Goal 3: Aquaculture: Develop the Food and Hobby Segments of Florida’s Marine Aquaculture Industry

3.1 High mortality during larviculture remains a major obstacle to successful rearing of a large number of marine ornamental fish species. In particular, catastrophic mortality is associated with first-feeding or the “critical period” during which larvae switch from endogenous to exogenous feeding. This phenomenon creates a need for research aimed at determining the causes of mass mortality during the early stages of exogenous feeding in hatchery-reared marine ornamental fish larvae. (Turingen /Creswell /Gaines : R/LR-A-41PD)

3.2 Florida has approximately 350 active clam growers producing a crop worth $18.2 million in 2001. Recently, the need for a hardier clam strain has become evident as clam culturists in Florida report below average survivals or total losses during the prolonged hot summers. Triploid clams may be a solution to this problem as they are virtually sterile, thereby spawning does not occur and energy is available during this stressful period for basic metabolism. (2008) (Scarpa /Baker /Sturmer /Adams : R/LR-A-39)

3.3 The goal of this study is to develop effective and sustainable hatchery technology for the difficult-to-raise marine ornamental fish species Centropyge flavissimus (lemonpeel angelfish) and Liopropoma carmabi (candy basslet). These species demand a high price in the aquarium trade and have been successfully spawned in captivity. Researchers will use a novel approach that integrates the development of feeding kinematics, feeding mechanisms and feeding performance in the development of stage-specific feeding regimes that will enhance survivorship during the larval rearing of these species. (2008) (Turingan /Creswell /Gaines : R/LR-A-43)

3.4 The Florida clam industry is built on a single species. Diversifying the shellfish culture industry by developing farming technology and markets for other bivalve species will increase economic stability and growth of the industry. The sunray venus clam, Macrocallista nimbosa, is an attractive venerid clam distributed from South Carolina to Florida and the Gulf states. The study goal is to develop, test and demonstrate biological and technical methods to spawn and culture the sunray venus clam for its potential as a new molluscan species for Florida shellfish producers. (2008) (Scarpa /Sturmer /Creswell : R/LR-A-44)

3.5 Continue working on NSG-funded study with U. Connecticut concerning the economic feasibility of bio-fouling control for commercial shellfish culture operations. Study will address the efficacy of two different control methods. ( Adams )

3.6 Continue to work with Mote Marine Aquaculture Park on the FWC/ARC-funded study concerning the feasibility of pompano culture in Florida. The study will address the economic feasibility of culturing pompano fingerlings utilizing a recirculation system and feeding regimen developed by Mote Marine Lab. (Adams )

3.7 Assist Mote Marine Aquaculture Park in addressing the economic feasibility of several marine finfish and crustacean species. Mote has requested that UF/FRED assist in future research on candidate species with on-going assistance in the form of a post-doc or other support. ( Adams )

3.8 Give presentation at Aquaculture 2007 in San Antonio on the economic feasibility of low cost, small-scale, inland, freshwater shrimp culture in Florida. Presentation will address a hypothetical system developed by FSG and the UF Tropical Aquaculture Research Lab. (Adams )

3.9 Continue assisting Leslie Sturmer on various aspects of the hard clam culture industry as related to economics, marketing, and community impact. ( Adams )

3.10 Continue working on the FSG-funded triploid hard clam study (w/ Leslie Sturmer, Shirley Baker, and John Scarpa). Will focus on identifying the costs associated with producing triploid seed and the required grow-out production needed to cover those costs. ( Adams )

3.11 Continue working on the FSG-funded sunray venus clam culture project (w/ Leslie Sturmer and John Scarpa). Will focus on the financial characteristics of the grow-out component of the culture process. ( Adams )

3.12 Continue serving as Chair of FRED MS student, Jennifer Clarke, as she works toward completing her thesis work on the economic feasibility of utilizing shrimp culture as an alternative/complementary enterprise for south Florida citrus growers. ( Adams )

3.13 Continue to serve as the FSG representative on the FWC Aquaculture Interagency Coordinating Committee. ( Adams )

3.14 Continue to serve on the Aquaculture Sub-committee of the Florida Oceans and Coastal Resources Council. ( Adams )

3.15 Develop a series of two-page fact sheets on potential aquaculture species in Florida. (Creswell , Ohs )

3.16 Conduct at least six radio broadcasts (30 minutes each) dedicated to aquaculture topics. (Creswell )

3.17 Present at least one ½ day workshop on the potential for baitfish/shrimp aquaculture in Florida. (Creswell /Ohs )

3.18 Promulgate a manual for the aquaculture of ponderous arks and blood arks from hatchery through harvest. (Creswell , Sturmer , Nunez , Baker )

3.19 In collaboration with UF aquaculture specialist L. Sturmer and Dr. J. Scarpa of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, develop and demonstrate the aquaculture potential of the sunray venus clam, Macrocollista minbosa, as a alternative species for Florida’s hard clam industry. The results of this work will be presented at the World Aquaculture Society annual staff meeting and through professional and trade publications in 2007. (Creswell)

3.20 Serve as a liaison between state aquaculture specialist and local clam farmers to promote the clam industry in Collier County. (Fluech )

3.21 Develop and deliver workshops on “basic pond problems” and “stocking of ponds” for the Brevard County Master Gardeners. (Leonard).

3.22 Assist with providing technical assistance to the clam industry in Brevard County. (Leonard)

3.23 Provide one-on-one consultations to individuals interested in freshwater and/or marine aquaculture. (Mahan )

3.24 Work with the FL Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services’ Division of Aquaculture to improve coordination between Florida’s aquaculture regulatory agencies and the aquaculture industry. The goal is to ensure that marine aquaculture activities are conducted appropriately and the needs of both industry and resource managers are met. (Mahan )

3.25 Work with Leslie Sturmer (FL Shellfish Aquaculture Agent) to provided technical support to the 46 clam aquaculture lease holders working in Alligator Harbor. (Mahan )

3.26 Develop a EDIS publication on “Recommendations for Ornamental Aquaculture Production Facility Emergency Preparedness.” ( Martinez)

3.27 Continue work with the Polk county Sheriff’s Training and Respect Program (STAR), formally known as The Bartow Boot camp. Expand the aquaculture program which has shown success in the raising of red drum to explore feasibility of the grow-out of Barramundi. ( Martinez).

3.28 Continue conducting regional seminar series on marine ornamental throughout South and Central regions of Florida ( Martinez)

3.29 Host the “focus on aquaculture commodities” IFAS Extension In-service Training at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin. This IST will provide technical support, training, and information on marine ornamentals. ( Martinez).

3.30 Collaborate with researchers at North Carolina State University in developing a multi-state “induced spawning workshop. ( Martinez)

3.31 Participate in the regional small farms conference that will be held at the IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. ( Martinez).

3.32 Continue to provide technical assistance in hands-on demonstration projects and field visits to marine ornamental farmers in such topics as water quality, fish health and disease, induced spawning, and restricted use pesticide training. ( Martinez)

3.33 Establish, coordinate and provide training for Lee and Charlotte County clam farmers impacted by hurricanes. It is anticipated that 44 growers will receive 30,000 seeds in Spring 2007 to rebuild their businesses. Educational signs on clam farming will also be displayed. (Sturmer )

3.34 Increase the scientific, industry and agency knowledge about Florida clam aquaculture through participation at regional and national conference. (Sturmer )

3.35 Establish, coordinate and provide training and technical assistance in counties where clam farming is ongoing. Counties involved include Levy, Dixie, Charlotte, Lee, Brevard, St. Lucie, Indian River and Franklin. (Sturmer )

3.36 With funding through a USDA special research grant, put together a team of researchers and submitted a proposal to evaluate the use of stock hybridization for improving clam production and to assess the soil characteristics of lease areas. This applied research project will begin in 2007. (Sturmer )

3.37 Continue evaluate the production and processing for alternative techniques and alternative species of clams for Florida clam growers. (Sturmer )

3.38 Provide statewide service to clam grower associations and state agencies. (Sturmer /Adams )

3.39 Provide easy access to up-to-date information on shellfish aquaculture in Florida through website, quarterly newsletter and fact sheets. (Sturmer )

3.40 Maintain a shellfish aquaculture research and education facility in Cedar Key. This salt-water running laboratory on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast allows UF faculty to address the research needs of the clam farmers. (Sturmer )

3.41 Provide aquaculture consultations and shrimp pond assistance throughout South Central region. (Sweat )