ARS | Publication request: Integrated approaches for improving efficiency and sustainability of low-salinity marine aquaculture production

Submitted to: Book of Abstracts Aquaculture America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 20, 2010
Publication Date: February 28, 2011
Citation: Wills, P.S., Riche, M.A., Pfeiffer, T.J. 2011. Integrated approaches for improving efficiency and sustainability of low-salinity marine aquaculture production [abstract]. Book of Abstracts Aquaculture America. p.489.

Technical Abstract: Aquaculture in the U.S. must expand to meet the needs of a growing demand for seafood when productivity of capture fisheries is declining. In the U.S., production of marine finfish is underrepresented in the overall aquaculture industry output. Several factors challenge the large-scale adoption of marine species by the aquaculture industry including high cost of coastal land and water resources, concerns over discharge of saline waste water, production costs, short growing seasons, limited seed stock availability, and scarcity of information on reproductive biology, larviculture, husbandry and production techniques, and economical rearing system design. In cooperation with USDA-ARS scientists, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University (HBOI) scientists have been conducting studies to address these challenges. The projects current primary goals are to; 1) determine nutrient requirements and develop feeding strategies and diets for optimal growth, efficiency and reproductive success of marine fish 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 for culture in low-salinity environments, and 3) improve cost efficiency of water and energy use and waste management technologies of recirculating aquaculture systems used for culturing marine finfish in low-salinity. These technologies can be applied economically, in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner by a new industry to increase employment opportunities and crop diversity in inland rural areas, and enhance the security of our nations food supply. Since its inception this project has generated close to a hundred publications and presentations for the scientific community and trade groups, and has sponsored and offered workshops and educational opportunities to individuals interested in marine aquaculture.