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;
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.