MICROBIAL CONTROL IN A SCALLOPS HATCHERY: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE ASPECTS

In previous projects, we have described several opportunistic pathogens causing mortality of scallops (Pecten maximus) larvae, and described the pathology and key aspects of the microbial ecology associated with proliferation of opportunistic pathogens or potentially beneficial bacteria in production systems for scallop larvae. New methods for administration or probionts and the elimination of harmful bacteria from inlet water will be applied in a full scale production system. Beneficial bacteria will be produced and added via a biofilm or biofilter system. The development of the microbial community is monitored qualitatively by DGGE (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis in order to provide “genetic fingerprints” of the total bacterial community in t he water and associated with the larvae. Also, protocols for quantitative Real-Time PCR will be developed and applied in order to provide information of the quantitative abundance and activity of certain bacterial species, including both opportunistic pat hogens and potential probionts.