Group Summaries - Potential Alternative Species

 

May 22-24, 2006 UF Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory

Attendees: There were 30 participants from 13 institutions.
Facilitator: Craig Watson (UF)

SESSION SUMMARY:

Cobia in low salinity – Manipulation of calcium receptors may offer potential for low salinity production. There is evidence for a genetic component to performance since 1 out of 10 fish grown at 1.5 ppt performed as well as full saline control.

Toadfish - Current market prices are $ 4.00 to $ 4.50/pound but the fishery is being over-fished. The current market area is small and limited to area further south along the eastern seaboard. The potential market remains unknown. One potential production problem is a reported low fecundity (100 eggs/female).

Triple Tail – A interest remains in producing triple tail due to their taste characteristics.

Barramundi – Currently there are four farms in Florida and 1 indoor facility in Massachusetts. Fingerlings are being sold for $ 0.85/fingerling. Sac fry are imported from Australia. Market is for a 450 g – 650 g fish. There is a potential that this fish may be listed as "prohibited" since it is a top carnivore.

Pompano – Currently receiving a high market value. Almost all product is coming from Taiwan and China. Availability of seedstock is limiting. Tolerant of 2-3 ppt salinity. HBOI just stocked a grow-out study at 3-4 ppt.

Abalone – Abalone farmer recently moved his operation from New Zealand to North Carolina. Commercial diets are available. Systems use recirculated water.

Southern Flounder – Currently there are 2 commercial producers in development. Texas and North Carolina are producing them for stock enhancement. Current cost of fingerlings is $1.00/fish (2.5 cm). Saltwater is required for larvae/fingerling. Feed conversion ratio is reported to be as low as 1:1. Price for foodfish varies from $ 3.50 to $ 9.00/pound depending on season. Currently it is the #1 sushi fish. There is some issue with US FDA concerning whether this fish should be sold fresh or frozen due to parasite issues related to sushi consumption. There is a 60% dress out rate.

Marine shrimp – There are currently 80 acres in west Alabama and approximately 30 acres in Florida. Production has not been profitable in recirculation systems.

Ornamental Groupers as Live Market – There is a growing interest in buying ornamental grouper fingerlings from Taiwan and China and growing them out to foodfish.

Transgenic – There remains very little optimism for this approach due to low consumer acceptance.

Sturgeon/Paddlefish – Caviar is currently being marketed for over $ 100/pound or $ 35/ounce. The state of Florida won’t allow the use of native fish for propagation while North Carolina won’t allow non-natives.

Bait - Several producers have begun successful operations in saltwater bait species.

 

June 5-7, 2005 Virginia State University

Attendees:      There were 20 participants from 11 institutions.
Facilitator:      Dr. Jimmy Avery

SESSION SUMMARY:

Harry Daniels – NCSU
· Working with flounder in recirculating systems.  Moving from experimental phase to commercialization.  Production can be done at 0.5 ppt salinity.  The growout period for southern flounder is 18 months.  A test panel sampled fish grown in low salinity, full strength seawater, and wild caught.  The best tasting fish were grown in 33 ppt seawater.  Wild fish had a metallic taste. Low salinity fish had a slightly potting soil taste.  Breakeven appears to $2.15 per pound.  Broodstock can be maintained for 4 to 5 years.  Use of wild broodstock should be avoided due to the introduction of sea lice.
Craig Watson – UF
· Barramundi is receiving quite a bit of attention both in ponds and in recirculation.  It is a restricted species.
Jesse Chappel – AU
· Reported on production of marine species in inland, low-salinity ponds.  Production has been as high as 5,000 lbs/acre. Estimated acreage in Alabama in 90 acres and 25 in Arkansas. Production is fairly straightforward.  Production target is 21-25/lb.
Michael Masser – TAMU
·

Shrimp acreage in Texas is declining due to lower process.
· Prawns are stilling receiving interest.  State Aquaculture Coordinator hauled live prawns to New York and received $11/pound.  General discussion centered on the recent rise in interest in freshwater prawns despite continued market difficulties.  Speculation ranged from hobbyist interest to marketing pressure by post-larvae producers.
· Research at Texas A&M has focused on black sea bass.
· New red drum facility is also growing croaker for bait.
Steve Craig – VTU
· Cobia is big push at Virginia Tech.

 

June 6-8, 2004 University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff 

Attendees: Mike Schwartz, VPI; Jesse Chappell, UA; Ray McClain, LSU; Robert Romaire, LSU; Patricia Duncan, FVSU; Gary Jensen, USDA/CSREES; Steve Mims, KSU; Lou D’Abramo, MSU; Harold Phillips, UAPB; Nathan Stone, UAPB; and Ignacio Masson, UAPB.   

Facilitator: Bauer Duke, UAPB
Co-facilitator: Felicia Bearden, UAPB

SESSION SUMMARY:

Areas discussed:
· Definition of potential culture species
· Cobia, southern flounder, and red snapper research
· Largemouth bass research
· Black crappie research
· Paddlefish and koi carp research
· Shovelnose sturgeon and lake sturgeon research
· Macrobrachium research
The group first defined a potential culture species as one that makes money.  Members of the group described efforts made by their institutions to further culture of species not currently commercially produced in this country.

Virginia Tech and Auburn feel the future is bright for cobia, southern flounder, and red snapper if appropriate feeds can be found for hatchlings.  After these species are about one week old, we have correctly sized zooplankton to feed them.  The first week is the juggernaut as we have not yet found live feeds small enough to produce enough fry to make this process economically viable.

Kentucky State is having success with largemouth bass.  Protocols for raising this fish have been established in the past by others and the state of Kentucky does not regard largemouth bass strictly as a game fish so commercial farms may sell it as food fish.  New diets create less fat in market size fish. 

Black Crappie work is hampered by feeding problems at the earliest stage similar to sobia, southern flounder and red snapper.  All these culturists are searching for a 50 micron rotifer.  Sex reversed neo-male Black Crappie have been produced with the goal of producing all female populations in the future.  At this time they will be used for stocking small impoundments, but perhaps could be raised for food fish.

Paddlefish work continues both for caviar and meat production.  Koi carp are polycultured with the paddlefish to prevent filamentous algae growth biologically and not impede zooplankton populations required by the paddlefish.  Koi also help clean up feed unused by the paddlefish and reach a size of five pounds in three years.

Kentucky State worked with the shovelnosed sturgeon but they did not perform well in static ponds.  Lake sturgeon seem to handle pond life and work continues.  Fresh water prawn work continues and best-management practices have been established for this species.

Mississippi State continues work with Macrobrachium.  Mississippi now has 2500 acres in this species and the difficulties at this point seem to be in the marketing of the product.  Hatching is worked out and six or seven private hatcheries exist.  Successful protocols exist for rearing, harvesting, live hauling, and processing this species.  With a frozen shelf life of 2 years, year round marketing is possible even though the production season is five months.  There is really no way to compete with marine shrimp, especially at the small and middle sizes.  Most farmers now raise their prawns to 6-9/lb size. 

Freshwater prawns need to be differentiated from marine shrimp in the market place.  At this time they are sold at pond bank, but if the industry is to bloom they have to be recognized as a particular commodity with particular attributes.  Definition of the product and education of the market place are required.  After thirty years of development, this species’ time has come and the next two to three years will tell the tale.  This species could be a very good candidate for organic labeling due to its eating habits. 

We left the meeting pleased the EPA decided not to consider non-native species as bio-pollutants and the idea of Macrobrachium becoming the new free-range meat. 

 

March 9-11, 2003 Texas A&M University

Attendees: Not available
Facilitator: Not available

SESSION SUMMARY: 
· Robert Romaire of LSU mentioned recent activities with coppernose bluegill and its hybrids. He also indicated the high school aquaculture programs in Louisiana were phasing out the use of tilapia due to permitting problems.
· Ken Davis indicated Drew Mitchell at SNARC was continuing to evaluate snail-eating species including black carp and freshwater drum.
· Jimmy Avery mentioned interest in smallmouth buffalo and possibly a hybrid with red horse minnow. He also mentioned receiving numerous questions about production of threadfin shad and mosquito fish.

 

March 17-22, 2002 University of Puerto Rico

Attendees:  Not available
Facilitator:  Not available

SESSION SUMMARY:
· Greg Whitis review ongoing research projects at Auburn involving red snapper, red tilapia, hybrid catfish and inland shrimp, as well as a high school aquaculture program and a yield verification project with catfish.
· Michael Masser mentioned that hybrid striped bass production is also expanding in the state; whereas, crawfish production continues to decline.
· Jim Tidwell reported that research and extension efforts are continuing with freshwater shrimp, largemouth bass, channel catfish and paddlefish.
· Charlie Shultz described the current activities of culturing tilapia in greenwater along with various aquaponic crops.

 

March 19-20, 2001 Mississippi State University

Attendees: 15 Participants From 7 States
Facilitator: Not available

SESSION SUMARY:

Species Discussed included:
· Freshwater Shrimp
· Freshwater Drum
· Blue Catfish
· Tilapi
· Hybrid Sunfish
· Hybrid Striped Bass
· Saltwater Shrimp
· Red Drum
· Crawfish

Freshwater Shrimp

Mac Fondren reported that there are approximately 200 acres of FWS in MS in 2000 up from about 15 acres in 1996. First year producer yields are 200-300 lb/acre while more experienced producers are getting around 800 lb/acre average. The majority of these animals are going into the wholesale market at prices of $2.50- 3.00, the same as saltwater shrimp.

Tom Hill reported the FWS are gaining popularity in TN. There is a company buying PL's out of TX and nursing them for 6 weeks and selling them to producers for $0.12 each. In 1999 there were about 30 acres which were all sold into the live market at $6.15 /lb the second year of production the price dropped to around $5.50 with some animals being frozen. This year the acreage will expand to 250 acres. The average production to date has been 870 lb/acre.

Freshwater Drum

Les Torrans, Robert Romaire, and Don Freeman discussed the use of FW drum for snail control to reduce disease problems. The blue catfish was also mentioned as a potential candidate to help control snail populations.

Hybrid Bluegill

LA has legalized the production of coppernose bluegill and green sunfish hybrids for use as food fish. These fish were selected because they would be able to be readily identified in the field. LSU is looking into their production.

Tilapia

Dennis Delong (NC) reported some significant tilapia activity in NC in recirculating systems. Southern States Co-op is currently working with 3 farmers acting as intigrators with 2 more systems in the works. They are currently producing 250-300k/lb/year most of which are going into the Philadelphia and DC markets. They have a processing facility near Plymouth NC.

Others in group indicated that the number of tilapia farms in their areas was declining due to marketing difficulties and competing the live fish market. There seemed to be a consensus that it would be difficult for tilapia produces and processors to compete with imports in the fillet markets.

Hybrid Striped Bass

Don Freeman discussed activities in AR evaluation HSB broodstock strains and genetic enhancements. He noted that they are in the process of developing a list of needs for the HSB industry. Production seemed to be stable in the other states, but almost all are dependent on AR for fingerlings. 

Saltwater Shrimp

Michael Masser reported that there was some expansion of the SWS industry in west TX. And that they had a fairly good production last year. He also indicated that the Red Drum production in TX was on the decline with only two farms left and one of those is for sale.

Crawfish

Ray McClain indicated that this may be a rough year for crawfish production and that the season will be late. He noted that there were low numbers being observed but mentioned that this would raise prices.

 

March 29-30, 2000 Louisiana State University

This IEG did not meet.

 

March 15-16, 1999 Kentucky State University

Attendees:  Jeff Hinshaw, NC; forrest Wynn, KYU; Steve Gabel, NC; Michael Masser, TAMU; Mark Shirley, LSU; Tom Hill, UT; Larry Wilson, UT; Brian Bosworth, USDA/ARS/CGRU; David Cline, AL; David Heikus, UAPB; Carole Engle, UAPB; Claude Reeves, AL; Andy Lazur, FL; Jim Tidwell, KYU; Joe Morris, IA   
Facilitator:  Jeff Hinshaw

SUMMARY SESSION: 

Of the many species being examined for culture in the Southern U.S., four seemed to top the discussion due to widespread interest and production advances. 
· Production of largemouth bass as a foodfish for the live market has received a lot of attention, as well as some commercial culture efforts in Kentucky, Alabama, and North Carolina.  Forrest Wynne and Jim Tidwell from Kentucky reported on progress with nutritional requirements of young largemouth bass.  Steve Gabel and Jeff Hinshaw reported that three commercial producers in North Carolina have been attempting to produce largemouth bass as foodfish in ponds, but all participants noted the current bottleneck of getting largemouth bass much beyond one pound in size using current technology.  This can be a major constraint in live fish markets demanding bass 1.5 pounds and larger.  The factors responsible for reduction in growth and food conversion in largemouth bass are unknown at this time.
· Yellow perch culture is continuing to attract considerable attention in the South.  Culture of perch is linked to the market demand for the fish in the midwestern and north central regions, particularly around the Great Lakes.  Primary interest in commercial production has been in North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee.  Research emphasis has been primarily on development of pond culture methods, with some temperature tolerance work conducted in Kentucky. Jim Tidwell indicated their work suggested yellow perch performed best at 24o C.  More constraints have been identified than answers at this point in time.  Steve Gabel reported on feeding problems observed in pond production tests in North Carolina.  Many questions were raised regarding the economics of producing a fish to be sold at such a small size - from 1/4 to 1/3 pound.  The nutritional requirements of yellow perch are relatively unknown, and from a regulatory standpoint, many state fish and game agencies view yellow perch as a nuisance species.
· Hybrid sunfish, mostly green sunfish/bluegill hybrids, have also attracted interest as a potential species for culture as foodfish, currently for the live fish market.  So far, work has been conducted in Kentucky, Alabama, and North Carolina.  Much of the work has been in cages, with some fish grown directly in ponds.  High food conversion was noted as a primary constraint in husbandry.  Again, since these fish are produced mostly for the live foodfish trade, marketing options are limited and may pose an additional constraint to development along with regulatory concerns.
· Tilapia was discussed as a ‘potential culture species' in that production is expanding in many states.  Much of the production is taking place in closed or recirculating systems, resulting in relatively high costs of production.  Mark Shirley from Louisiana reported that the three producers in south-central Louisiana were looking for different species and a broader marketing base.  Jeff Hinshaw reported on progress and development with closed system production of tilapia in North Carolina, with two new commercial facilities scheduled to begin this year.  All participants recognized that the relatively high cost of production in closed systems could limit competitiveness of the fish, and that many producers were dependent upon selling to a very limited number of markets.  Andy Lazur noted interest in pond culture of tilapia in Florida.  Claude Reeves noted that producers in Alabama were attempting to culture tilapia in cages in the summer, then maintain the stocks indoors in tanks through the winter.
· Several baitfish species were discussed in terms of potential for commercial culture in the South. Culture of bull minnows and mud minnows (Fundulus spp.) as baitfish has attracted efforts in Florida, Arkansas, Alabama and Texas.  Andy Lazur estimated that 75 acres of Fundulus sp. Production would be required to approach local demand for these fish as bait in Florida.  Michael Masser reported on attempts in Texas to polyculture Fundulus sp. in systems with marine shrimp as a way to reduce effluent nutrients.  Carole Engel reported that efforts had begun to improve culture of a minnow called ‘Rosy Reds' in Arkansas.  Larry Wilson and Tom Hill from Tennessee commented on exploratory work to produce baitfish in closed systems near potential market areas in Tennessee.
· Forrest Wynn reported that KSU is exploring polyculture of paddlefish in ponds with catfish, but that seedstock availability is a problem.  Reservoir ranching of paddlefish has been proposed, but legal issues regarding ownership will need to be resolved be for testing can begin.
· Several attendees expressed interest in sturgeon culture, but noted that the species of interest are protected, and progress would be slow until permission to possess the fish is readily available.  Andy Lazur noted that in their work with sturgeon in Florida, most of the constraints are regulatory.
· Freshwater prawn culture in temperate areas is being tested in North Carolina and Kentucky.  Jim Tidwell reported harvests up to 1,800 pounds per acre in 1998 from ponds using safety fencing as substrate in the ponds.  Shrimp in both states were stocked at approximately 0.5 grams, and reached 12 - 20 grams after 80 to 90 days in culture.
· Numerous other species and approaches were mentioned, including ornamental fish, and aquatic plants as ornamentals and for mitigation.  Andy Lazur commented on a developing market for aquatic and/or wetland plants for mitigation, and that considerable research was needed to improve ornamental fish culture methods.  David Cline also noted that the constraint to production of aquatic plants may be a lack of ‘developed' information on their husbandry.
· Other fish discussed as potential and developing species were red snapper in, and continuing efforts with culture of red drum.

 

March 15-17, 1998 Clemson University

Attendees:  Not available
Facilitator:  Jim Tidwell

SESSION SUMMARY:

Rather than the traditional rotation of station reports, the group was asked this year to assist in characterizing the current state of knowledge on a list of species being considered by the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center. This information will then be used to prioritize potential research consideration by the Center.

An inclusive list of over 70 species or species groups was used as an initial working list. Factors to be considered in the discussion included:
· Aquaculture potential (including marketing),
· legal implication,
· biology (reproduction and feeding),
· culture methods,
· bibliography (available information).
· Also to be considered was the identification of obvious information gaps (i.e. research needs) on the species or group.
Each species or group on the list was sorted into one of four categories;
· Already a mainstream production species
· Substantial information available-compile extension publication
· in viable candidate based on biology, regulatory constrains etc.,
· weak knowledge base-compile species profile-consider additional research
Classifications by categories are as follows. Some potential authors for species profiles were also identified.
Mainstream Substantial Info-Ext. Pub.
Hard Clams Algaes
Goldfish Aquatic Plants
Ornamentals Buffalo
Oysters Bighead Carp
Inviable Candidate   Species Profile -Research Needs
Abalone Lepomis spp (bluegill, etc.)
Bowfin Grass Carp
Brine Shrimp         Blue Crabs
Common Carp     Crappies
Silver Carp Freshwater Drum
Black Drum Eels
Japanese Flounder Southern & Summer Flounder
Winter Flounder  Largemouth Bass
Gars Mullet
Grouper Red Snapper
Shad Sturgeons
Walleye Yellow Perch
Walking Catfish

 

March 24-26, 1997 University of Tennessee

Attendees:  Not available
Facilitator:  Jim Tidwell

SESSION SUMMARY:

This was probably the most well attended session at the meeting.  Each attendee was asked to give a brief description on activities at their institution. 

Sixteen (16) different institutions reported on work on thirty-seven (37) different species.  A draft problem statement has been developed for consideration by SRAC.  Top species for eminent development appear to be hybrid striped bass, and possibly red fish and largemouth bass.  Interest in development of new species is very strong.  The long-term viability of the aquaculture industry South should only be strengthened by alternatives and diversification.

 

March 24-26, 1996 University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff

Attendees:  Thirty-one people representing 12 states
Facilitator:  Jim Tidwell, KSU

SESSION SUMMARY:

A summary of species and the states actively working on them include:
· Baitfish - (Florida, Arkansas, Alabama)
· Bighead Carp - (Arkansas, Oklahoma)
· Hybrid Striped Bass - (Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, North Carolina)
· Largemouth Bass - (Alabama, Kentucky)
· Red Drum - (Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina)
· Summer Flounder - (North Carolina)
· Australian Red Claw - (Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana)
· Paddlefish/Sturgeon - (Kentucky)
· Freshwater Prawns - (Mississippi, Kentucky)
· Mussels - (Alabama)
· Yellow Perch - (Kentucky)
· Walleye - (Kentucky)
· Snapping Turtles - (Louisiana)
· Penaeid Shrimp - (Texas)
· Tropical Ornamentals - (Texas, Florida)
· Crappie - (Texas)
Interest in identifying and developing alternative aquaculture species in the Southern Region is strong.  The long-term health and viability of aquaculture may depend on diversification and production alternatives.

 

March 18-20, 1995 Auburn University

Attendees:  Twenty four persons representing 10 states
Facilitator:  Jeff Hinshaw

SESSION SUMMARY:

After a brief discussion on the definition of "alternative species", several participants suggested that "emerging species" might be a more appropriate name for the group. No formal action was taken on the suggested name change. A recurrent theme throughout the ensuing discussions was that culture of largemouth bass and other centrarchid fishes had considerable potential across the region. 

Representatives of the various states presented the following information:

Texas.
· Culture of marine fish and crustacean species for foodfish or the ornamental fish trade had made some progress during the past year. Among the 13 species discussed were yellowtail, red snapper, cobia,peppermint shrimp, and others. Work with freshwater species included investigations of enhancing largemouth bass through pond monoculture of bluegill for bass forage supplementation; culture of hybrid buffalofish (up to 300/acre) in catfish ponds, alligator production, and even snail and bullfrog tadpole culture. A comment was added regarding regulations on import of apple snails. 
Louisiana.
· "Emerging species" in Louisiana includes some species for which an industry has developed, but is just now being recognized, such as the farming of pet turtles. This industry reportedly has 60-70 producers with total sales over $20 million. Fee rates may exceed 1.5 tons per acre per day, causing the producers to seek assistance with water quality and disease problems. Alligator culture using recirculating technology is growing in Louisiana. 
North Carolina.
· Several species are considered to be in the "emerging species" category in North Carolina. Research into culture of southern flounder included hormonal control of maturation and spawning and development of salinity tolerance of juveniles. This fish is reportedly very euryhaline by the time of metamorphosis, and exhibited little cannabalism. Yellow perch culture for foodfish was started with stocks from a "strain" from North Carolina previously identified by researchers in the midwest as having fast growth and high temperature tolerance. 
Alabama
· Largemouth bass culture techniques were enhanced by using freeze dried krill for starter feed then switching to a pelleted trout diet. Tilapia production could also receive a boost resulting from a request by the American Tilapia Association’s request for clearance for the use of methyl testosterone for masculinization of tilapia fry.
South Carolina
· Alternative species produced in South Carolina included eels (for export), red drum for stock enhancement, continued work with domestication of hybrids of striped bass, and work with flounder. The marine shrimp industry has exceeded 1 million pounds. 
Florida
· In a state where the ornamental fish trade includes over 600 species, catfish production is viewed as "alternative species" production, at least for the panhandle area. Various North American centrarchid species are being cultured for export to Europe and Asia as ornamental species, while largemouth bass and "coppernose" bluegill are being explored for cultivation in tanks and cages for foodfish or for stocking. Species of shiners are being examined for production in Florida, as are several species of native crawfish. 
Kentucky
· Research is continuing into largemouth bass and hybria bluegill in cages for foodfish. Also, freshwater prawn culture has produced interesting results, in that this tropical species apparently does not mature as readily in the relatively cooler, temperate waters of Kentucky. Walleye culture is another species being explored for culture in Kentucky. 
Arkansas
· Production of tilapia is expanding in Arkansas. Bighead carp production for marketing as a canned product is currently being explored. 
Georgia
Recent trials in Georgia for sale of hybrid striped bass in fee-fishing ponds indicated that the costs of the fish were too high for good profitability. Other species such as catfish or trout were more economical for that purpose. 

 

March 13-15, 1994 Texas A&M University

Attendees:  Fourteen participants representing eight universities
Facilitator:  Jim Tidwell

SESSION SUMMARY: 
· TAMU and LSU are concentrating on nutrition and feeding of hybrid striped bass and red drum.
· MSU is primarily involved in evaluation of practical and commercial feed formulations for hybrid striped bass.
· The Cohutta Station of UG is comparing pure striped bass with the reciprocal hybrid and beginning to evaluate freshwater drum.
· UA-Pine Bluff is concentrating on baitfish nutrition.
· The University of Texas at Port Aransas is investigating various aspects of marine shrimp and finfish production, especially nutrition.
· KSU is working on production, culture methods, and nutrition of hybrid bluegill, largemouth bass, blue catfish, hybrid striped bass, freshwater prawns, and paddlefish. Studies on walleye and yellow perch are planned at KSU.
· AU is investigating pond production of largemouth bass, Australian red claw crayfish, and pond culture of oysters. 
Overall, the number one problem for alternative species was identified as nutritious feeds for different life stages and the number two problem as larval rearing.