Produzione di giovanili di astice europeo Homarus gammarus (Linnaeus, 1758) per azioni di ripopolamento entro aree marine circoscritte.

Hatchery rearing of European lobster juveniles produced from ovigerous females collected in the Northern Adriatic Sea has been proved feasible in small-scale pilot plants. Due to the slow growing rates of this species and to practices associated to rearing, commercial culture of clawed lobster results to be not cost ef ective. However, in order to enhance or restock restricted marine areas small batches of juveniles can be adequate. Methods and technologies were established during two production cycles and schedules assessed to stock breeders and to hatch eggs and for larval grow out. During 200 d post hatch juveniles grew up to 20 mm CL (Carapace Length) with yields up to 28% of the initial stage IV individuals. Linear regressions between body weight and carapace length (BW = -2,59 + 0,29 CL, R2 = 0,91), and CL and days from hatching (t) (CL = 6,46 + 0,07 t, R2 = 0,98), were calculated. Periodical molts during growth between June and September occurred every 35 d on average and a statistically signii cant, higher molting frequency occurred during the new moon week .