SERA-IEG-9 2005 Meeting
June 5-7, 2005
Virginia State University / Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Petersburg, Virginia

AGENDA

MINUTES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

·           Funding remains at roughly $30 million per year.
·           The USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the next aquaculture survey in 2006.
·           The next national Extension meeting is scheduled for Spring 2007 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
·           Dr. Gary Jensen is continuing work on National Organic Standards for aquaculture products.
·           The Hatch Formula funds were cut by the President but were restored by the House. The President’s office wants to switch to a competitive grant process.
·           The Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture has been busy and is starting the process of updating the JSA strategic plan.
·           Input is needed on the National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.
·           This week is “Ocean Week” in Washington due to recent NOAA legislation pertaining to aquaculture in Federal waters.
·           Work continues on COOL and the Aquatic Invasive Species task force.
·           Level funding is continuing for the Regional Aquaculture Centers (RAC). The NERAC would be moving to a new host institution on July 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After Dr. Tucker’s presentation, the group finished discussing the remaining IEG topics.

Craig Watson volunteered to host next year’s meeting at the University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory near Ruskin.  The group voted to accept Mr. Watson’s invitation.

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

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