Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project was umbrella for investigators working in Aquaculture. Each investigator now has now independent projects. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Project was umbrella for investigators working in Aquaculture. Each investigator now has now independent projects. For example see Chapman current project
Publications
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
The 'umbrella' project that encompassed all of the 'Science of Aquaculture' research in the Department of Fisheries & Aqautic Sciences now has been terminated. In its place, faculty members have began to establish individual, and issue-specific CRIS projects that will allow for more clear presentation of yearly activities in this general area of research.
Impacts
We are developing domestic stocks for selected species of ornamental and sturgeon fishes and looking at alternative species for aquaculture. Also we work in the culture of bivalves such as clams. These aquatic organisms offer diversification and enhanced economic opportunities to farming communities. Several of our projects develop technology to raise fish intensively indoors with minimal water discharge. The use of recirculating system technology is expanding in commercial aquaculture, but initial system and operation costs can reduce or eliminate profitability. Species such as ornamentals enhance the economics of these low water discharge systems. Several of our studies deal with evaluation of chemicals and their registration for use as spawning aids, sex reversal, and in parasitic, fungal and bacterial treatments programs. Such studies provide tool kits to Florida ornamental fish and aquatic plant producers to enhance their productivity. In addition to our programs
focusing on ornamental fishes, clam culture, and sturgeon, we have initiated a program related to the culture of baitfish. Florida ranks number one in the U.S. in the number of in-state anglers estimated at some 3.1 million, with more than 1 million resident and non-resident licensed saltwater anglers. Overall, tourism for recreational saltwater fishing in Florida provides over a billion dollars in revenue to the region's economy. The development of commercial baitfish aquaculture could contribute greatly to the economic development of local communities by creating jobs and generating taxable incomes.
Publications
- No publications Reported in 2006
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
We welcome Dr. Cortney Ohs, new faculty member whose research activities are specifically related to aquaculture. Aquaculture program activities in the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences focused in areas of production system technologies, identification of new species for culture, brood stock development, fish husbandry, nutrition and feeding, reproduction, health management, and topics related to water quality. Emphasis was placed in ornamental fish, clams and sturgeons. Aquaculture research, teaching, and extension activities are conducted principally at three locations: main campus in Gainesville, Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin, and Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) in Ft. Pierce. Research activities in Gainesville focused primarily on: Nutrition of ornamental fishes primarily cichlids and characins. Karyotyping and identification of primordial germ cells in sturgeon. Sex identification in sturgeon using endoscopy and ultrasound
technologies. Color assessment of sturgeon meat and skin on ornamental fishes. Meat processing in sturgeon. Husbandry and water quality monitoring of clams in Cedar Key area. Developing culture technology for the blood-ark a bivalve with commercial potential. Research activities at the Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin focused on: Topical and immersion application of GnRHa to selected characins. Use of methyltestosterone for masculinization of Xiphophorus hellerii. Feed formulation and feeding strategies for bait and ornamental fish. Use of stable isotopes to evaluate feed quality and characterize aquaculture pond trophic dynamics to maximize fish Production. Diet of Asian swamp eels found in commercial, tropical fish production ponds. Improvement of harvesting, grading, and transportation technologies for ornamental finfish. Coral propagation and restoration. Design criteria for recirculating ornamental fish production systems. Development of design criteria for greenhouse
production of marine ornamentals. Water quality analysis of ground and surface water discharge from commercial ornamental fish farms in Florida. Research on health was directed primarily at investigations to identify potential new animal drugs (INAD) for use in the ornamental fish industry such as Metomidate (Aquacalm) as a sedative for use in shipping of ornamental fishes, Florfenicol as an antibiotic for addition in fish feed, Emamectin (SLICE) against crustacean parasites, and Pyceze as an anti-fungal therapeutant. Research activities at the IRREC in Ft. Pierce focused on: culture of marine shrimp in freshwater, and initiation of programs for the cultivation of baitfish, barramundi (Lates calcarifer), and economic profitability of polyculture systems of food fish together with freshwater shrimp.
Impacts
We are developing domestic stocks for selected species of ornamental and sturgeon fishes and looking at alternative species for aquaculture. Also we work in the culture of bivalves such as clams. These aquatic organisms offer diversification and enhanced economic opportunities to farming communities. Several of our projects develop technology to raise fish intensively indoors with minimal water discharge. The use of recirculating system technology is expanding in commercial aquaculture, but initial system and operation costs can reduce or eliminate profitability. Species such as ornamentals enhance the economics of these low water discharge systems. Several of our studies deal with evaluation of chemicals and their registration for use as spawning aids, sex reversal, and in parasitic, fungal and bacterial treatments programs. Such studies provide tool kits to Florida ornamental fish and aquatic plant producers to enhance their productivity. In addition to our programs
focusing on ornamental fishes, clam culture, and sturgeon, we have initiated a program related to the culture of baitfish. Florida ranks number one in the U.S. in the number of in-state anglers estimated at some 3.1 million, with more than 1 million resident and non-resident licensed saltwater anglers. Overall, tourism for recreational saltwater fishing in Florida provides over a billion dollars in revenue to the region's economy. The development of commercial baitfish aquaculture could contribute greatly to the economic development of local communities by creating jobs and generating taxable incomes.
Publications
- Alo, M. 2005. Survivorship, growth and pigmentation responses of the marine ornamental invertebrate Tridacna maxima to varied irradiance levels in two different culture systems. MS thesis. University of Florida.
- Chapman, F.A. and C. Park. 2005. Comparison of sutures used for wound closure in sturgeon following a gonad biopsy. North American Journal of Aquaculture 67: 98-101.
- Chapman, F.A., D.E. Colle, and R.D. Miles. 2005. Processing yields for meat of Russian and Siberian sturgeons cultured in Florida, USA. Journal of Aquatic Food Product Technology 14: 29-37.
- Hill, J.E., J. D. Baldwin. J. S. Graves, R. Leonard, J. F. F. Powell, and C. A. Watson. 2005. Preliminary observations of topical gill application of reproductive hormones for induced spawning of a tropical ornamental fish. North American Journal of Aquaculture 67:7-9.
- Kim, D.S., Y.K. Nam, J.K. Noh, C.H. Park C.H., and F.A. Chapman. 2005. Karyotype of North American shortnose sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum with the highest chromosome number in the Acipenseriformes. Icthyological Research 52: 94-97.
- Park, C. and F.A. Chapman. 2005. An extender solution for the short-term storage of sturgeon semen. North American Journal of Aquaculture 67: 52-57.
- Wallat, G.K., A.M. Lazur, and F.A. Chapman. 2005. Carotenoids of different types and concentrations in commercial formulated fish diets affect color and its development in the skin of the red oranda variety of goldfish. North American Journal of Aquaculture 67: 42-51.
- Brunty, J.L., R.A. Bucklin, C.D. Baird, R.A. Nordstedt, and F.A. Chapman. 2005. Influence of flow rate and dietary protein content and source on the operation of biological filters used for ornamental fish, Barbus tetrazona, production. Journal of Applied Aquaculture 17: 51-63.
- Royes, J.A., D.J. Murie, and R. Francis-Floyd. 2005. Effects of dietary protein levels on growth performance, protein efficiency and hepatocyte changes in juvenile African cichlids (Pseudotropheus socolofi). North American Journal of Aquaculture 67: 102-110.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Aquaculture activities related to research, teaching, and extension at the University of Florida are conducted principally in the main campus in Gainesville, the Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin, and Indian River Research and Education Center in Ft. Pierce. Emphasis is placed on animals used for food principally sturgeon, clams, and more recently shrimp. Major focus is also placed on fresh and marine fish and clams used for ornamental purposes. Our main objectives and studies in progress include: a) Provide basic information on the biology, husbandry, and use of aquatic organisms to improve management practices in aquaculture. - Examination of Immune System Development in Juvenile Redtail Black Sharks. -Nutrition and feeding of sturgeon and ornamental fishes (e.g. goldfish). -Brood stock development and environmental requirements of sturgeon and ornamental fishes. -Diet of Asian Swamp Eels Found in Commercial, Tropical Fish Production Ponds. - Use of Sedatives to
Reduce Handling Stress in Three Spot Gourami Trichogaster trichopterus. - Use of Stable Isotopes to Evaluate Feed Quality and Characterize Aquaculture Pond Trophic Dynamics to Maximize Fish Production. b) Eliminate biological and technical impediments to a more profitable aquaculture, principally in established sectors of the Florida industry. -Use of Methyltestosterone for Masculinization of Xiphophorus helleri. -Design Criteria for Recirculating Ornamental Fish Production Systems. -Topical and Immersion Application of GnRHa to Selected Characins. -Improvement of Harvesting, Grading, and Transportation Technologies for Ornamental Finfish. -Water Quality Analysis of Ground and Surface Water Discharge from Commercial Ornamental Fish Farms in Florida. - Special Local Need Label for Dylox 80. - Pyceze (Reg) Research Study. - Use of Chemical Antibacterial Agents in Tropical Ornamental Fish Shipping Bags. - Development of Design Criteria for Greenhouse Production of Marine Ornamentals. c)
Identify and nurture promising new aquatic species into commercial-scale production. -Culture of Beluga, Osetra, and Sevruga sturgeons considered the most valuable of species for caviar and meat production. -Larval rearing trials to understand the setting process for ponderous and blood ark clam species. - Coral Propagation and restoration project to compare growth and survival of native hard coral fragments in three types of production systems with the eventual goal of providing coral fragments for coral restoration projects (e.g., following ship groundings, construction, or disease outbreaks).
Impacts
Aquaculture is agriculture and domestication of stocks is understood tacitly. Most species used in aquaculture are still considered of wild stock. We are developing domestic stocks for selected species of sturgeon and ornamental fish; also marine corals. These aquatic organisms are very valuable in the market and offer diversification and enhanced economic opportunities to farming communities. Because of their high value in the market place, many of these species are harvested indiscriminately and several are imperiled. Our studies provide information and basic tools for their protection in the wild. Several of our projects develop technology to raise fish intensively indoors with minimal water discharge. The use of recirculating system technology is expanding in commercial aquaculture, but initial system and operation costs can reduce or eliminate profitability. Species such as ornamentals enhance the economics of these low water discharge systems. Harvesting,
grading, and transportation are critical and labor-intensive stages in aquaculture. These are often the stages when fish stress and mortality are highest, so improvements during these stages can lead to vast improvements in product quality and quantity, and therefore production profitability. Several of our studies deal with evaluation of chemicals and their registration for use as spawning aids, sex reversal, and in parasitic, fungal and bacterial treatments programs. Such studies provide tool kits to Florida ornamental fish and aquatic plant producers to enhance their productivity.
Publications
- Abernathy, M.A. 2004. Effect of water hardness on the survival of rainbow sharkminnow (Epalzeorhynchos frenatum) eggs and larvae. M.S. Thesis. University of Florida. 29 pp.
- Baker, P. and L. Sturmer. 2004. Research Update: Genetic Issues in Hard Clam Aquaculture; Stock Diversity. The Bivalve Bulletin, (VIII) 3:5.
- Power, A.J., J. Nunez, M. Mitchell, R.L. Walker and L. Sturmer. 2004. Reproductive pattern of the blood ark, Anadara ovalis, from the northeast coast of Florida. J. Shellfish Res. 173-178.
- Royes, J.A., D.J. Murie, R. Francis-Floyd and S. Terrell. 2004. An evaluation of two commercially prepared feeds on growth performance and liver condition of juvenile African cichlids (Pseudotropheus socolofi and Haplochromis ahli). North American Journal of Aquaculture 66: 285-292.
- Royes, J.A.B. 2004. Nutrition for juvenile african cichlids: the effects of varying dietary protein and energy levels on growth performance and liver condition. Ph.D. Dissertation. University of Florida. 134 pp.
- Russo, R. 2004. Developing Challenge Models and Vaccine Efficacy Tests Against Streptococcus iniae for Two Ornamental Cyprinid Fish: The Red-tail Black Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) and the Rainbow Shark (E. erythrurus). Ph.D. Dissertation. University of Florida. 236 pp.
- Van Eenennam, J.P., F.A. Chapman and P.L. Jarvis. Aquacuture. 2004. Pp. 277-311. In: LeBreton, G.T.O., F.W.H. Beamish and R.S. McKinley, Sturgeons and Paddlefish of North America. Kluwer Academic Publishers.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 10/01/03
Outputs
Research activities focused on ornamental and sturgeon fishes including: A) reproduction, B) nutrition, C) health management and, D) support of the clam industry. Reproduction issues (A) include: a) use of hormones for induced spawning (i.e. GnRH analogs), and b) enhancement of secondary sexual characteristics (17-alpha methyltestosterone) in male swordtails. Fish immersed in water containing GnRH analogs or its topical administration failed to stimulate ovulation in selected fish (Characidae); c) water hardness (above 100 part per million) affected the viability of embryos in certain ornamental fish (e.g. red-tail black sharks, Cyprinidae); d) development of captive stocks of Russian sturgeons (beluga, osetra, sevrjuga). Nutrition issues (B) include: a) investigations into the protein and fat requirements of herbivore and omnivore African cichlid fish. b) Russian sturgeon species can be raised under Florida conditions and using a variety of commercial diets. Although
sturgeon provided low fillet yields (about thirty percent) they exhibit fast growth reaching about six pounds in body weight in 18 months. Health management issues (C) include: a) the level of dietary vitamin A on the diet of Atlantic surgeonfish had no direct effect on development of the head-lateral-line disease often seen in captive marine ornamental fish; b) Clinical studies continue to focus on registration and drug/chemical protocols for use of hydrogen peroxide as a parasiticide and bactericide in different families of ornamental fish, use of Florfenicol for bacterial diseases in fish, use of Pyceze from Norvatis AquaHealth Division as an anti-fungal agent, and treatment options for the agent Cryptobia, an important parasite affecting ornamental cichlids; c) Preliminary investigations into the immune system in red-tail black sharks and viral disease in ornamental tropical fish were initiated. Studies concerning clam production (D) were greatly facilitated by monitoring of
phytoplankton (food quality and quantity) at clam lease areas, and a) continuing feeding studies of clam food size selectivity and clearance rate, c) development of a clam carrying capacity/productivity model in progress, d) Two new species of clams are under investigation for their aquaculture potential. Ark clams were successfully spawned and now are in the grow-out phase of development. Growth and pigmentation responses of the Tridacna clam to varied light irradiance levels were initiated. E) Investigations in the different laboratories also dealt with developing and providing the aquaculture industry with techniques to comply with standardize Florida Best Management Practices including; a) Development of design criteria for recirculating ornamental fish production systems. While expected carrying capacities and reproduction of the chosen target species (swordtails) have not reached expected levels, design criteria for commercial producers continues to be developed; b) Studies for
the improvement of methods for harvesting, grading, and transportation of ornamental fishes has entered the final phase; c) a new study was initiated to use stable isotopes to characterize aquaculture pond trophic dynamics.
Impacts
In the last few years, the Department has lost various aquaculture research positions, including one last year, Dr. Brian Bowen, fish molecular genetics. A new position was advertised in Fall 2003 and expected to be filled Spring 2004. This faculty member may focus in the areas of production engineering and water re-circulation systems. Development of high density production and water re-use systems will increase farm productivity, use land efficiently, and conserve and protect water quality. Ornamental and sturgeon fishes are considered among the most valuable of fisheries commodities. Most of these species are collected from the wild and imported from distant locations. Ornamental fish are raised primarily in outdoor ponds and sturgeon fish require high quality and typically expensive salmonid diets that must be imported into the State. Establishment of domestic brood stocks of both species, development of efficient production systems including indoor, high density,
water re-use systems, and effective diets for fast growth and enhanced reproduction will greatly facilitate the establishment and expansion of this quite profitable aquaculture industry. The research studies are designed to address each of these areas and increase both biological and farm productivity. Investigations dealing with the feeding of clams and monitoring water quality parameters were designed to increase survival and growth of clams raised in coastal areas.
Publications
- Yanong R.P.E. 2003. Fungal diseases of fish. In: Fungal Diseases, M. P. Jones, ed. Veterinary Clinics of North America, Exotic Animal Practice 6 (2): 377-400.
- Yanong R.P.E. 2003. Necropsy techniques for fish. In: Practical Gross Necropsy of Exotic Animal Species, A.M. Fudge and S. E. Guest, eds. Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine 12 (2): 89-105.
- Yanong, R.P.E., Curtis, E.W., Terrell, S.P., and Case, G. 2003. Atypical presentation of mycobacteriosis in a collection of frogfish Antennarius striatus. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 10/01/02
Outputs
In May of 2002, the Sam Mitchell Aquaculture Demonstration and Research farm located in Blountstown was closed due to budget shortfalls and the trend for consolidation of IFAS state-wide research facilities. Much of the equipment was relocated to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences facilities in Gainesville and Ruskin, Florida. Reductions in aquaculture operating funds and staff were realized. Two faculty positions were lost, however, we expect these will be returned in the near future. Despite these set backs, UF aquaculture programs continued to be very active through the period. Aquaculture species: brood stocks of the sturgeon Siberian Acipenser baeri, Russian A. gueldenstadti, and Sterlet A. ruthenus species are now being developed at the University of Florida. Hatchery technology and growth performance for these sturgeon species are being examined under laboratory and field conditions. Three commercial farms are participating in the study. The
nutrient requirements of sturgeon and their growth performance using commercial fish diets are under evaluation. Also, the feeding requirements, primarily of cichlid species is underway. A market survey of the commercial ornamental fish feed industry in Florida was completed. The ornamental fish, clown loach Botia macracantha was successfully reproduced in the hatchery at our Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin. Vitellogenesis was stimulated in this species, and using a monoclonal antibody, an ELISA test is being developed for measuring developmental stages of the oocytes. Genetic tests on different strains of the ornamental swordtail fish suggest that environmental factors have equal to greater impact on heritable traits than simple selective breeding methods. The clinical fish laboratories both in Gainesville and Ruskin continue their tests of different medicines to treat ornamental fishes, including development of protocols for use of hydrogen peroxide as a parasiticide and
bactericide, florfenicol for bacterial diseases, and treatment for the parasite Cryptobia iubilans, an important parasite of cichlids. Histological methods for detection of viral infections have been developed for selected species of ornamental fish. Contacts and data collection have being compiled for submission of a Special Local Need label for use of Trichlorofon in ornamental fish in Florida. A protocol is being reviewed at the national level for implementation of an Investigative New Animal Drug program for use of Methyltestosterone in ornamental aquaculture. Water quality and remediation: nine raceways with six feeder ponds were built at the IFAS Dairy Unit in Hague, Florida. The purpose of this study is to examined the effectiveness of the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea to remove phosphorus from dairy effluents. Survival rates of the clams have been high, indicating that they are compatible to the raceway environment. Water re-use systems for raising aquaculture species
were built both in Gainesville and Ruskin. The performance of systems components for the raising of swordtail fish Xiphophorus helleri is being evaluated in collaboration with investigators at Louisiana State University.
Impacts
The scope of this project is to provide fundamental and practical information on the biology, husbandry, and use of aquatic organisms, primarily for human consumption, ornamental purposes, and water conservation and remediation. Current studies indicate high promise for the environmental and economic sustainability of aquaculture both for food production and ornamental purposes. Sturgeon aquaculture in Florida may become a reality, at least three farms are established and have over 50,000 fish in stock. Reproduction of Clown Loaches has begun on at least two facilities in Florida with an annual potential market in the millions of dollars. Development of feed formulations specifically for Cichlids have greatly improved the growth efficiency in this valuable group of ornamental fish. Rapid detection of viral disease using histological tools will decrease the response time, and expected losses to ornamental fish species. Increased attention to water re-use systems in
production of both food and ornamental fish species promises to increase production efficiency and profits. Investigations on new medications and their uses in the ornamental fish industry will benefit farmers. One of our long-term goals is to provide a cost-effective, low maintenance system for removing nutrients and contaminants from a wide range of wastewaters, while at the same time providing the potential for the generation of usable aquaculture byproducts. Preliminary findings indicate that freshwater clams may remove nutrients from dairy effluents.
Publications
- Bessell, I.S. 2002. Florida Tropical Fish Farmers Food Fish Market Summary. MA Thesis, University of Florida.
- Hoover, A. 2002. A century of sturgeon: the history, biology and future of the Gulf of Mexico sturgeon in Florida. MA Thesis, University of Florida.
- Mannanoligosaccharides in Fish Nutrition: effects of dietary supplementation on growth and gasrointestinal villi structure in Gulf of Mexico sturgeon. 2003. Pryor, G.S., J.B. Royes, F.A. Chapman, and R.D. Miles. North American Journal of Aquaculture: in press.
- Baker, P. and Mann, R. 2003. Late stage bivalve larvae in a well-mixed estuary are not inert particles. Estuaries: in press.
- Baker, P., and Benson, A. 2002. Habitat and ecology of green mussels, Perna viridis, in Tampa Bay, Florida. J. Shellfish Res. 21: 424-425.
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