Annual/Termination Reports:

[06/20/2004] [06/07/2005] [05/24/2006]

Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

SERA-IEG-9 Annual Meeting
June 6-8, 2004
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, Arkansas

June 6, 2004

An afternoon tour of Andersons minnow farm, Keo fish farm, and Pools fish farm was provided to interested participants. A reception was held that evening in the Hospitality room of the Hampton Inn.

June 7, 2004

Dr. Carole Engle opened the meeting at approximately 8:30 by welcoming participants to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She thanked Dr. Rebecca Lochmann as well as other staff and graduate students for their work on making the meeting a success. Dr. Engle reminded participants about the accomplishment reports that were available in the lobby.

Carole then introduced Dr. Jimmy Avery as chair of SERA-IEG-9. Jimmy made some comments about SERA-IEG-9 activities and made a PowerPoint presentation about the evolution of SERA-IEG-9 from S-168 in 1981, SRIEG-41 in 1986, until the current group in 1991. He reviewed the objectives outlined in the recent project renewal request and pointed out challenges such as documenting impact and developing outreach opportunities. Jimmy also reviewed the history of meeting locations and called for a host institution to volunteer for 2005.

Dr. Avery introduced Dr. Jim Rakocy of the University of the Virgin Islands who is Administrative Advisor for this information exchange group.

An Industry Panel discussed research and Extension issues. Dr. Eric Park, President of the Arkansas Bait and Ornamental Fish Growers Association, discussed needs of the baitfish and ornamental fish growers. Bo Collins, Executive Director of Catfish Farmers of Arkansas, discussed needs of the catfish industry.

Dr. Lochman then provided an overview of how the information exchange groups would be handled. A facilitator and co-facilitator (graduate student) were assigned for each group. The Economics, Fish Health, Alternative Culture methods, and Engineering groups met from 10:00 am until 11:45 am.

The exchange groups adjourned at 11:45 am for lunch and a tour of the UAPB aquaculture and fisheries facilities.

After returning from the tour, the following work groups convened: Gentics, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Shellfish. These groups met until 3:30 pm. The final session of exchange group meetings (Water Quality, Potential Culture Species, Yield Verification, and Management of Small Impoundments) met from 3:45 pm until 4:45 pm. Later in the evening, participants were treated to a catfish supper at the waterfront facility at Regional Park.

June 8, 2004

Avery opened the general session at 8:30 am and called for reports from USDA/CSREES and Centers represented.

Dr. Gary Jensen, USDA/CSREES National Program Leader for Aquaculture, discussed national issues relating to effluents, organic standards for aquaculture, and JSA activities. Dr. Craig Tucker, SRAC Director, reported on Regional Center activities, funding, and projects. Dr. Ken Davis reported on position vacancies and research priorities at the USDA ARS Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Facility.

Dr. Carole Engle introduced Jacquelyn McCray, Dean of the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, to welcome the group. She apologized for not being able to welcome the group on the first day but unforeseen circumstances kept her busy.

Then, reports of the information exchange groups that met the previous day were provided by the following people:
Genetics  Brian Small
Economics  Kwamena Quagrainie
Water Quality  Peter Pershbacher
Potential Culture Species  Bauer Duke
Yield Verification  Steeve Pomerleau
Nutrition  Delbert Gatlin
Food Safety  Jin Kim
Aquaculture Engineering  Phil Pearson
Fish Health  Kelly Winningham
Shellfish  Bart Green
Alternative Culture Methods  Bauer Duke
Management of Small Impoundments  Wesley Neal

General summaries of information exchanged by these various groups will be posted on the SERA-IEG-9. Thanks were extended to all who agreed to prepare reports.

Jimmy Avery asked the group if this time of year was more conducive than the typical early spring meeting time. The group was in general agreement that summer was better due to low class load and no competing meetings. Ken Davis urged the group to continue to bring students to the meeting.

Prior to adjourning the meeting, Carole Engle, Rebecca Lochmann, staff, and graduate students were thanked for their kind hospitality in hosting this years meeting. A host for next years meeting was then discussed. Brian Nerrie also indicated he would check with his administrators at Virginia State University about possibly hosting next years meeting of SERA-IEG-9. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Back to top

Report Information

Participants

Dr. Jesse Chappell, Auburn University;
Mr. Charles Hogue, Mississippi State University;
Dr. Steve Craig, Virginia Tech University;
Dr. Harry Daniels, North Carolina State University;
Dr. James Steeby, Mississippi State University;
Dr. Jimmy Avery, Mississippi State University;
Dr. Gary Burtle, University of Georgia;
Dr. Pat Duncan, Fort Valley State University;
Dr. Max Mayeaux, USDA CSREES;
Dr. Meryl Broussard, USDA CSREES;
Mr. Greg Whitis, Auburn University;
Dr. Michael Masser, Texas A&M University;
Dr. David Crosby, Virginia State University;
Mr. Bauer Duke, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff;
Dr. Craig Tucker, Mississippi State University;
Dr. Brian Nerrie, Virginia State University;
Dr. Scott Newton, Virginia State University;
Mr. Bart Reid, Virginia State University;
Mr. Craig Watson, University of Florida;
Dr. Rebecca Lochmann, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff;

Brief Summary of Minutes

June 5, 2005
A reception was held at the Hilton Garden Inn South Park in Petersburg, Virginia.

June 6, 2005
Dr. Brian Nerrie opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. by welcoming participants to Virginia State University. He asked that those in attendance introduce themselves to the group.

Dr. Clinton Turner, Dean and Administrator at Virginia State University, welcomed the group to VSU and gave some background on development of aquaculture interest in Virginia. There currently exists a teachable moment in looking at alternatives to tobacco production due to the governments buyout of tobacco allotments. VSUs sister institution is Virginia Tech University.

Mr. Robbins Buck, State aquaculture Coordinator, Virginia Dept. of Ag and Consumer Services, made a PowerPoint presentation on Virginia aquaculture. There are various production systems covering both freshwater and marine species. The 1998 Aquaculture Census listed Virginia as the tenth largest producing state. Clams makeup 75% of the saltwater production ($150 million) follwed by soft-shell crabs at 13% ($200,000). Freshwater species are comprised of 20% trout, 0.5% hybrid striped bass, 0.4% catfish, and the remaining 78% were identified as others. Current issues included off-shore aquaculture and Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Mr. Buck ended with a question and answer period.

Dr. Steve Craig gave an update on Virginia Tech aquaculture activities at Blacksburg and Hampton. Ongoing research included F1 broodstock selection, larviculture, fingerling transfer, production diets, and growout systems. At Blacksburg, emphasis was on yellow perch, tilapia, and hybrid striped bass. At Hampton, emphasis was on cobia production. Future directions included the Enhance Marine Aquaculture Initiative.

Dr. Brian Nerrie provided background and history of the VSU program and its land grant mission. He pointed out the constraints to growth in the state and provided a review on the various production systems.

Dr. Meryl Broussard gave an update on USDA CSREES activities.

·Funding remains at roughly $30 million per year.

·The USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the next aquaculture survey in 2006.

·The next national Extension meeting is scheduled for Spring 2007 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

·Dr. Gary Jensen is continuing work on National Organic Standards for aquaculture products.

·The Hatch Formula funds were cut by the President but were restored by the House. The Presidents office wants to switch to a competitive grant process.

·The Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture has been busy and is starting the process of updating the JSA strategic plan.

·Input is needed on the National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.

·This week is Ocean Week in Washington due to recent NOAA legislation pertaining to aquaculture in Federal waters.

·Work continues on COOL and the Aquatic Invasive Species task force.

·Level funding is continuing for the Regional Aquaculture Centers (RAC). The NERAC would be moving to a new host institution on July 1.

Dr. Max Mayeaux commented that input into the NASS Census of Aquaculture need input on how often it should be conducted. Dr. Craig Tucker discussed RAC funding and project development.

Dr. Jesse Chappell initiated a general discussion followed on how aquaculture could better capitalize on marketing opportunities. Dr. Broussard stated that leveling the playing field with international competition would be difficult and COOL may impact this process. Wholesalers and retailers, not production industry, spend most dollars spent on market development. Some discussion centered on the possibility of putting farmers in front of Congress to express the need for market development.

Dr. Jimmy Avery reviewed the SERA-IEG-9 meeting process and reminded participants about the individual accomplishment reports available at the meeting. He also reminded participants to submit the accomplishment reports electronically so that they would be available on the website. Dr. Avery also urged attendees to visit the website and thanked Sarah Harris for her willingness to develop the site.

Due to the number of participants, the group decided not to break out into concurrent sessions for the individual Information Exchange Groups (IEGs). The group brought up each subject area and discussed the topic in roundtable format. (The summaries for these discussions can be found under the Group Summaries section of the website.) Group discussions on the subject areas lasted from 10:45 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. with a break for a box lunch.

After the group discussions, a tour of the VSU aquaculture facilities was provided. The tour included Dr. David Crosbys lab, the VSU pond facility, and the processing laboratory. Dr. Brain Nerrie discussed pond projects and Bart Reid discussed the processing equipment and how industry was involved in the facility.

Later that evening, participants were transported to Shands Park for a catfish supper. The Shands have been cooperators on several VSU/industry projects.

June 7, 2005
Dr. Craig Tucker gave a review of current SRAC projects. A discussion followed concerning the nature of the large projects currently being developed by the SRAC. The group discussed how SRAC might develop smaller projects similar to the Western region. The problem is that $600,000 does not go far enough. The real challenge is balancing size of projects and keeping participation rates high. Pressure is rising from institutions for their faculty to participate only in fully funded projects.

After Dr. Tuckers presentation, the group finished discussing the remaining IEG topics.

Craig Watson volunteered to host next years meeting at the University of Floridas Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory near Ruskin. The group voted to accept Mr. Watsons invitation.

Dr. Avery and the remaining participants thanked Dr. Nerrie and Mr. Reid for the excellent job of hosting this years meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, the group participated in a tour of Cherrystone Clam Hatchery and the Virginia Tech research facility at Hampton. Dr. Michael Schwarz provided the Hampton facility tour.

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Back to top

Report Information

Participants

Dr. Jesse Chappell, Auburn University;
Dr. Harry Daniels, North Carolina State University;
Dr. James Steeby, Mississippi State University;
Dr. Jimmy Avery, Mississippi State University;
Dr. Pat Duncan, Fort Valley State University;
Dr. Max Mayeaux, USDA CSREES;
Greg Whitis, Auburn University;
Dr. Craig Tucker, Mississippi State University / Southern Regional Aquaculture Center;
Craig Watson, University of Florida;
Dr. Rebecca Lochmann, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff;
Dr. Chuck Adams, University of Florida;
Dr. Lou DAbramo, Mississippi State University;
Dr. Dennis DeLong, North Carolina State University;
Dr. Carole Engle, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff;
Dr. Terry Hanson, Mississippi State University;
David Heikes, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff;
Dr. Jeff Hill, University of Florida;
Dr. Jeff Hinshaw, North Carolina State University;
Carlos Martinez, University of Florida;
Dr. Maxwell Mayeaux, USDA CSREES;
Dr. Ray McClain, Louisiana State University;
Dr. Steve Mims, Kentucky State University;
Dr. Cortney Ohs, University of Florida;
Dr. James Rakocy, University of Virgin Islands;
Claude Reeves, Auburn University;
Dr. Robert Romaire, Louisiana State University;
Dr. Michael Schwarz, Virginia Tech University;
Dr. Mike Spranger, University of Florida;
Jack Whetstone, Clemson University;
Forrest Wynne, Kentucky State University;
Dr. Roy Yanong, University of Florida;

Brief Summary of Minutes

May 22, 2006
A reception was held at the Little Harbor Inn in Ruskin, Florida.

May 23, 2006
Craig Watson opened the meeting at 8:00 a.m. by welcoming participants to the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. He asked that those in attendance introduce themselves to the group.

Craig Watson then presented a report on the status of aquaculture in Florida and projects at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory.

Dr. Michael Spradling, Asst. Dean, Office of Extension and FCEO, also welcomed the group and discussed the aquaculture program at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS).

Dr. Jim Rakocy, SERA-IEG-9 Administrative Advisor, reminded the group about the importance of providing accomplishment reports and the need to discuss the possibility of collaborative projects.

Dr. Jimmy Avery, SERA-IEG-9 Chair, welcomed the group and thanked the Tropical Lab faculty and staff for hosting the annual meeting. He stated that the large attendance was indicative of the interest the SERA-IEG-9 participants have in the tropical fish industry. He also stated that the group realized that this was a rare glimpse into a typically closed industry. He then gave instruction about the breakout sessions and asked that someone from each session volunteer to take notes at each breakout and prepare a summary.

The groups then broke out into the individual sessions. At 11:30 a.m., the group reconvened for lunch and a tour of the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. After the tour the group held the third individual session.

At 1:30 p.m., the group loaded into vans and private vehicles for a tour fo several private production facilities. After the industry tour, the group returned to the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory for an evening barbeque.

May 24, 2006

The group reconvened at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory at 8:00 a.m. Dr. Craig Tucker gave a report from the USDA Southern Regional Aquaculture Center (SRAC) concerning current projects. Dr. Max Mayeaux, USDA CSREES, gave a report on USDA projects and national issues.

Moderators from the breakout sessions then gave report summaries on Alternative Culture Methods, Economics, Genetics, Potential Species, Shellfish, and Water Quality.

Dr. Avery thanked the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory faculty and staff for hosting the event and the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m. After a short break, the SRAC Technical and Industry Committees met.

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Back to top