Source: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY submitted to NRP
SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS SUPPORTING ATLANTIC SALMON (SAS2)
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1027571
Grant No.
2021-68012-35922
Cumulative Award Amt.
$10,000,000.00
Proposal No.
2021-05724
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2021
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2026
Grant Year
2021
Program Code
[A9201]- Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY
1000 HILLTOP CIRCLE
BALTIMORE,MD 21250
Performing Department
Marine Biotechnology
Non Technical Summary
The Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon (SAS2) program is a US/global partnership between academia and industry that will use a transdisciplinary, integrative systems-approach to foster the development of transformative, environmentally sustainable and economically feasible Atlantic salmon farming in the US. Currently, 95% of salmon consumed in the US are imported, contributing $3.4B annually to our trade deficit. Current salmon farming practices in floating coastal net-pens cannot expand due to strict environmental regulations. SAS2 combines research, education and extension to address the major challenges to the success of a rapidly emerging innovative and environmentally compatible platform of salmon farming - Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) that are land-based and fully contained. In collaboration with major US RAS producers, leading aquaculture scientists will carry out research focusing on industry-identified impediments to the expansion of this industry, including egg production, ecologically-responsible and efficient feeds, increased water re-use, minimized waste, improved product quality, and economic analyses. Aquaculture educators will develop RAS-related STEM curricula and modules at multiple education levels and focus efforts on the urgent need to develop a trained workforce for the growing industry. Aquaculture extension agents will work with industry to increase public awareness of this new form of farming, engage with local communities, enable efficient technology transfer from academia to industry and ensure fish health and seafood safety. Addressing the sustainable agricultural intensification and value-added innovations goals of the USDA/AFRI/SAS program, SAS2 is expected to improve sustainable US aquaculture and food systems and enhance life for fish farmers and society.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
25%
Applied
50%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
13108101060100%
Knowledge Area
131 - Alternative Uses of Land;

Subject Of Investigation
0810 - Finfish;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
The long-term goal of this proposal is to enable an effective US Atlantic salmon Recirculating Aquaculture System (ASRAS) industrythat transforms the US food and aquaculture systems and secures and increases high-quality and affordable seafood production in sustainable ways. This long-term goal will be achieved and supported by our short-term goal of creating academic/industry partnerships that will converge science, technology, education and extension to ensure a successful foundation for the US ASRAS industry, and our mid-term goals of developing and optimizing technologies, products, and management approaches; identifying and developing new and future markets; collaborating with educators and industry to determine educational entry points and content to build well-rounded educational/workforce development opportunities; and establishing a constructive engagement with local communities to strengthen/promote ASRAS development.The overall goal of this proposal is to help develop a sustainable US ASRAS production framework, by utilizing a transdisciplinary and systems approach to resolve the hurdles and needs in technologies, economics, community development, education, workforce development and extension, in order to expediently promote domestic seafood production and aquaculture development.This overall goal will be achieved via the 7 specific objectives related to Research, as well as 5 objectives related to Education and 6objectives (and 3 sub-objectives) related to Extension:A. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND METHODS:A.1. Establish domestic, year-round production of eggs for offspring with improved recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) performanceA.2. Optimize reproductive sterility to mitigate early maturationA.3. Effects of alternate RAS and insect-based feeds on the hologenome of Atlantic salmon in RAS productionA.4. Biological, technological, and chemical mitigation of off-flavor in salmon RASA.5. Increase water-reuse and conservation and waste removalA.6. Market research and economic analysis of salmon RASB. EDUCATION OBJECTIVES AND METHODS:B.1. Develop a strong basis for aquaculture education by introducing RAS-related stem concepts to youth audiences with a concentration on making the education accessible to diverse audiences.B.2. Develop RAS modules to be added into aquaculture curriculum at the high school, college, and professional development levels.B.3. Expand existing aquaculture certificate programs to include a RAS track and develop industry occupational standards through a certifying body.B.4. Expand industry-partnered RAS internships for undergraduates and establish RAS apprenticeships for recent graduates to provide the industry with highly skilled entry-level employees.B.5. Establish educational pathways between high school aquaculture programming, technical colleges and universities.C. EXTENSION OBJECTIVES AND METHODS:C.1. Increase public awareness and literacy of land-based salmon farming.C.2. Engage rural communities experiencing RAS development.C.3. Technology transfer & delivering science-based knowledge to end-users.C.3.1. Publications and web-based content.C.3.2. Field Days, workshops, and similar in-person and virtual events.C.3.3. Direct interaction with industry.C.4. Youth extension programming and community outreach.C.5. Seafood safety and consumer education.C.6. Improve RAS health and health management.
Project Methods
SAS2will helpto develop a sustainable US Atlantic salmon RAS industry by utilizing a transdisciplinary and systems approach to resolve the hurdles and needs in technologies, economics, community development, education, workforce development and extension, in order to expediently promote domestic seafood production and aquaculture development. Approaches and generalmethods in the areas of Research, Education, Extension and Workforce Development are described briefly below:Research: 1) Establish domestic RAS-specific broodstock for optimally performing offspring. To ensure self-sufficiency of egg supply for the developing US ASRAS, we will engage in selective breeding, reproduction control and performance studies towards establishing domestic broodstock and year-round egg production for fish that perform optimally in RAS. 2) Optimize reproductive sterility to mitigate early maturation. We will study environmental and endocrine regulation of gonadal development and develop technologies to domestically produce reproductively sterile and/or late maturing fish. 3) Design RAS-specific feeds and alternative feeds/ingredients. Metagenomic approaches will be used to understand fish/gut/system microbiomes and, accordingly, to develop alternative RAS-specific feeds that support optimal performance of the fish and the microbial communities involved in waste removal, while also eliminating fish-based ingredients (no fish meal or oil). 4) Reduce off-flavor. Research will be conducted to understand the sources and system inducers of off-flavor compounds in RAS; biological and mechanical approaches to mitigate off-flavor will be studied, optimized and tested, ensuring best quality of the harvested salmon. 5) Increase water-reuse and conservation and waste removal. Genomic and microbial enrichment approaches will be employed to study and improve microbial communities associated with removal of dissolved and solid waste, leading to increased water reuse and environmentally friendly waste treatment. 6) Improve animal health and health management. State-of-the art microbial and molecular approaches will be used to study potential salmon pathogens in RAS farms, leading to developing health management strategies in RAS to minimize/eliminate incidence of disease. 7) Explore and evaluate ASRAS economics and marketing. Employ social science survey research methods to better understand the preferences and perceptions of a range of stakeholders and generate actionable information to maximize ASRAS social and economic benefits.Education, training and workforce development: The short-term goal is to develop a training program that integrates RAS-centric coursework into current aquaculture curriculums, with a long-term goal of establishing a national hands-on RAS certification program that conveys RAS-specific training to the future workforce, including rural and underserved communities, and meets industry's workforce needs. SAS2will alsointegrate a very successful long running secondary school program (teaching basic RAS skills and using aquaculture as a multidisciplinary teaching tool) into a multi-state K-12 STEM program that will be implemented nation-wide.Extension to stakeholders, local communities, consumers and public: Our efforts will target technology transfer/technical assistance to address industry constraints/barriers and will expand our salmon RAS website (ras-n.org) and other technology-sharing platforms to inform end-users. Other extension efforts will also include community engagement with public stakeholders, regarding emerging and established commercial RAS facilities nationwide. Our goal will be to work with local communities to foster sustainable practices, increase food security and provide transparency on how industry utilizes technologies to address common concerns in aquaculture.

Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, the SAS2 project reached diverse target audiences in the educational, industry, and public sectors. For younger students, the project engaged over 1,000 children and teens through various programs. These included UMaine's 4-H Aquaponics Program, hands-on experiences at the Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (NADF), and Maryland Sea Grant's Aquaculture in Action program. The project made special efforts to involve students from underserved communities, including Nativeand immigrant youth, offering classroom visits, hands-on activities, and facility tours. College students also benefited from the project, with several institutions providing internships and research opportunities. NADF, UMaine, and the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) hosted undergraduate interns for training in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and related research. At the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), 11 students took part in courses on marine biotechnology and sustainable aquaculture. The project reached teachers too, offering professional development workshops for 135 educators and collaborating with 9 teachers and administrators in the Aquaculture in Action Workshop. These efforts aimed to help educators bring aquaculture topics into their classrooms. To reach the general public the project used several approaches. These included the SAS2 website, which had over 7,000 yearly visitors, and IMET's Public Open House event which engaged 1,300 Baltimore residents. For industry professionals, NADF organized a workshop on RAS that attracted 17 participants from private companies, tribal hatcheries, and government facilities. IMET's Aquaculture Research Center (ARC) also hosted visits from 60 RAS industry members. The project engaged with government officials and policymakers from agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, contributing to policy discussions and reports. The "Recirculating Salmon News" newsletter was sent to over 1,000 readers, many of which are in the aquaculture sector or work for government agencies. The project also connected with 80 business leaders and investors from the U.S. and abroad who visited IMET's ARC. Academic outreach was significant, with 153 researchers from various countries participating in IMET's programs and collaborations formed with multiple universities. International engagement included visits from representatives of South Korea and the Czech Republic. The project partnered with community organizations like Mano en Mano and Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) and worked with Building STEPS to offer internships to high school students. A highlight of the year was the SAS2conference in Baltimore, which brought together 115 attendees from the RAS aquaculture industry, RAS-related fields, government agencies, non-academic research institutes, K-12 educators, local business leaders, and academic researchers. This broad outreach has greatly expanded the project's impact, promoting education, innovation, and collaboration across RAS aquaculture and beyond. By focusing on underserved communities and engaging young people, the project has also helped to increase participation in aquaculture and related science and technology fields. Changes/Problems:A.1. Establish domestic, year-round production of eggs for offspring with improved RAS performance. The work at NADF fell behind schedule by one year, necessitating a re-scoping of planned activities. Since then, all planned activities have been completed on schedule. Due to poor reproductive success in the first year, all project PIs agreed to attempt an additional year of shifted photoperiod regimes to potentially improve performance. The original plan to tag juvenile salmon for tracking early maturation was adjusted based on promising preliminary results. The team decided to prioritize these emerging findings, with plans to assess males in year 4. This shift in focus allows for the exploration of potentially significant developments in the field. A.4. Biological, technological, and chemical mitigation of off-flavor in salmon RAS. The research plan was strategically adjusted to focus on microbial maturity (age of the microbial biofilter) instead of temperature as a factor influencing off-flavor-producing bacteria and GSM/MIB production. This change was based on strong anecdotal evidence from other studies, potentially leading to more relevant outcomes. While the FWI provided fish to IMET as planned, the research teams adapted their approach. These fish were used to evaluate off-flavor mitigation technologies at the Freshwater Institute, while independent research was carried out in freshwater RAS at IMET, allowing for a more comprehensive study. A.5 Increasewater-reuse and conservation and waste removal Two unexpected incidents at IMET caused delays: a significant mortality event (>50%) in the fully-contained pilot system in February 2024, and the shutdown of the anaerobic biogas digester in March 2024 for maintenance. An SOP was created to increase daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance to prevent future system problems. The delay in metagenomic sequencing of the denitrification/anammox bioreactor due to temperature fluctuations allowed for necessary corrections, ensuring more accurate results in the future. Despite some delays, the project is nearly back to its original timeline. Biochar characterization using SEM is scheduled for August 2024, aligning with the overall project goals. Permit appeals affected many projects in Maine and some permits were rejected by the state (https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/08/01/down-east/downeast-police-courts/jonesport-maine-kingfish-local-permits-challenge-denied/). UMaine Co-PDs adapted by initiating sampling at CCAR in Franklin, Maine. This proactive approach allows for continued progress in characterizing potential impacts of RAS activity. A.6. Market research and economic analysis of salmon RAS Budget reallocation necessitated the elimination of funding for a graduate student from this project, but the team successfully leveraged funds from another proposal to support a graduate assistantship. This solution allows for the continued focus on aquaculture work directly related to this objective, examining grocery salmon purchases using household & retail scanner data. While data collection from operating RAS facilities is pending, the RAS techno-economic model framework leverages various literature sources and data from SAS² grant work, providing a solid foundation for future refinements. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses are planned once data collection is complete and profitability metrics are calculated. C.2. Engage communities experiencing RAS development Co-PD Dr. Catherine Frederick's medical leave of absence caused delays in the final analysis of the KAP assessment of Maryland RAS and related publications, as well as two quarterly newsletters. C.4. Youth extension programming and community outreach A planned 2-day Aquaculture Camp on Wheels for summer 2024 was cancelled due to low enrollment. Alternative outreach opportunities were pursued to compensate. C.5 Seafood safety and consumer education Progress on the seafood safety objective was impacted by Dr. C Frederick's leave. The project management team plans to meet with Co-PD Cathy Liu to determine the next steps. C.6. Improve RAS health and health management The Commercial Aquaculture Health Program Standards (CAHPS) entering the federal rulemaking process was not anticipated, requiring additional work and changes to data collection and laboratory forms. Efforts to organize CAHPS data using Microsoft SharePoint were undertaken, with implementation delayed due to the ongoing rulemaking process. Discussions are ongoing to explore how CAHPS could be implemented regionally as a step towards wider U.S. implementation. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The SAS² project has provided numerous opportunities for training and professional development across various educational levels and sectors. Here are a few key examples: Micro-credentials in RAS: UMainedeveloped hybrid courses covering RAS and Marine Touch Tank curriculum, accessible to learners aged 17 and older. Internship and Apprenticeship Programs: Various institutions, including UMaine and NADF, offered internships in RAS facilities, while industry partnerships led to apprenticeships resulting in full-time employment offers. K-12 Education: The UMaine 4-H Aquaponics Project and MDSG Aquaculture in Action program engaged hundreds of youth, including those from underserved communities. Professional Development for Educators: Workshops and training sessions were conducted, reaching over 135 educators across multiple events. Industry and Public Engagement: RAS workshops, public open houses, and the development of virtual reality experiences provided training and education opportunities for industry professionals and the general public. These examples represent just a fraction of the training and professional development opportunities provided by the SAS² project. For a comprehensive list, please refer to our reported Accomplishments. This report includes information on undergraduate and graduate courses, curriculum development, innovative educational approaches, and plans for future expansion of educational offerings in aquaculture. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The SAS² project has employed various strategies to disseminate results to communities of interest, including: Conference Presentations: Project team members have presented at relevantconferences such as RASTech, World Aquaculture America, and the SAS² Conference, sharing findings with academic and industry professionals. Public Outreach Events: For example, IMET hosted a public open house attracting about 1,300 visitors, showcasing the project's work to the general public. Online Resources: The project website (SalmonOnLand.org) serves as an information hub, reaching approximately 7,000 users annually. Additionally, the "Recirculating Salmon News" newsletter is distributed to over 1,000 readers. Educational Programs: Results are incorporated into various educational initiatives, from K-12 programs to university courses and professional development workshops for educators. Video Content: The project has produced and published educational videos on YouTube, covering various aspects of RAS technology and research findings. These examples represent a few of the ways the project has disseminated results. Amore comprehensive overview of outreach and dissemination efforts is available in our reported Accomplishments.This report includes information on stakeholder engagement, publications, and plans for future dissemination activities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The SAS² project continues to make significant strides across its objectives. As we move into the next reporting period, our team is focused on advancing research, expanding educational initiatives, and enhancing community engagement. The following outlines our plans for each objective, demonstrating our commitment to developing innovative, effective, and sustainable US Atlantic salmon production through land-basedRAS. These plans build upon current progress and adapt to new insights and challenges encountered in the previous year. A.1. Establish domestic, year-round production of eggs for offspring with improved RAS performance Continue data analysis from the current reporting period to inform future research plans. Conduct behavioral assays on juvenile salmon to assess cohort quality. Sample males for early maturation predictors. Collaborate with NIST to assess metabolomic datasets. Begin manuscript preparation. Continue experimental photoperiod regimes and data collection. Evaluate spawning success and rear fry to assess survival and performance. A.2. Optimize reproductive sterility to mitigate early maturation Study growth and maturation of Flu-dnd-MO-TP9-treated sterile salmon and fertile controls at the Fresh Water Institute. A.3. Effects of alternate RAS and insect-based feeds on the hologenome of Atlantic salmon in RAS production Submit the PLosONE paper. Conduct feed trials using fishmeal-free diets with black soldier fly meal. Continue genomic analysis of geosmin producers and phage isolation. A.4. Biological, technological, and chemical mitigation of off-flavor in salmon RAS Evaluate the effects of low-dose ozone combined with periodic addition of peracetic acid on GSM and MIB concentrations. Present findings at industry conferences and submit a peer-reviewed publication. A.5 Increase water-reuse and conservation and waste removal Expand water quality sampling to include the Cooperative Center for Aquaculture Research effluent. Continue operating the pilot RAS system and monitoring biogas production. Optimize treatment processes for ammonia removal from sludge digester supernatant. Analyze desalinated waste as a potential soil amendment. Complete Study 3 on capturing H2S using magnetite-impregnated biochar. Present results at a national conference and prepare a manuscript for publication. A.6. Market research and economic analysis of salmon RAS Analyze retail scanner and household seafood consumption data. Develop a techno-economic model using ASPEN Plus, Super Pro Designer, and Excel software. Conduct sensitivity analyses to assess operating ranges and economics. B. Education Publish online portions of micro-credential pathways and increase digital resources. Continue internship programs and collaborations with indigenous communities. Develop high school-level RAS modules and expand the Fish Health Program. Establish industry-partnered apprenticeships and educational pathways. C.1. Increase public awareness and literacy of land-based salmon farming Continue production of research videos and facility tours. Develop an egg-to-harvest video. C.2. Engage communities experiencing RAS development Analyze data from the KAP assessment of Maryland residents. Determine next steps for Extension outreach based on survey results. C.3. Technology transfer & delivering science-based knowledge to end-users Develop fact sheets on RAS systems and salmon raised in RAS. Continue industry engagement and public events, including IMET's open house. C.4. Youth extension programming and community outreach Implement various youth programs, including camps, challenges, and clubs. Conduct professional development for 4-H volunteers and staff. C.6. Improve RAS health and health management Continue work on implementing the Commercial Aquaculture Health Program Standards (CAHPS). Organize CAHPS data using Microsoft SharePoint. Explore regional implementation of CAHPS as a step towards wider U.S. adoption.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Due to the extensive nature of our project, which encompasses 17 distinct objectives, it is not feasible to provide a comprehensive answer within the character limitations of this form. For a detailed account of our accomplishments across all objectives, please refer to our full report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VPDFDJGkdXtbhJ_lH6r537HHxxeBmt_5/view?usp=sharing.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Bair, H., Morefield, R., Hamlin, H.J., 2024. Establishing predictive metrics for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar broodstock and offspring. Aquaculture America 2024, San Antonio, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Miller, J.R., 2023. An 'omics-based approach to improve the aquaculture efficiency and broodstock management of North American Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon (SAS2) 2nd Conference, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Wu, I., van Senten, J., Klaus, M., Ritchie, K., Stewart, S., 2024. Willingness to pay for RAS Atlantic Salmon by the U.S. consumer. Aquaculture America 2024, San Antonio, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Davidson, J., Crouse, C., Lepine, C., Murray, M., Good, C., 2024. Off-flavor and water quality trends in mature continuously operated RAS vs. immature, recently disinfected RAS. RASTech 2024, Charlotte, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Choudhury, A., Sowers, K.R., 2024. Conversion of Solid Waste to Biogas In a Recirculating Aquaculture System for Atlantic Salmon. RASTech, Charlotte, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Sowers, K.R., 2024. Sludge to Biogas: An environmentally Sustainable Approach for Treating Aquaculture Waste. Blue Economy Aquaculture Forum, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Sowers, K.R., 2024. Engineering Sustainable Next-Generation Aquaculture: the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS). M. Gordon Wolman Seminar, Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Stromberg, M., 2023. Off-flavor mitigation strategies & Models in Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon (SAS2) 2nd Conference, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Stromberg, M., 2024. Solutions for Seafood. RASTech, Charlotte, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Feeney, L., Place, A.R., 2024. Replacing soy protein with insect meal in a fishmeal free diet for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Aquaculture America 2024, San Antonio, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Clark, P., Place, A.R., 2024. The RAS Microbiome: Culprit and biological solution for dealing with off-flavors. RASTech, Charlotte, NC.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2025 Citation: Stromberg, M., Zohar, Y., 2025. Analyzing TiO2/UV treatment for off flavor mitigation in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems. Aquacultural Engineering. In Progress.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2025 Citation: Stromberg, M., Zohar, Y., 2025. A mass balance model to predict off-flavor removal from fish and water in RAS using several treatment methods. Environmental Science & Technology. In Progress.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tudor, M.S., Malmstedt, M., Wilson, L., Scocchi, C., Wilson, L., Glatter, M., 2024. Activating Aquaculture Technology Learning Through Hands-on and Virtual Experiences. RASTech, Charlotte, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tudor, M.S., Malmstedt, M., Wilson, L., Scocchi, C., Frederick, C., 2024. Aquaculture Education Supporting Communities and the Industry. RASTech, Charlotte, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tudor, M.S., LaComb, X., Malmstedt, M., Wilson, L., Scocchi, C., Wilson, L., Glatter, M., 2024. Activating Aquaculture Technology Learning Through Hands-on and Virtual Experiences. Aquaculture America 2024, San Antonio, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tudor, M.S., 2024. Aquaculture Research Institute panel (workforce development expertise). Aquaculture America 2024, San Antonio, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: LaComb, X., Tudor, M.S., Malmstedt, M., Wilson, L., Scocchi, C., Dwyer, M., Carr, T., Ranco, D., 2024. Advancing Aquaculture Education Through Collaboration Between Western and Indigenous Knowledge. Aquaculture America 2024, San Antonio, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tudor, M.S., Minas, K., Malmstedt, M., Wilson, L., Scocchi, C., Wilson, L., Glatter, M., 2024. Activating Aquaculture Technology Learning Through Hands-on and Virtual Experiences. Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon (SAS2) Conference, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Scocchi, C., Tudor, M.S., 2023. Activating Aquaculture Technology Learning Through Hands-on and Virtual Experiences. UMaine Cooperative Extension Conference, Orono, ME.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Hauser, E.M., Firkus, T.J., 2023. Applying Aquaculture Education. Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon (SAS2) Conference, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Flight, C.F., Lang, A., 2024. Aquaculture is Agriculture. National Marine Educators Association Annual Conference, Boston, MA.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Frederick, C., Stubblefield, J., 2024. Innovative Aquaculture. Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lang, A., Flight, C., Frederick, C., 2024. Aquaculture is Agriculture. UMD Agriculture Awareness Days, Centerville, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Frederick, C., 2024. Recirculating Aquaculture Systems  Scaling up. NC Aquaculture Industry Growth Visioning Workshop, NC EcoTech, Morehead City, NC.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Frederick, C., Stubblefield, J. 2024. Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon Project Overview. MD-IFT Salmon Aquaculture Excursion, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Hood, S., Flight, C., Frederick, C., 2023. Aquaculture and Genetics. UMD Agriculture Awareness Days, Centerville, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Frederick, C., Smith, N., Rickard, L., 2024. Aquaculture Extension in Maryland: assessing community knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards land-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems. Aquaculture America 2024, San Antonio, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Liu, C., 2023. Development of Industry-Academia-Government (IAG) Collaboration for Enhancing Aquaculture and Seafood Sustainability, Safety, and Quality. International Conference on the Cooperation and Integration of Industry, Education, Research and Application (Fuzhou) Food Science and Engineering Forum, Virtual.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Liu, C., 2024. Aquaculture and Seafood: What You Need to Know? Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon Project Overview. MD-IFT Salmon Aquaculture Excursion, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Liu, C., 2024. Foodborne Illness and Seafood Safety 101. Principles of Aquaponics class, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Liu, C., 2024. New Aquaculture and Seafood Technologies for Product Safety and Sustainability. College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Hubei, China.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Kenney, A., Clark, J., 2024. Sustainable Aquaculture Systems Supporting Atlantic Salmon (SAS�) Conference Report: Second Conference. Maryland Sea Grant College, University System of Maryland, College Park, MD. Note that the following link provides additional presentations and panel discussions that may not be in this report's immediate list: https://salmononland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SAS2_AnnualConfReport_Oct2023_FINAL.pdf
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Frederick, C. 2024. SalmonOnLand.org. See Accomplishments for full description on major website updates.
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2025 Citation: Legacki, E., Delomas, T., Milligan, M., Bair, H., Peterson, B.C., 2025. Modeling embryo survival: Genetic and environmental influences on eye-up rate in a north American Atlantic salmon selective breeding program. Aquaculture, 595:741461.
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Legacki, E., Peterson, B.C, Hamlin, H.J., Schock, T. B., Milligan, M., Boggs, A., 2023. Using skin mucus for the identification of ovulation biomarkers in North American Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Aquaculture, 575: 739717.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2025 Citation: Davidson, J., 2025. Off-flavor production in freshwater recirculating aquaculture systems with microbially mature biofilters versus immature biofilters with newly established nitrification. In Progress.
  • Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2025 Citation: Wu, I., 2025. Willingness-to-Pay for RAS Salmon by the U.S. Consumer. Journal of the International Association of Aquaculture Economics and Management. In Review.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Wu, I., 2024. Willingness-to-Pay for R.A.S. Salmon by the U.S. Consumer. M.S. Thesis, Virginia Tech. https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/items/ef1d597e-42a3-400c-86d4-14b3dccfee14.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hamlin, H.J., Bair, H., Moorefield, R., Peterson, B., Legacki, E., Burr, G., Zohar, Y., Miller, J., Stubblefield, J., Firkus, T., 2024. Improving reproductive efficiency for Atlantic salmon grown in recirculating aquaculture systems. RASTECH, Charlotte, NC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hamlin, H.J., Bair, H., Morefield, R., Casu, F., Schock, T., Mahynski, N., Legacki, E., Peterson, B., 2024. Identifying biomarkers to improve reproductive performance in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Aquaculture America 2024, San Antonio, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Hamlin, H.J., Bair, H., Peterson, B., Burr, G., Legacki, E., Zohar, Y., Miller, J., Stubblefield, J., Firkus, T., 2023. Improving year-round egg production for Atlantic salmon grown in RAS. RASTECH, Orlando, FL.


Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audiences for the SAS2 project include the US salmon RAS industry and related industry stakeholders (e.g., aquafeed, diagnostic and technology-based companies), end-users, policymakers and the lay public. Changes/Problems:Domestic Egg Supply In Year 1's report, experiments with "phase-shifted" broodstock were delayed because of issues with the Gaspe strain of Atlantic salmon. Since last year and through Year 2, NADF had to re-scope their planned activities with input from the P.I. of the project. Since the re-scoping, all planned activities have been completed according to schedule. In the experimental six-month 'phase-shifted' group of broodstock, male brood provided viable sperm and their out-of-season spawn was successful. The out-of-season 'phase-shifted' female brood, however, did not yield viable eggs. Follicle atresia (the degeneration of ovarian structures that foster the maturation of eggs) and egg reabsorption (when eggs are absorbed back into the ovarian tissues instead of maturing and being released) were observed. The researchers speculate that commencing phase-shifting more than six months before the spawning season for the St. John's strain of Atlantic salmon might be necessary. Future considerations are to determine if photothermal manipulation at a younger age and smaller size would improve female ovulation and lead to a successful spawn. Anticipated tagging juvenile salmon for tracking early maturation but decided to intensify efforts on establishing metrics of embryo and alevin quality. Early maturation assessments of males will commence in Year 3. Early Maturation None to report. Alternative RAS Feeds None to report. Off-flavor Mitigation None to report. Water Reuse Delays due to equipment maintenance were reported in Year 1 and there are still a few short delays, notably in the biochar characterization, which was originally scheduled for completion over the Summer of 2023. It is anticipated that this will be finished in the first quarter of Year 3. Despite enduring a few short delays following Year 1, the project is nearly close to the original timeline. A decision has been made to utilize three different biochars for preparing three magnetite-impregnated biochars(MIBs), enhancing the project's understanding of how the biochar's origin influences its interaction with the microbial community. There were initial design issues with automated feeders, stemming from larger feed pellet sizes for 2-3 kg adult salmon compared to the former feed size. This has been resolved with the installation of commercial auto-feeders and a controller. Necessary modifications for anaerobic loop reactor temperature control took longer than expected due to the challenge of efficiently heating thick sludge, but the issue has been resolved. Delays in metagenomic sequencing of the denitrification/anammox bioreactor because of temperature fluctuations affecting the stability of the microbial community in the denitrification bioreactor. UMaine was going to recruit a graduate student to start work on modeling the effects of discharge in receiving waters and to create a techno-economic model of RAS operations. Unfortunately, the identified student did not register at UMaine. The decision was made to postpone this objective for a year and try again in Year 3. New students arrive on campus in the Fall of 2023 and will be matched with advisors by the end of 2023. Economic Analysis Nothing to Report Introduce RAS-related STEM Nothing to Report RAS Modules Nothing to Report RAS Certificate Programs Nothing to Report RAS Internships and Apprenticeships The apprenticeship hiring for the UWSPprogram did not proceed as planned, as the goal was to hire potentially two apprentices at this point.Unfortunately, no applications were received. Efforts were made, including outreach to UW-Stevens Point for on-campus advertising, utilization of resources/recruiting methods like Handshake (the predominant onlinerecruiting platformfor college students and recent graduates)to reach students, and the NADF Aquaculture Outreach Specialist's (E. Hauser) attendance at the UWSP All-Majors Career Fair in October 2023 for student recruitment. Educational Pathways Nothing to Report Public Literacy Nothing to Report Public Engagement The initial plans for a focus group were unsuccessful;the MDSG CoPD (J.LaChance) designated to lead these efforts as the social scientist, resigned his position. Additionally, the intention to conduct focus groups with the community most directly impacted by a RAS operationwas hindered by AquaCon's undisclosed next efforts in Maryland, essentially hampering Extension efforts to reach out to a specific communityidentified for new RAS developments. Consequently, UMD Extension (C. Frederick) adjusted the objective, opting to initiate a KAP survey for Maryland residents, initially assessing their knowledge, perceptions, and thoughts regarding aquaculture and RAS-raised salmon. Final survey results were collected at the end of September 2023 and are scheduled for analysis in 2024. Furthermore,UMD Extension (C. Frederick)is collaborating with MDSG to explore possibilities for conducting focus groups in the last year of the project. Technology Transfer Nothing to Report Youth Engagement The initial plans for the first year of the Aquaculture on Wheels summer 4-H/VoAg camp in Maryland faced a setback as insufficient student enrollment occurred. Consequently, a decision was made to allocate the next year to recruiting efforts, with the highly experiencedSea Grant Extension Program personnel (A.Lang and J.Takacs) spearheading initiatives to reach out to more classrooms, aiming to generate increased interest and participation for the 2024 camp. Seafood Safety Nothing to Report Health Management Anticipated collaboration with designated companies to establish CAHPS in their facilities, which included virtual meetings for paperwork requirements, veterinarian site visits, surveillance, biosecurity, and CAHPS audits for implementation and maintenance of standards, but this faced delays. This was attributed to the USDA re-aligning the CAHPS program and the RAS companies' establishments not being in place yet. Despite these challenges, the National Aquatic Animal Health Plan progressed on a national level to adopt and implement CAHPS. Consequently, the program moved forward by piloting two facilities for testing and evaluating the program in general. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?• R&D training and professional development in the way of graduate students (PhD and MSc) projects and opportunities at UMBC-IMET, Vtech, UMaine, UMCES-IMET, and the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute of Iceland. CFFI provided an additional two students training through their paid internship program, which is separate from the programs discussed in the project's Education programming. • The SAS2 project has Education objectives dedicated to training and providing professional development for a range of audiences, inclusive of high schoolers, traditional and non-traditional students in secondary education (university, community college, etc.), and anyone interested in working with RAS systems regardless of age or education. Experience is provided through internships, externships, apprenticeships, and short courses by collaborators in Maryland, Maine, and Wisconsin, our primary regions of focus in the project. The following is a summary of what was accomplished, but more details can be found in our Accomplishments. • UMaine advanced aquaculture education by introducing Aquaculture Micro-credentials and collaborating with Indigenous Youth Programs. Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) modules were integrated into high school and college curricula, while industry internships and apprenticeships, such as the Aquaculture Research Institute Externship Program and UWSP-NADF's Summer Internship, provided valuable hands-on experience, contributing to the development of highly skilled entry-level professionals in the aquaculture industry. • UMBC offered two key courses: the Marine and Environmental Technologies course during the Spring semester, engaging both undergraduate and graduate students, and a hands-on Aquaculture Laboratory course in the summer program. These courses provided essential education in Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) settings, covering various aspects of aquaculture system design, biology, microbiology, and water quality, contributing significantly to students' practical skills and knowledge. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The research is ongoing, with no final or publishable results for dissemination through traditional channels. Nevertheless, collaborators have proactively shared updates at quarterly meetings where updates on project objectives are provided for feedback, public outreach events like IMET's Open House and NADF's Field Days, presentations at national conferences, and this project's annual conference that was hosted by UMBC-IMET and held in October 2023 for industry stakeholders and policymakers. The team has communicated results to stakeholders, end-users, and communities of interest by delivering presentations at national conferences and workshops, catering to both research and extension-focused audiences. Utilizing opportunities such as Open House events, Field Days, facility tours, teacher/educator workshops, onsite teacher training, Extension materials, and direct interactions/communications with industry personnel and stakeholder groups has been crucial in this effort. Furthermore, dissemination efforts extend to the online realm through a dedicated salmon RAS website (www.SalmonOnLand.org) and a quarterly online newsletter ("Recirculating Salmon News"). These digital platforms have been instrumental in sharing SAS2 results and related information with the target audiences, ensuring timely updates on the research progress. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Due to space limitations, the description for the next reporting period is in the attached document.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ShJ9G3ZBEiK8T55vwIa85_bixYKvchFJ/view?usp=sharing

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Due to space limitations, the description of accomplishments under these goals is provided in the attached document.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WAQDYgvIXAsusVk7mykZ2uTbo_UqmBbv/view?usp=sharing

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Zohar, Y.(2023)."Innovative Aquaculture TechnologiesRecirculating Aquaculture Systems". Journal of Ocean Technology 18 (2):114-115.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Firkus, T.J. and Hauser, E.M. August 23, 2023. "Recirculating Aquaculture in the Great Lakes Region". 153rd Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Hauser, Emma. February 18, 2023. "National effort to advance Atlantic salmon production in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems". North Central Regional Aquaculture Conference. Eau Claire, Wisconsin. PowerPoint: https://uwsp.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_84b6dbc6-6bf4-4a1b-8286-dc458fde454d/
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Hamlin, H.J., Bair, H., Peterson, B., Burr, G., Legacki, E., Zohar, Y., Miller, J., Stubblefield, J., Firkus, T. April 20, 2023. "Improving year-round egg production for Atlantic salmon grown in RAS". RASTECH Conference. Orlando, Florida.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Hamlin, H.J., Bair, H. July 2023. "Establishing metrics of broodstock and offspring quality in Atlantic salmon Aquaculture". Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meeting. Ottawa, Canada.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Davidson, J. April 20, 2023. "Published, pending, and future off-flavor research at the Freshwater Institute". RASTECH Conference. Orlando, Florida.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Wong, Ten-Tsao. May 15-19, 2023. "Sterile salmonids produced by transient gene silencing and their applications in aquaculture and studying fish reproductive endocrinology." 12th International Symposium on Reproductive Physiology of Fish. Crete, Greece.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Good, Chris. April 20, 2023. "A review of research to reduce early maturation in Atlantic salmon". RASTECH. Orlando, Florida.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Wong, Ten-Tsao. April 20, 2023. "Mitigating early maturation in Atlantic salmon using gene silencing." RASTECH. Orlando, Florida.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Stromberg, Matthew. April 20, 2023. "Exploring current and novel off-flavor mitigation technologies and predictive modeling in RAS." RASTECH. Orlando, Florida.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Place, Allen (presented by John Stubblefield). April 20, 2023. "Differences between blood metabolite profiles in RAS Atlantic salmon fed fishmeal versus insect meal diets." RASTECH. Orlando, Florida.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Magen, Igal. April 20, 2023. "Zero water discharge in the 'Purging While Feeding' water treatment process." RASTECH. Orlando, Florida.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Summerfelt, Steven. "SAS2 Enabling water, nutrient and energy upcycling in land-based salmon farms." RASTECH. Orlando, Florida. April 20, 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Zohar, Yonathan. April 20, 2023. "Introduction and updates from SAS2." RASTECH. Orlando, Florida.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Tudor, Mary Scarlett. April 20, 2023. "Innovations in aquaculture workforce development programming in Maine and beyond." RASTECH. Orlando, Florida.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Tudor, M.S., Malmstedt, M., Wilson, L., and Scocchi, C. February 23-26, 2023. "Aquaculture Workforce Development at the University of Maine and Beyond." Aquaculture America. New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Frederick, Catherine. February 23-26, 2023. "Multi-county assessment on local perspectives and site suitability of commercial RAS operations in Maryland, Maine, and beyond." Aquaculture America. New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Parker, M., Webster, D., Liu, C., Hood, S., Wolfe-Bryant, B., Frederick, C., LaChance, J., Patillo, A., Hubbard, B., Moser, F. February 23-26, 2023. "University System of Maryland: Aquaculture development during the past half-century." Aquaculture America 2023. New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Hood, S., Flight, C., Frederick, C. April 12-13, 2023. "Genetics in Aquaculture" UMD Agriculture Awareness Days. Centerville, Maryland.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Tudor, M.S., Malmstedt, M., Wilson, L., and Scocchi, C. August 15-18, 2022. "Aquaculture Workforce Development at the University of Maine." Aquaculture Canada and WAS North America. Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2023 Citation: Lang, A., Takacs, J., Frederick, J. A., & Flight, C. July 24, 2023. "Aquaculture in Action: Rising with the Tide" [PowerPoint Presentation, Discussion, and Activity]. National Marine Educators Association Annual Conference. Bellingham, Washington.


Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The targeted audiences for the SAS2 project include the US salmon RAS industry and related industry stakeholders (e.g., aquafeed, diagnostic and technology-based companies), end-users, policymakers and the lay public. Changes/Problems:Variances between the proposed work and the work conducted/planned are explained below. Domestic Egg Supply: Explanation of Variance The UWSP-NADF originally planned to use the Cascade strain of Atlantic salmon which were not available from partners or supplies. They were able to identify a suitable alternative strain, the Gaspe strain, but the stock was not reproductively mature. This requires delaying UWSP-NADF photoperiod studies to 1 year behind IMET, allowing fish to reach full sexual maturity. Fish at UWSP-NADF will be synchronized to a natural photoperiod regime once they are transferred to experimental tanks. Delivery of broodstock to IMET was delayed by a month due to logistical issues concerning the transport of fish. Early Maturation: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period. Alternate RAS Feeds: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period but included an additional diet-switching experiment. Off-flavor Mitigation: Explanation of Variance Year 1 plans did not deviate from those outlined in the original proposal. Water Reuse: Explanation of Variance There were some delays with the design of the experiment due to changes in the PI's schedule on other prior commitments, but it is expected that the project will be back on schedule by Year 2. Necessary modifications of the pilot RAS systems took longer than expected, and the proposed study for Year 1 was not fully completed. An additional copy of the Super Pro Designer software was acquired so that the MS student and research collaborators could have access to software programming. Economic Analysis: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period. Introduce RAS-related STEM: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period. RAS Modules: Explanation of Variance The MBIO 361L course was canceled due to low enrollment and plans for recruiting more students next year will be addressed in the first quarter of Year 1. RAS Certificate Programs: Explanation of Variance COVID-related issues (supply-chain disruption, staffing shortage, etc.) caused a delay in constructing RAS teaching systems at 4-H STEM and CCAR. These systems are essential for effective teaching of RAS engineering principles so this, coupled with low enrollment, meant the RAS Engineering course will be postponed until 2023. RAS Internships and Apprenticeships: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period. RAS Educational Pathways: Explanation of Variance The acceleration of partnerships between WCCC occurred because of a submitted DOL proposal entitled, "Aquaculture Pre-apprenticeship Program". This proposal was declined, but elements will move forward in the project without the additional funding. Public Literacy: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period. Public Engagement: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period, but community engagement was slower than expected. This is due to the delayed activity of AquaCon in the region and strategic efforts in identifying the right moment to engage with the community. The first public town hall meeting was finally scheduled in August of 2022, so, moving forward, engagement with the community should increase. Technology Transfer: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period. Youth Engagement: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period. Seafood Safety: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period. Health Management: Explanation of Variance No variance between what was accomplished and what was planned for the reporting period. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The SAS2 project has provided (i) R&D training and professional development opportunities for graduate students (PhD and MSc), post-docs, research staff, trainees and summer interns (e.g., at FI, IMET, Morgan State University, UMaine, and NADF), (ii) Education training and professional development opportunities for university-based Education professionals, high school teachers, 4-H educators, WaYS tribal educators, summer externs and summer interns (e.g., at UMaine-ARI, NADF, MDSG, IMET, and high schools/educational programs in multiple states) and (iii) Extension training and professional development opportunities for university-based Extension professionals, junior faculty, graduate students, a FFA teacher, and RAS facility staff (e.g., at UMaine, IMET, and NADF). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to stakeholders, end-users and communities of interest via presentations at national conferences/workshops (both R&D and Extension-focused), Open Houses and facility tours, teacher/educator workshops, on-site teacher training, Extension materials, and direct interactions/communications with industry personnel and stakeholder groups.In addition, a dedicated salmon RAS website (www.SalmonOnLand.org) and a quarterly online newsletter ("Recirculating Salmon News") disseminates SAS2 results and related information to target audiences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Year 2 plans are listed below. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Domestic Egg Supply: • Collect mucus, plasma, and ovarian fluid samples of broodstock at USDA. • Sample embryos and larvae for predictive metrics of success at USDA. • Sample tagged juveniles being tracked for early maturation at USDA . • Develop transcriptomic, metabolomic, and steroidomic protocols. • Collect blood/mucosal samples from broodstock at IMET. • Introduce and acclimate the Gaspe strain to the NADF RAS and to natural photoperiod regimes. • Begin phase-shift conditioning ofbroodstock at NADF. Early Maturation: • Collect freshly ovulated salmon eggs for bath-immersion protocol development. • Sample treated fish at 3 developmental stages (hatching, just before feeding, and 10-15 g BW) following established immersion protocols. • Collect samples for in situ, qPCR, and/or gonadal histology analysis to evaluate the fluorescent density of immersed eggs. • Correlate fluorescent density with changes in expression levels of germ cell marker genes to determine the most effective Flu-dnd-MO-TP9 uptake of condition and sterility induction. Alternate RAS Feeds: • Complete the metagenome assembly and annotation of samples. • Perform intestinal microbiome comparison between insect meal and fishmeal-based diets. • Conduct the RNAseq analysis of fish response to diet type. Off-flavor Mitigation: • Continue to rear salmon for studies at FI and IMET. Receive a second batch of salmon eggs at FIfor Yr 4 studies. • Continue characterization of RAS microbiome at FI and IMET. Conduct additional water sampling at FI before and after UV lights, with varying UV doses. • Collect water samples from participating stakeholder facilities for microbiome characterization in commercial-scale RAS systems. Analyze a summary of WQ and facility conditions to determine if specific water chemistry concentrations or other factors can be correlated with high or low off-flavor levelsin RAS. Continue ongoing work on the physical/chemical mitigation of off-flavor compounds (e.g., AOP trials). Explore additional approaches (e.g., different AOP and nanobubble prototypes etc). Water Reuse: • Complete study design for converting solid waste into biogas. • Obtain custom-prepared biochar from ARTi and prepare magnetite (Fe3O4) impregnated biochar (MIB) at FI. • Collect continuous WQ data of influents/effluents of waste treatment reactors. • Continue analyzing the chemical composition of sludge digester supernatant. • Test different media to improve biofilm formation and ammonia removal efficiency. Begin analysis of the microbial community in denitrification/anammox bioreactor and testdesalinization of solid waste from a biogas reactor. Economic Analysis: Gather information on industry economic challenges/concerns from SAS2 stakeholders atworkshops etc. Hire a MSc student to work on VTech web surveys/consumer surveys in Yr 2. Hire a graduate researcher at UMaine to assist with the RAS TEM objective. Conduct literature review on consumer preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for salmon attributes. EDUCATION OBJECTIVES: Introduce RAS-related STEM: • Expand the 4-H Classroom Aquaponics Project to 4 new sites in ME: Bucksport Middle School Damariscotta Montessori School Jonesport-Beals High School Islesboro School • Continue developing the 4-H Classroom Aquaponics Project at 2 sites from Yr 1: Sumner Memorial High School Pemetic Elementary School • Continue supporting and providing RAS experiences for the 4-H Aquarium Club. • Continue the co-design of an aquaponics curriculum with WaYS. • Continue development of the youth aquaculture micro-credentials with UMS so that they are aligned with industry occupational standards. • Continue expansion of the AinA curriculum across participatingSAS2 states. Develop RAS Modules: • Offer a hands-on Sustainable Aquaculture Laboratory course as a 2023 UMBC summer program and offer an undergraduate summer internship program at IMET. • Begin developing the design of the RAS educational module at IMET. • Discuss the structure/format of RAS modules that will be produced at NADF (with industry stakeholders). • Offer teachers professional development opportunities via MDSG-coordinated class visits to assist with RAS and promote success of 'aquaculture in the classroom' activities. • Partner with Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to obtain fish for 2023 RAS classroom systems and permittedreleases. • Offer several modules at UMaine in 2023: RAS Husbandry module as a Research Learning Experience course RAS Finfish Health & Diagnostic Lab module RAS Engineering module • UMaine will continue RAS education through the 4-H Aquaponics Project at Sumner Memorial HS (Sullivan, ME). Begin programming at Jonesport-Beals HS (Jonesport, Maine). RAS Internships and Apprenticeships: • Outline and design the NADF apprenticeship program with industry stakeholders to offer opportunities in Yrs 2-5. • Hire a part-time ARI internship/externship coordinator as part of the Maine Jobs and Recovery Funding program to help increase the number of intern/externships offered. • ARI will integrate elements of the USDA-REEU Fellowship, AquEOUS, Aquaculture Experiential Opportunities for Undergraduate Students, and Integrating Indigenous and Western Science through Applied Aquaculture Research programs into the summer externship opportunities in 2023. RAS Educational Partnerships: • NADF will discuss and generate plans to connect the university's aquaculture education with Wisconsin Technical Colleges and how to promote the continuation of the educational pathwayto complete a BScdegree at UWSP by adding courses in STEM fields through the tech colleges. • ARI will continue discussions with WCCC on how to engage its community college students through UMaine micro-credentialing, creating an easy pathway into a 4-year degree. EXTENSION OBJECTIVES: Public Literacy: • Continue collecting B-rolls and outlining video concepts and storyboards. NADF and UMD Extension will continue to produce 2-3 videos per year to increase public knowledge of salmon raised in RAS, describing production from egg to harvest as well as showcasing the projects's research objectives and impacts. Public Engagement: • Leverage connection with the Area Extension Director to continue identifying groups/individuals to contact. Increase interactions with communities affected by RAS, as well as create protocols and materials for interviews and listening sessions. Attend public meetings and hearings. • Devote time to planning stakeholder-based focus groups and interviews for the RAS-affected regions. Technology Transfer: • Write/publish at least 2 fact sheets covering general RAS components and salmon biology in land-based RAS. • Technology transfer with industry (AquaCon, Exciton Clean, and others) will be ongoing. • Continueholding public events, including open houses/field days at partnering facilities . Youth Engagement: • Participate in tabling events at local fairs/festivals to encourage interactivity between RAS-based VoAg/FFA learning and the local populace. • Establish a RAS system for an FFA/AG classroom with a pre-identified teacherwilling to pilot a high school aquaculture program. • Finalize strategies for RAS development and entrepreneurship education with VoAg and FFA programs inMaryland. • Train educators/volunteers in classroom RAS construction and maintenance. Seafood Safety: • No planned activities in Yr 2. Health Management: • Conduct virtual meetings with, and etablish/finalize a CAHPS program for, each participating facility. • Conduct on-site facility visitswith a veterinarian as part of the pilot program protocol.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Each of the 17 SAS2 objectives has made satisfactory progress toward meeting the proposedfirst-year timelines and deliverables. Below is an very abbreviated listing of accomplishments for each objective. R&D Objectives: • Establish domestic, year-round production of eggs for offspring with improved RAS performance. Atlantic salmon broodstock from two genetic strains was transported from the USDA-NCWMAC(Franklin, ME) to NADF (Bayfield, WI) and IMET(Baltimore, MD) to be used to evaluate the off-season spawning of broodstock. R&D efforts to develop a mucus-based assay to predict broodstock gender without invasive procedures as well as a predictive indicator for broodstock/gamete quality have been inititated. Broodstock at USDA and IMET have been spawned, toward broodstock strain evaluation for RAS performance. • Optimize reproductive sterility to mitigate early maturation. A non-lethal concentration of a conjugate necessary for tracking uptake and survivability of sterile-treated eggs was tested and identified by the collaborators at IMETand the Marine Research Institute (MRI) of Iceland. In vivo treatments have been conducted toward developing a sterility induction technology. • Effects of alternate RAS and insect-based feeds on the hologenome of Atlantic salmon in RAS production. Metabolite profiles for fishmeal and insect meal-based diets were characterized and tested for unique and distinguishable profiles by collaborators at the IMET and the University of Maryland School of Medicine. • Biological, technological, and chemical mitigation of off-flavor in salmon RAS. Geosmin synthase primers helped identify where off-flavor-producing bacteria are most abundant in recirculating aquaculture systems at theFreshwater Institute (FI) and IMET. Off-flavor reduction trials with market-size salmon, were conducted using a proprietary Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) bioreactor supplied by an industry partner. Levels of off-flavor compounds (geosmin/2-methylisoborneal [MIB]) were quantified under a series of system and culture parameters. • Increase water reuse and conservation and waste removal. Fish were transported from the USDA-NCWMAC (Franklin, ME) and stocked at IMET (Baltimore, MD) to produce waste that will be used to examine solid waste treatment, ammonia removal from effluent, and nitrogen removal. A sophisticated RAS equipped with Denitrifying Annamox (Denammox) bioreactor and Denitrifying Sludge bioreactor (for biomethane production), as well as aerobic biofiltration, mechanical (drum) filter and a 24-hour/day monitoring/data collection system was prepared for experimental trials with the USDA salmon. • Market research and economic analysis of salmon RAS. There were no analytical activities planned for Year 1, thus most work on this objective was preparatory such as hiring two graduate students to help with Year 2 survey work and economic modeling and conducting organizational meetings with this objectives co-PDs. Education Objectives: • Introduce RAS-related stem concepts to youth audiences with education accessible to diverse audiences. 4-H partnerships were used to introduce aquaponics and aquarium programming to 87 youths in three K-12 schools in Maine, including special education and alternative education pathway classrooms. An in-person meeting of the multi-regional education team was held at IMET to share results and lessons-learned to date, promote brainstorming/constructive feedback, and initiate the coordination of future activities. • Develop RAS modules to be added to the aquaculture curriculum at the high school, college, and professional development levels. Maryland Sea Grant hosted a 4-day workshop to train and assess the needs of new teachers and administrators interested in bringing RAS systems to classrooms. This workshop was attended by high school teachers and administrators from 6 different school systems in MD and WV, as well as university staff and faculty from ME and MD. In addition, SAS2 researchers have begun conducting on-site school visits to offer technical assistance on educational aquaculture set-ups (e.g., configurations, add-on equipment installation/operation, optimal performance, etc). • Expand existing aquaculture certificate programs to include a RAS track and develop industry occupational standards through a certifying body. UMaine developed and delivered course modules for RAS Aquatic Animal Husbandry and RAS Aquatic Animal Health, as well as a RAS Engineering pilot with the School of Marine Science. UMBCand NADFidentified possible programming areas that align with the University of Maine's micro-credential program. • Expand industry-partnered RAS internships for undergraduates and establish RAS apprenticeships for recent graduates. UMaineand NADF provided externship/internship opportunities that aligned with industry standards and placed individuals in commercial RAS facilities to gain valuable work and research experience in both MEand WI. • Establish educational pathways between high school aquaculture programming, technical colleges, and universities. Maryland Sea Grant and UMaine began the task of developing a state-supported curriculum that is aligned with industry standards and in collaboration with relevant state programs, including public school administrators, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, and the Maine Aquaculture Association. Extension Objectives: • Increase public awareness and literacy of land-based salmon farming. Video footage of researchers and industry stakeholder interviews was collected by collaborators at the University of Maryland Extension, NADF and IMET, with two videos produced and published in the first year. • Engage rural communities experiencing RAS development. Efforts were initiated to expand on the original proposal to include rural engagement in partnering states, starting with MEbut also including MDand others. Extension collaborators from Maryland worked with UMaine collaborators that have expertise in public perceptions of aquaculture. Plans are in place to design surveys and focus group sessions that will be used in both states, so that results are comparable and can be used in future reporting. • Technology transfer & delivery science-based knowledge to end-users. The SalmonOnLand.org website is up to date with SAS2 content that can be accessed by the public, educators, policymakers, stakeholders, and project collaborators/supporters. The website has been promoted at several Extension-based conferences/workshops with much online traffic originating from states where land-based facilities are undergoing the permitting process and/or construction design and planning. • Youth extension programming and community outreach. The extension collaborators in Maryland have been working with the Maryland 4-H program to identify and organize ways to bring and set up aquariums and RAS systems in Vo/Ag classrooms. High school staff has been involved with the input process as well and the first high school FFA teacher to pilot a Vo/Ag RAS program has been identified. • Seafood safety and consumer education. There were no activities planned for Year 1 under the seafood safety and consumer education objective, however, Maryland Extension did provide presentations covering the general SAS2 project, and abstracts for future presentations were submitted to relevant seafood safety-related conferences. • Improve RAS health and health management. Maine collaborators identified companies that were willing to participate in a pilot for a RAS-based Comprehensive Aquaculture Health Program Standards (CAHPS) program in their facility. This program was developed by USDA-APHIS, with input by several of the current SAS2 co-PDs, and it is being implemented by the agency. Initial planning for site-specific CAHPS plans, one plan per facility, has begun and will continue into Year 2.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Barry, T. et al. (March 2022). A Novel Advanced Oxidation Technology That Rapidly Removes Geosmin And MIB From Water. Aquaculture 2022, February 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Place, A.R. et al. (March 2022). Replacing Soy Protein With Insect Meal In A Fishmeal Free Diet For Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). Aquaculture 2022, February 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Choudhury, A. et al. (March 2022). Challenges To Anaerobic Digestion Of Waste Streams From Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Facilities. Aquaculture 2022, February 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Zohar, Y. (March 2022). Building Capacity Of Atlantic Salmon RAS Production In The US - From RASN To SAS2. Aquaculture 2022, Feb. 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Frederick, C. et al. (March 2022). Building Capacity Of Atlantic Salmon (S. Salar) RAS Production In The US Using An Industry Driven Stakeholder Network (RAS-N): Engagement And Extension Efforts. Aquaculture 2022, Feb. 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Wiermaa, E. et al. (March 2022). Developing A Skilled Workforce For Advancing RAS Through Support From A National Collaborative Effort Utilizing Strong Industry Engagement. Aquaculture 2022, February 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Good, C. et al. (March 2022). The Effects Of Two Water Temperature Regimes On Atlantic Salmon (S. salar). Aquaculture 2022, Feb. 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Good, C. et al. (March 2022). Evaluating Freshwater Fluidized Sand Biofilter Performance Following Exposure To Low-Dose Peracetic Acid Treatments. Aquaculture 2022, February 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Bailey, L. et al. (March 2022). Performance Characterization Of A Diffused Aeration Basin For Carbon Dioxide Removal In RAS. Aquaculture 2022, February 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Davidson, J. et al. March 2022. Off-flavor observations: Factors influencing accumulation in RAS, microbial characterization, and Atlantic salmon taste threshold. RASTech Meeting. March 30-31, 2022, Hilton Head, SC.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Bouchard, D. (Presenter & Session Chair; April 2022). Industry Updates and Needs: Voices from the Land-based Aquaculture Industry. Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition. April 27-29, 2022, Portland, ME.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Mary Scarlett Tudor (April 2022). Aquaculture Research Institutes aquaculture workforce development programming. Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition. April 27-29, 2022, Portland, ME.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Bill Keleher (April 2022). Autogenous vaccines in aquaculture. US National Aquaculture Extension Conference. Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition. April 27-29, 2022, Portland, ME.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Hawkyard, M. (April 2022). The development and evaluation of liposomes and liposome-containing complex particles for improved health and nutrition of finfish. Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition. April 27-29, 2022, Portland, ME.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Habte-Tsion, M. (April 2022). Roles of fish immuno-nutrition and nutrigenomics in the development of sustainable aquafeed: trends and prospects. Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition. April 27-29, 2022, Portland, ME.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Frederick, C. (April 2022). Recirculating aquaculture salmon network (RAS-N): understanding the barriers and needs of land-based atlantic salmon production in the AS. Northeast Aquaculture Conference & Exposition. April 27-29, 2022, Portland, ME.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Frederick, C.A. (June 2022). The Recirculating Aquaculture Salmon Network spawns a new opportunity for building the capacity of Atlantic salmon (S. salar) RAS production in the US. National Aquaculture Extension Conference. June 13-17, 2022, Portland, ME.
  • Type: Websites Status: Other Year Published: 2021 Citation: www.SalmonOnLand.org We have integrated the SAS2 project on the website which allows us to share project information and educational and outreach materials with the interested public.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Sowers, K. et al. (March 2022). Conversion Of Solid Waste To Biogas In A Saltwater Recirculating Aquaculture System For Atlantic Salmon. Aquaculture 2022, February 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2023 Citation: Place, A.R. and Davidson, J. Differences between Atlantic salmon plasma and serum metabolite profiles on different diets. PLOSone (in review).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Fischer, G., Hartleb, C., Holmes, K., Hauser (Wiermaa), E. June 2022. Midwest facility is a successful model for research, demonstration, and education for freshwater aquaculture. World Aquaculture Society Magazine, pgs. 52-57. See link: https://www3.uwsp.edu/cols-ap/nadf/Documents/Articles/Midwest%20Facility%20Successful%20Model.pdf.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2022 Citation: Davidson, J. et al. (March 2022). Off-Flavor Observations: Factors Influencing Accumulation In RAS And New Information On Geosmin Taste-Threshold In Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar) Fillets. Aquaculture 2022, Feb. 28-March 4, 2022, San Diego, CA.