Around the world, many zoos, aquariums and conservation facilities invest significant time and money into captive breeding and research. The practice can help struggling species thrive and increase awareness of the difficulties they face in the wild.
To help you get to grips with captive breeding, we’ve put together a guide to what it is, how it works, and why further research benefits marine conservation.
What is captive breeding?
Captive breeding involves breeding animals within a controlled environment rather than in natural settings. Many zoos, aquariums and conservation facilities use this method as a means of preserving species while easing pressure on wild populations.
Breeding animals successfully in a captive setting isn’t always straightforward and often requires multiple experts in responsible animal propagation. The process doesn’t end with the birth of a new animal, though. Captive breeding also means ensuring that animals have the right environment to raise their young successfully so a new generation can grow to maturity.
Despite the costs and efforts involved, captive breeding is seen as essential for the preservation of vulnerable species.
How does captive breeding work?
Captive breeding isn’t as simple as putting two animals together and hoping for the best. A whole range of factors must be considered for a breeding programme to be successful, including:
- Genetic diversity: Successful breeding in a captive setting requires genetic diversity, as creatures would have in the wild, to prevent inbreeding and ensure healthy animals. This involves selecting marine animals from different source populations.
- Considering how it benefits the species: Responsible breeders will consider the benefits of captive breeding and research, to ensure the outcome either eases pressure on wild populations or boosts the numbers of an endangered species.
- Environmental considerations: Aquariums and zoos must replicate the natural environments as closely as possible for species to reach maturity. This includes having the appropriate space, temperature, food and surrounding plants.
How can captive breeding and research help marine conservation?
Captive breeding, when carried out ethically and responsibly, offers a range of benefits which can support ongoing methods of species conservation. Assisting with the conservation of rare and endangered species is just one of the main advantages, but here are some other ways captive breeding and research can help.
Safeguarding the long-term future of endangered species
Where rare and endangered fish are dwindling in the wild, captive breeding helps safeguard numbers, ensuring that vulnerable species are protected. While captive breeding doesn’t tackle the endemic causes of animal endangerment, it’s still viewed as a valuable means of conservation.
Helps spread awareness and understanding
Captive breeding and research in this area allows aquariums and zoos to showcase the value of rare and endangered marine life, ensuring future generations can deepen their understanding of these creatures.
Research can also help spread awareness of other conservation practices, encouraging positive action against harmful human activities which pose a threat to endangered marine species. The longer a species is preserved, the more we can learn about how they fit into the ecosystems and the adaptations they’ve developed to prolong their lifespans.
Supports healthier fish and animals
An unexpected benefit of captive breeding and research is the notable improvement in animal health. For example, fish in captivity are already accustomed to aquarium-prepared food and tank conditions, which can help with disease prevention.
Helps tackle unscrupulous fishing practices
Less pressure is placed on ecosystems by unscrupulous fishing practices when more fish are successfully bred in captivity. In some parts of the world, local fishermen use questionable tactics to catch food stock and aquarium fish, which can harm species populations. Actively seeking to breed fish responsibly helps reduce the demand for exotic species – and, in turn, the threat of illegal fishing.
Eases pressure on wild populations
Breeding marine creatures in captivity ultimately reduces the number of marine animals removed from wild habitats. This can have a profound knock-on effect, which is why many aquariums are now committed to captive breeding programs.
Captive breeding and research at Bristol Aquarium
At Bristol Aquarium, captive breeding is very much a part of our philosophy, and we work with our partners across the UK to manage an ethical and responsible breeding programme. We also lead on captive breeding research to boost education and understanding of these practices.
Captive breeding successes
Captive breeding is an excellent indicator of the health of our animals. This practice not only helps ease pressure on wild populations but also allows more research to be done both on their behaviour and on ways to help safeguard their long-term future in the wild.
Bristol Aquarium has successfully bred a range of aquatic animals, from jellyfish and seahorses to a whole host of shark and ray species!
Examples of our captive breeding successes include:
- Phantasmal poison dart frogs: Among the most critically endangered species we’ve reared successfully, Phantasmal Poison Dart Frogs are native to the rainforests of Ecuador and known for their radiant colouring.
- Moon jellyfish: The beautiful moon jellyfish is among the most common species in UK waters. Approximately the size of a dinner plate, they feed on plankton and pose no risk to humans.
- Lesser spotted catsharks: Lesser spotted catsharks are on the conservation index, and these beautiful fish are native to the British Isles, northern Africa and parts of the Mediterranean.
- Big-bellied seahorses: The largest members of the seahorse family, big-bellied seahorses are native to Australia and New Zealand, where they live among algae and seagrasses.
Interesting research insights
Bristol Aquarium has led and facilitated plenty of research into captive breeding and other behaviours of marine creatures. Below, you can learn more about some of the research projects that are ongoing here at the aquarium. These studies are awaiting results, so watch this space!
Octopus thought sequences during activity and sleep
During their REM cycles, octopuses can change colour and texture. This ability to morph visually while potentially dreaming suggests they have complex brains and neurological structures allowing for rich sensory experiences.
During the study, our octopuses were observed on camera to find out how their colours, body postures and textures change in sleep, alongside the environmental factors that might impact sleep states.
Study into seahorse activity
Bristol Aquarium hosted research by UWE students into the impact of visitor density on seahorse activity levels. Our seahorses were observed over 9 weeks to examine any changes in behaviour between busier and quieter visitor periods.
Enclosure use and behaviour of three captive terrapin species
We facilitated an enclosure usage survey across multiple visits to categorise where the terrapins spend their time, any correlations between species and specific areas, and what time they use it.
So, there you have it, our comprehensive guide to captive breeding and why it can be valuable in helping to conserve marine life. Bristol Aquarium is home to a huge variety of animals – book your tickets today for a fun family day out where you can learn more about our captive breeding and research.