Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing gamete maturation in marine worms of the family arenicolidae and which exhibit epidemic spawning. In the method, male and/or female worms in a housing substrate (such as sand) in sea water are maintained at a temperature of 4 to 8° C. for 14 to 24 days, preferably 5 to 7° C. for 20 to 22 days. Spawning of the worms can them be induced either by exposure to suitable spawning promoting hormones or by raising the temperature of the sea water to 12 to 14° C.

Abstract: There is provided a method of improving the nutritional content of marine worms, such as polychaetes, by feeding the worms a diet having a concentration of pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, lipids, vitamins and/or minerals sufficient to enhance the level of such components within the tissue of the worms. The worms can then be used for aquaculture, for example in farming marine fish and/or shrimps. One component of particular benefit is astaxanthin, which is preferably present in the polychaete diet of the worms at a concentration of at least 200 ppm. Advantageously the diet fed to the worms will include at least 10% by weight of vegetate oil. Conveniently the worms may be dried by lyophilisation or by refractance window drying before optionally being included or formed into pellets for aquaculture or other (i.e. aquarium) use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the aquaculture of marine deposit feeders, such as Arenicola marina and Arenicola defodiens. The method comprises providing a foodstuff such as brewery yeast or waste from fish farms within the substrate housing the worms. The foodstuff is conveniently particulate or microparticulate to aid intimate admixture with a substrate, which is typically sand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the aquaculture of marine deposit feeders, such as Arenicola marina and Arenicola defodiens. The method includes providing a foodstuff such as brewery yeast or waste from fish farms within the substrate housing the worms. The foodstuff is conveniently particulate or microparticulate to aid intimate admixture with a substrate, which is typically sand.

Abstract: A method of controlling a growth rate and other characteristics of marine worms is disclosed. The method concerns the control of light to which the worms are subjected, and allows the rate growth to be manipulated (i.e. increased) outwith the normal growing season.