2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objectives of this cooperative research project are to:. 1)develop feeding management strategies and diets for optimal growth, efficiency, and reproductive success of high-value marine finfish reared in low salinity recirculating systems;. 2)develop year-round spawning strategies for captive broodstock and larviculture methods for sustainable seed production of high-value marine finfish species; and. 3)develop engineering processes and sustainable effluent technologies to enhance water and energy utilization and reduce environmental impacts within, and discharged from, low-salinity recirculating aquaculture systems. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) ARS will conduct cooperative research with Florida Atlantic University at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI). In consultation with the ADODR, cooperative research will be conducted in efforts to design and evaluate cost-effective recirculating nursery and growout production systems for marine finfish cultured in low-salinity water. Cooperative research will primarily focus on four companion areas of study. Area one will focus on determining nutrient requirements and development of feeding strategies and diets for optimal growth, efficiency, and reproductive success of marine fish reared in low-salinity recirculating systems. Area two will focus on developing year-round spawning strategies for captive broodstock and development of early juvenile rearing methods for sustainable seed production of selected marine finfish species. Area three will focus on developing engineering processes and sustainable effluent technologies that enhance water and energy utilization and reduce environmental impacts in low-salinity environments. Area four will focus on disease management strategies for recirculating aquaculture production systems. 3.Progress Report During FY 10, production-scale recirculating aquaculture systems were evaluated with red drum and pompano. A large-scale study was completed to assess optimum daily feed rate for Florida pompano at 3 ppt salinity in the production-scale recirculating aquaculture system. Additionally, a large-scale study was completed to investigate the effect of increasing salinity on osmotically compromised Florida pompano being reared to market size in a low-salinity production-scale recirculating aquaculture system. A computer-based automated oxygen monitoring and control system was designed and successfully integrated on the four low-head and the four high-head production-scale recirculating systems. The control system was modified to include an automatic feeding system to control feeding based on tank oxygen levels. The ADODR is in regular contact with the cooperator via phone, email, and site visits.