potential new species for aquaculture. Wild fish were collected in the central Philippines using different fishing gears (ring net, otoshi-ami, hook-and-line), held for conditioning in a temporary cage, and transported using polyethylene bags or a customized chilled tank. While 3-day post-transport survival varied widely (1.5–100 %), a key finding was that a prolonged conditioning period prior to transport was essential for achieving high (100 %) survival rates, regardless of the capture method or transport system used. This research provides a critical foundation for supplying healthy broodstock to initiate captive breeding programs for shortfin scad.