2003 YEAR-END REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MICRO-LOBSTER TEAM

By David W. Fukumoto, Fuku-Bonsai president & founder

December 26,  2003

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE STAFF

OF FUKU-BONSAI!

      (From left:   David Fukumoto, senior plant manager Michael Imaino, nursery supervisor Edison Yadao,  plant mama Christine Wolf, Myrtle Fukumoto, order clerk-bookkeeper Yolanda Macadangdang)  With the first gift-pack shipping of the 2003 season that utilized shipping heat packs successfully.

A limited access report

on developing commercially

viable products

         The Amazing Hawaiian Micro-Lobster project is celebrating its first anniversary as I was introduced to opae-ula with a 2002 Christmas gift from Katsumi Nii.  A lot has been accomplished our first year! Although I had some aquaculture familiarity,  we've made extraordinary progress because of your goodwill and assistance and I thank you!  The Micro-Lobster project has been very satisfying and has the potential to be a Fuku-Bonsai specialty that can be larger than our True Indoor Bonsai. We aspire to be the premier Micro-Lobster informational resource and supplier. 

         The first unit introduced in June 2003 was an "optional feed" eco-system and we learned that sealed systems can crash in a few months. We included more opae-ula in a larger unit. Several associates tried and recommended various foods. But we also received reports that when not fed, the creatures became less active and one by one they died until the number stabilized based upon the amount of algae that was allowed to grow.  There was mixed success in using bread, flake fish food, cooked rice, etc.

         In September 2003 we committed to a  "food recommendation" and provided a high-tech vial of chilled dried spirulina with a "food scoop." It's the ideal food that floats and is not soluble.  There have been no water pollution crashes with spirulina when our recommendations have been followed.  We recommend feeding only what can be consumed in two hours and leaving a no-feed day after each feeding. The basic initial unit was modified to include a canister light, background, and informational booklet.

     Our "FOOD RECOMMENDATION" establishes differentiation, allows a larger population, and produces larger more active creatures!  Only a very tiny amount smaller than a single grain of rice is needed. Uneaten food would eventually pollute the water and kill the Micro-Lobsters. Most customers would feed too much, so we "invented" a measuring scoop that measures off 1/4" of a toothpick.

Creating a uniquely Hawaiian

value-added education- oriented export product.

        Opae-ula is a small cost item as most expense is in labor, hard goods, printing, packing, and shipping.  Compared to "no-feed units," the Micro-Lobsters in our Mini-Breeder Tanks are clearly more active and retain size and personality. We will again increase the number of Micro-Lobsters in our units which are distinctively different from all other units currently on the market.  We are already receiving reports of the appearance of post-larval juveniles.

          This unit is part of Angela Tillman's 8th grade art class in Silk Hope School in Siler City, North Carolina. Breeder Tanks could be used in biology, science, ecology, and any number of subjects because they capture the interest of students. We will develop teaching manuals, continue to develop a more informative website, and move toward hardcopy publication. Our goal is to get the breeder tanks into classrooms and to establish them as a valuable educational tool.  

         NEW MODEL SCHEDULED FOR SPRING 2004 RELEASE

         The larger 3/4-gallon Educational Breeder Tank will use the same base and light unit.  It may contain 36 Micro-Lobsters and include food, 5x jeweler's loupe,  a booklet with more information, etc.  For best viewing of the surface filter feeding, the smaller unit should be raised.  The new larger unit is ideal as a portable desktop aquarium unit. 

            (Left)      Introductory Mini-Breeder Tank (1/2-gallon)

             (Right)  Educational Breeder Tank (3/4-gallon)

Designing larger custom

breeder tanks

         We have located a source of highest grade acrylic cylinders and Michael should have no problem producing a larger scale Koa base plate.  A hobbyist is interested in collaborating for custom hand-turned bases and this creates exciting visions of very elegant, very up-scale products! Larger units are expected to include a multiple air control manifold and air pump as air will add aesthetic interest, improve water quality, and allow presentations featuring high population densities that occur in nature. 

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Status of USDA Small

Business Innovative Research

(SBIR) grant

        Over 95% of the original ponds no longer are able to host opae-ula populations and they will soon likely move into "threatened" classification.  There will likely be support and calls for placing remaining ponds into conservation status and an end to legal collection for sale.

       Compared to shrimp that normally have a huge number of eggs with very low survival,  opae-ula has relatively few eggs (variously reported as being between 9 to 24) with relatively high survival rates (estimated to be 10% to 20%). While this may not likely make captive breeding or mass culture economically viable for commodity production,  it clearly will be viable if captive breeding provides a legal source of opae-ula for incorporation into value-added products.

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RESEARCHING MICRO-LOBSTER BREEDING & RELATED FACTORS

FIRST BERRIED FEMALE PHOTO!

 

Bryan Yoshimura's original photo received December 22. 2003

 

     Computer enhanced by David Fukumoto; copyright Fuku-Bonsai Inc., 2003

   1.  MOLTING & BREEDING.  Annually, (and possibly up to 3-4 times per year) old shells are shed and in the "soft-shell" stage, there is breeding. During this period, they may migrate to the underground areas that we replicate with our rock and gravel habitat. Is molting seasonal?  What months?   What can trigger multiple molting and breedings per year? 

   2.  EGG-CARRYING. In their natural anchialine ponds, no berried female has ever been observed.  There have been previous reports of such berried females in research aquariums. How long do they carry eggs?   What will influence and cause an increase in the number of eggs? 

   3.  LARVAL & POST-LARVAL JUVENILE STAGES.  It is theorized that well fed adults will not cannibalize their young and that the bacteria that helps maintain water quality is the larval first food.  What can be done to influence and create a more favorable environment to result in greater survival?  What is optimum water temperature?  Will addition of air be beneficial? 

CONCLUSION

        With everyone's help, we've made commendable progress in the past year! Researchers,  governmental regulators, hobbyists, and business associates all have different priorities. I've tried to address all concerns.  Fuku-Bonsai's effort is based on becoming the dominant entrepreneur on a national scale. If successful, I believe we can create a unique export specialty to benefit our community while preventing extinction of this amazing unique creature.

         All members of the Micro-Lobster Team are asked to send their thoughts regarding opae-ula breeding or to point out existing published materials. We seek information,  recommendations,  and photographs.  We are developing a survey form that we will be sending out to all known owners of our Micro-Lobster units to gather more information.

        As we pause to enjoy the blessings of an exceptional year, I thank you and ask for your continuing support and participation. All best wishes for a Happy New Year!

~~~ David W. Fukumoto, president & founder, Fuku-Bonsai Inc.