Exploitation et optimisation de la production des cystes du crustacé "Artemia tunisiana" (bowen et sterling, 1978) dans la saline de Sfax

Abstract

The salt work of Sfax constitutes the best site for exploitation and production of Artemia in Tunisia. Cysts are yearly exploited and used to feed fish larvae. Density was estimated about 30 kg (dry weight). However, we have recorded high biomass of cysts which were lost by the wind action. That’s why we have decided to make some gates in the basins corners in the opposite direction of the wind to optimize the natural salt cyst production. In addition, we carried monthly on sampling Artemia cysts in relation with some physical and chemical parameters as considered essential in cyst production in salt works. Results showed that the optimized production obtained with installed barriers in the corners of the most productive basins allowed about to double Artemia production of the salt work from 30 kg to 60.3 kg per year. Water temperature 30 °C, a salinity ranged between 150 and 200 ‰ and a dissolved oxygen rate ranged between 1 and 2 mg/l are favourable conditions for inducing cyst production by Artemia females.