Abalone is a highly valued seafood in the culinary market, and its cultivation process is a topic of great interest in the aquaculture industry. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating cultivation process, from its origin to its sale in the market.
The process of abalone cultivation begins with the selection of male and female breeders in the laboratory. Once selected, certain temperature and stress treatments are carried out to induce the release of gametes, which are externally fertilized. The resulting larvae float and seek suitable substrates to attach and feed, and this is where microalgae come into play.
Microalgae are essential for the initial development of abalone larvae, as they provide the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. These microalgae are grown on special plates and exposed to sunlight to carry out photosynthesis and produce nutrients. After a few months of feeding on microalgae, the larvae have developed to the seed stage, at which point they are transferred to the fattening pools.
In these pools, abalone seeds are fed with macroalgae, which are their main food source. In southern Chile, mainly Pelillo algae species are used, and in the summer, Güiro genus algae are used, while in the north, a project is being developed to cultivate its own macroalgae and achieve greater sustainability in the process.
Feeding with macroalgae continues for 30 to 40 months, depending on the size and quality that the abalone growers wish to obtain. During this period, quality controls are carried out, and pool conditions are adjusted to ensure optimal growth of the animals.
Once the abalones have reached the appropriate size and quality, they are harvested and prepared for sale in the market. They are cleaned, processed and packaged in our processing plant, ready to be exported to different parts of the world.
As you can see, it is a fascinating process that involves everything from the selection of breeders to the feeding with macroalgae and their sale in the market. The use of microalgae in the initial development of larvae and the importance of sustainability in the cultivation of macroalgae are key aspects of this process, which is carried out with the aim of obtaining a high-quality and sustainable product over time.
We work tirelessly every day to obtain the best quality in both the process and the product, and we are constantly studying and researching to improve even more. Whether you know it as abalone, ear shell, or paua, we are proud to offer you a delicious and sustainably cultivated product.
