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Five factors affect the rapid growth of sea otters
The cultivation of sea bream in coastal ponds along the Bohai Bay coast, particularly in Binzhou, has emerged as a new highlight following the success of seawater shrimp farming. The Zhanhua Fisheries Bureau in Shandong Province, after two to three years of trials and breeding, identified five key external factors that significantly influence the growth of sea otters.
First, the availability of live bait is essential for their development. Sea otters feed exclusively on live plankton such as copepods, rotifers, Artemia, and small crustaceans. In early stages, natural plankton in the pond provides sufficient food. However, when they grow to about 10 centimeters, their feeding habits change—they eat more at night and require larger quantities. At this stage, farmers create dedicated cocklepod breeding areas within the ponds, applying fertilizers and managing them carefully. Once the cocklepods are harvested and introduced into the main rearing area, the sea otters begin to thrive. Additionally, supplementing with live rotifers or Artemia greatly improves their growth rate, showing how critical food availability is during this phase.
Second, water quality and drainage play a crucial role. Maintaining "fat, live, tender, and cool" water conditions is vital. Regular water exchange ensures a steady supply of plankton and keeps the environment suitable for growth. Slow, controlled water intake and drainage not only maintain water freshness but also stimulate the otters’ activity and appetite.
Third, maintaining the physical and chemical balance of the water is essential. Sea otters require specific conditions: temperature between 18–28°C, salinity of 18–28‰, pH between 7.5–8.5, and dissolved oxygen above 1.5 mg/L. These factors directly affect their health and growth rate.
Fourth, salinity levels are important. While sea otters can survive in salinities from 12–35‰, they grow most rapidly between 18–25‰. Studies show that under stable environmental conditions, lower salinity can actually enhance their growth. Therefore, injecting fresh water into the ponds helps reduce salinity and boost growth rates.
Fifth, primary productivity in the water body is a major factor. Experts have identified six key indicators affecting sea otter growth, with primary productivity being one of the most significant. Low primary productivity often leads to disease outbreaks, especially in the Bohai Bay region. Improving water transparency through freshwater input enhances primary productivity, supporting healthy and rapid growth of sea otters.