 |
Alternative Culture Methods | |
| Economics | ||
| Engineering | ||
| Fish Health | ||
| Genetics | ||
| NCID | ||
| Nutrition | ||
| Potential Alternative Species | ||
| Quality Assurance | ||
| Shellfish | ||
| Water Quality | ||
| Yield Verification |
|
Alternative Culture Methods | |
| Economics | ||
| Engineering | ||
| Fish Health | ||
| Genetics | ||
| NCID | ||
| Nutrition | ||
| Potential Alternative Species | ||
| Quality Assurance | ||
| Shellfish | ||
| Water Quality | ||
| Yield Verification |
| May 22-24, 2006 UF Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory Attendees:
There were 30 participants from 13 institutions. SESSION SUMMARY: Jim Rakocy (UVI) discussed his work with biofloc systems. He defined these systems as suspended growth processing systems. His work in the Virgin Islands is conducted in a 1/20 acre system. He feels that his can produce 30 times more than a pond of comparable size. However, more intensification is needed. He stated that he is interested in cooperating with partners in other institutions to scale-up the research. He provided a description of his recirculation and solids capture system. Calcium hydroxide must be added daily. The pH of the system stays around 7.5. The sludge that accumulates must be harvested and land applied. The system uses only 3 to 4% of water between cycles. He also discussed development of a model farm with tilapia and vegetables. The feed conversion ration in the tanks is 1.7. Michael Swartz (VT) discusses his work with zero exchange ponds for shrimp in Texas. He is also involved in research dealing with zero fishmeal in shrimp feeds. Another project is looking at producing marine shrimp in Tilapia effluents. He is also involved in the production of marine finfish in ultra-low salinity recirculation systems at inland operations. The two species being investigated are cobia and flounder. The goal of the research is to produce these fish while only creating a 1 part per thousand (ppt) discharge. He has grown cobia at 1.5 ppt but it is stressful to the fish. The system would be considered successful if he could get 80% of production at ultra-low salinity. He also discussed the marine offshore initiative. Courtney Ohs (UF) discussed the impetus behind his work in developing aquaculture alternatives in south central Florida. There is quiet a bit of interest in the agriculture sector concerning removing phosphorous from cattle operations before it impacts watershed basins. He is looking at several aquaculture production systems that might help. Lou D’Abramo (MSU) has changed his focus on freshwater prawn production. He is now concentrating on low input production using fertilizers and inexpensive feedstuffs. The production goal is 1,200 pounds/acre of 6 count/pound. The next step is production in biofloc systems. Greg Whitis (Auburn) reported that are currently 80 acres of inland marine shrimp production in Alabama. Production is reported to be 5,000 pounds/acre. This acreage is divided among 5 producers. The salinity in this systems ranges from 2 to 7 ppt. Jeff Hill (UF) reported on his work dealing with non-natives as a biological pollution component of effluents. Craig Tucker (NWAC) reported on his work in Best Management Practices dealing with reducing effluent discharge. His work in catfish ponds has resulted in practices that can reduce effluents by 70%. He also reported on recent requests by Wal-Mart that a "green" certification program be developed by suppliers of catfish. There is some movement by two organizations (Global Aquaculture Alliance and World Wildlife Fund) to develop a certification process. Any costs associated with this program would have to be borne by the farmer. Not surprisingly, there is resistance by producers who view this as outside pressure. Jeff Hinshaw (NCSU) reported that trout producers are pondering the same certification issues. His producers are also expressing resentment concerning pressure from outside groups. He feels that this is being driven by marketing needs of the retailer and is not consumer driven. Craig Watson (UF) reported that Florida has an aquaculture permit/certification system in place that could serve as a third party certifier for Florida producers. The permit requires that production facilities are inspected twice per year. Jimmy Avery (NWAC) distributed Request For Proposals (RFPs) for the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program - National Integrated Water Quality Program (NIWQP). The goal of the NIWQP is to contribute to the improvement of the quality of our Nation's surface water and groundwater resources through research, education, and extension activities. In FY 2006, CSREES had approximately $10 million available for support of the program and anticipates have a similar amount available in FY 2007. He is interested in developing a multi-state, multi-species grant proposal for the FY 2007 funding cycle. Interested participants were asked to review the RFP and contact him if they might be interested in developing a grant proposal. Craig Watson (UF) reported on a study that looked at the potential for lateral movement of drugs or chemicals from Florida aquaculture ponds into groundwater supplies. Monitoring wells placed between aquaculture ponds and existing wells revealed that there was no lateral movement of these products. This is critical for subsequent FDA approval of drugs for the ornamental trade. |
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| · | Off-flavor research at the NWAC has focused on the use of natural products (in cooperation with Kevin Schrader), a bacterium that selectively attacks blue-greens, and refining the use of copper sulfate. The industry almost lost the use of diuron but CFA has picked up the registration process from Dupont and will go for a 24c registration |
| · | Large effort in reducing discharges through the use of BMPs. |
| · | Chuck Mishcke is working on fry pond management/fertilization. |
| Bauer Duke – UAPB | |
| · | Beginning work on the in-pond raceway system. |
| Harry Daniels – NCSU | |
| · | DEQ in |
| Craig Watson – UF | |
| · | A 1.5-year BMP study was recently completed that monitored the movement of pond water through porous soils into the groundwater supply. The study found that there was low movement of nutrients. |
| June 6-8, 2004 University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff Attendees: The Water Quality breakout session was attended by 12 persons. Facilitator: Peter Pershbacher, UAPB Co facilitator: Brent Southworth, UAPB SESSION SUMMARY: Topics discussed were prompted by the attendees’ research programs, which are indicated in the report. Thus the scope is limited in this regard. The two major foci were:
Water Quality Problems and Solutions
|
Managing Water Quality for Maximum Production A study is evaluating the connection between stocking and water quality with satiation feeding and stocking up to 14000 head/ac in a multiple batch systems. Previous years research found no deterioration in water quality at similar levels with single batch system, in contrast to the findings of Cole and Boyd’s 1986 study (UAPB). Other production intensification research is focusing on increasing aeration and moving toward a heterotrophic-based system. The PAS group will evaluate high aeration (up to 100 hp/ac) and heterotrophic systems to attain higher intensification, reduce the system footprint and be sunshine independent. Concerns are the high cost and moving away from an environmental friendly system. (Clemson). Tilapia tank culture has achieved up to 17 kg/m3 with 20m/min circulation and a combination bacterial and algal system (most heterotrophic systems are actually a combination of bacteria and algae on suspended floc substrates). An off-line clarifier has reduced sludge and TSS, which then was successfully used as fertilizer (Virgin Islands). In an aquaponics system, fish tended to regulate the system water quality, requiring only pH monitoring (Virgin Islands). The profit was in herb production ($10/lb for basil). Pond aeration of 6 hp/ac has resulted in production of 12,000 lb/ac with no water quality deterioration and average daily feed inputs of 300 lb/ac (Stoneville/ARS). The relationship between genetics and stress and water quality is of interest and will be investigated in future studies (Stoneville/ARS). |
| March 9-11, 2003 Texas A&M University Attendees: Not available Facilitator: Not available SESSION SUMMARY: There was a general discussion concerning the use of low-salinity water for culturing various species but particularly marine shrimp. UAPB is supporting low-salinity shrimp culture in Arkansas, and commercial efforts are underway in Alabama and Texas. The Alabama producers experienced low survival this past year due to limited magnesium and potassium in the water which could be corrected with a mineral supplement to the water. |
|
| · | Les Torrans of USDA/ARS/CGRU in Stoneville
described their success in using liquid oxygen to reduce stress of catfish during
confinement in harvesting socks. |
| · | Craig Tucker mentioned he and John Hargreaves had developed and evaluated Best Management Practices (BMPs) for conserving water in catfish ponds by controlling water level. He also mentioned the evaluation of remote sensing of algae to predict occurrences of noxious algal blooms. |
| · | Robert Romaire indicated LSU is working on BMPs for effluents from crawfish ponds in association with an EPA grant and previous SRAC effluents project. |
| March 17-22, 2002 University
of Puerto Rico Attendees: Del Gatlin, TAMU; Tom Hill, UT; John Kuaryk, UPR; Michael Masser, TAMU; Charlie Shultz, UVI; Jim Tidwell, KSU; Granvil Treece, TAMU; Greg Whitis, Auburn Facilitator: Not available SESSION SUMMARY: An update on EPA effluent guidelines was given by Masser and Gatlin. It was mentioned that EPA was currently interacting with representatives of small business and gathering other information as the initial ruling deadline of June 2002 approaches. It was indicated that a 2-year comment period will be allowed before final rules will go into effect. |
| March 19-20, 2001 Mississippi
State University Attendees: Facilitator: Delbert Gatlin, TAMU SESSION SUMMARY: |
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| · | Del Gatlin reported briefly on nutrition work at TAMU that may have implications upon water quality in catfish ponds. |
| · | Robert Reigh commented on work at LSU with similar implications addressing phytase/phosphorus uptake in ponds as well as evaluation of the WQ implication of amino acid composition of feeds. |
| · | Michael Masser (TAMU) reported on activities
of the JSA/EPA Water Quality Task Force. The USEPA must submit a report on aquaculture
effluents that will ultimately become part of federal regulations (by 2004). This report
must be entered into the Federal Register in 2002, followed by a period of public comment
prior to establishment of final regulations by 2004. Discussion centered around the
uncertainty of the process and the ultimate outcomes as they relate to aquaculture.
Specific points of discussion/concern included.
|
| · | Tom Schwedler provided a brief report on the Partitioned Aquaculture System (PAS) research at Clemson. He emphasized that the system functions to increase the active assimilation of N-P-K into algal biomass. Current efforts are aimed at harvest methodology that will allow maintenance of algal densities at optimal levels (i.e., in an exponential growth phase). Specific focus includes spinoff from the CuSO4 research conducted at Stoneville, looking at concentrations of Cu necessary to reduce algal densities in the rich, algae-dense systems. Other research is using Tilapia as seasonal bio-control in PAS. Production of Tilapia up to 5500lb/A in 160 days has been attained. An alternative use of these Tilapia is as a fish meal, thereby increasing system efficiency, recycling of energy, etc. Research of the AA and the fatty acid profiles of Tilapia fish meal is promising. There is significant interest in this fish meal in the swine and poultry industries. |
| · | Jim Steeby (NWAC) reported on the research at NWAC with both CuSO4 and diuron in mediating or preventing off-flavor in catfish ponds. |
| March 29-30, 2000 Louisiana State University Attendees: There were 23 participants representing 8 states and 14 institutions or agencies. Facilitator: Not available SESSION SUMMARY: On-going research for the SRAC project on blue-green algae and off-flavor was discussed by several participants. Research discussed involved using bio-controls such as thread-fin shad, fathead minnows, and tilapia to crop algae blooms. Toxic effects of algae in shrimp and finfish culture were also discussed. States involved in these projects included Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Effluent research is on-going or proposed in many states. Louisiana is researching crawfish effluents. Arkansas is researching baitfish effluents. Alabama and Mississippi continue researching catfish effluents. Texas is researching shrimp effluent reduction using artificial wetlands. Jeff Hinshaw from North Carolina discussed the measures the trout industry had adopted to meet EPA effluent standards. Discussions of effluents highlighted the pending EPA regulatory changes. Participants from Louisiana reported on their recirculating system research, including new instrumentation and controls, waste composting, hydroponics, and the partitioned aquaculture system (PAS). Chuck Weirich of LSU also reported on research on the effects of low salinity on off-flavor in catfish. Ray McLain of LSU Rice Research Station reported on research for developing water budgets for crawfish production, low D.O. tolerance in crawfish, and the impact of ICON (rice pesticide) on crawfish production. Mississippi participants reported on research involving the accumulation of diuron in catfish flesh, the use of catfish ponds as catchment reservoirs to reduce effluents and offset pumping costs, evaluating copper products for algae control, and the effect of the accumulation of pond sediments on oxygen demand. Another general area of discussion was the reduction of phosphorus in effluents by reducing it in the diet. Several participants reported research on lowering phosphorus in the diets of aquaculture animals. Most research involved use of low phytate feed ingredients or addition of phytase enzymes to increase the absorption of phosphorus in dietary ingredients. While both methods seemed to reduce phosphorus, reductions were not usually significant in effluents. |
| March 15-16, 1999 Kentucky State University This IEG did not meet. |
| March 15-17, 1998 Clemson University Attendees: Four participants Facilitator: Andy Lazur SESSION SUMMARY: Four people attended this exchange group. Prior to individual states reporting on |
|
| · | Mississippi-Progress on
the off flavor research projects was discussed. The study on use of copper sulfate for
blue green control is continuing with preliminary results of frequent (weekly) application
at 0.25 ppm showing some promise. The other project deals with screening numerous
herbicides and compounds (free radicals, lignin |
| Progress on two SRAC projects was also mentioned |
|
| · | Manipulating phytoplankton
communities to control blue greens |
| · | Management of effluents. This
project is in development and will focus on further characterizing quality of effluents,
developing BMP's, and include an education component for
farmers and regulators. |
| · | Arkansas -Several ongoing
projects related to water quality and effluents were discussed. Peter Perschbacher
is continuing work with tilapia and mussel impact on blue green |
| · | Georgia – A project
dealing with the impact of grass strips on shrimp and pond effluent is in progress and
another project using alligator effluent as an irrigation source to allow for |
| · | Florida -Modifications to
the new aquaculture permit are currently being reviewed and may include a requirement for
zero discharge for operations producing non-indigenous marine species such as Pacific
white shrimp. This is to prevent any release of animal and diseases. One study is being
developed to evaluate a system with zero discharge and recirculating
pond water through production tanks. |
| March 24-26, 1997 Attendees: Facilitator: Hugh Thomforde SESSION SUMMARY: The discussion focused almost exclusively on new and potential regulations concerning effluents, and mechanisms for treating effluents from aquaculture ponds. Jaw-Kai Wang began the exchange by a review of the current standards for obtaining permits for effluent discharge in Hawaii. He commented that one well-established aquaculture park on the big island of Hawaii. It is the only facility that has experienced continued commercial expansion, and this is because it holds a master permit for effluent discharge. Lease holders at the facility are not required to hold individual permits, but rather, they utilize the treatment facilities provided and managed by the park. He commented that an individual wanting to obtain a permit could expect to spend two to three years and about $200,000 toward a permit. Although no states in the southern region are as restrictive as Hawaii, Craig Tucker of Mississippi asserted that effluent regulations will become much more important in all states in the coming years. He reported on extension programs following the recent SRAC (Southern Regional Aquaculture Center)-funded effluent characterization work. The best approach, in his experience, has been to emphasize to farmers the commercial benefits of water conservation that result from effluent concentration. Delbert Gatlin of Texas A&M (TAMU) commented that even some of his nutrition studies, such as the ones recently completed for optimizing energy and protein rations for red fish and red drum, provide benefits to pond water quality by reducing undigested nitrogenous wastes. The SRAC study, recently begun, will study means of reducing off-flavor by reducing unnecessary phosphorus in the diet, and this is also expected to decrease excreted phosphorus in the water. The study includes additional components aimed at better characterization of nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization in aquaculture ponds. Conrad Kleinholz reported on a catfish polyculture study of bighead carp and buffalo which resulted in a reduced incidence of blue green algae and off-flavor. Another recent study found some Oklahoma catfish farmers grossly overfeeding, but efforts thus far to convince them that feed is being wasted have been hampered by a general popular belief that “more must be better.” Aaron Barkoh, of Texas Parks and Wildlife, reported on recent baseline studies which varied the timing of pond fertilization and time of stocking of hybrid stripped bass, and have assisted farmers in managing zooplankton populations critical for hybrid striped bass fry production. Andy Lazur reported on increased Florida state restrictions on effluent discharge from the Blountstown demonstration farm, and the use of a large reservoir pond to treat discharge from sturgeon raceway culture. He expressed al1 interest to exchange ideas and learn from colleagues studying reuse and treatment of effluent water from raceway culture. Jim Davis reported on several bills currently under consideration by the Texas legislature. One bill would potentially classify all fish farms as confined animal feeding operations, and require monitoring of settleable solids from all farms, and furthermore would require the operators to pay the cost of all monitoring. Some sectors of the public do not view aquaculture as an environmentally friendly industry, and this has been disconcerting to fish farmers. The final outcomes are difficult to predict. There is a strong need to identify and study potentially beneficial plants and shellfish which may be used to harvest the high level of nutrients present in fish pond effluents. Jack Whetstone commented that many are facing similar situations as previously reported in other states. In contrast to the general increase in restrictions, however, he reported that South Carolina aquaculture producers expected soon to benefit from a general permitting rule which will greatly expedite the process by which specific farms obtain permits. He also reported on the very successful partitioned aquaculture system developed at Clemson University. It has resulted in production of catfish and tilapia, up to 12,000 pounds per acre, based on the total pond acreage in use. Chemical treatments and protection from predatory birds are greatly facilitated by holding the fish in a confined part of the system. They have used filter-feeding mullet and shellfish to harvest nutrients from the effluent rich water, but the FDA has so far not allowed any direct human consumption of the shellfish because of concern that vibrio may be present. Chris Dionigi reported he is using methods developed by oceanographers for quantitative characterization of phytoplankton, and he is looking at pigment signatures to replace the laborious cell counts and physiological data currently needed to monitor off-flavor in farm-raised catfish. Granvil Treece reported on two coastal Texas farms which have taken voluntary measures to monitor and reduce effluents. One farmer built two shallow ponds downstream from the culture ponds, and plans to collaborate closely with university researchers to monitor settleable solid waste flowing in and out of the treatment ponds. The other farm plans to build an artificial wetland tract to harvest algae from effluents before subsequent discharge. He also reported that a TAMU engineering professor, Dr Rosati is seeking advice and information on the selection of plants and animals for effluent treatment lagoons under highly saline conditions, up to 42 ppt salinity. |
| March 24-26, 1996 Attendees: Perschbacher, UAPB; Floyd and Watson, UFL; Romaire, LSU; Beem, OSU; Boyd, Auburn; Lawrence, Neill, Gatlin, Davis, TAMU; Kleinholtz; Jarboe; Whetstone, SC; Dupree, AR;Greaves; Burtle. Facilitator: SESSION SUMMARY: University of |
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| · | (Perschbacher) investigating the use of filter feeding fish to improve water quality - work has been on caged tilapia and shad. Data to date are promising. The effect of herbicide drift on phytoplankton is being studied with some indication that there is a possible detrimental effect with some rice herbicides, ie., Propanil. |
| University of |
|
| · | (Floyd and Watson) The Extension program in teaching health management, disease prevention and water quality control has been very effective with substantial savings to the Florida Tropical Fish Farmers. This has resulted in a grant to do further research and Extension activities. |
| · | (Shireman and Cichra) - due primarily to educational efforts by IFAS personnel the general permits for aquaculture in the State include an exemption for producers of less than 10,000 pounds per year without off-site discharge. |
| · | (Floyd and Watson) - due to on-going educational efforts towards solving problems for ornamental/tropical fish farmers, 248 permits are being sought for Baytex and Diuron based on success in securing a permit for Bayluscide. |
| Louisiana |
|
| · | (Romaire) - research is continuing to establish baseline data on seasonal trends in water quality and plankton dynamics in commercial catfish ponds. |
| Oklahoma |
|
| · | (Beem) - management of livestock watering ponds to achieve the best water quality is the focus of a new initiative. Success to date has been excellent. |
| Auburn |
|
| · | (Boyd) - research continues on controlled release fertilizers for sport fish ponds. Management of phosphorus in production ponds continues with emphasis on effect from bottom soils and feed ingredients. |
| · | ( |
| Texas |
|
| · | ( |
| · | (Neill, Gatlin and Davis) - production of saline-water species in West Texas have been greatly influenced by the need for overwintering capabilities and a better knowledge of effects of changing water qualities. Research continues in this area. |
| · | (Davis and Rawles) - Completed project to delineate the differences in water quality in an open pond recirculating system and a static pond system. Off-flavors were absent from recirculated ponds but continued to be a problem in static water ponds. |
| · | TPWD reported that fertilizer rates in lined ponds were quite different
from unlined earthen ponds. Fish losses from lined ponds were complete when the
traditional unlined ponds recommendations were used. A discussion of problems associated
with fairy shrimp, clam shrimp and tadpole shrimp in soft, acid |
| · | (Konrad Kleinholtz) indicated that they were working with off-flavor problems even in unfed but fertilized ponds. Their best results were from adding ammonium chloride whenever the N:P ratio dropped below 5. |
| NW |
|
| · | (Hank Jarboe) reported that there was little difference in the concentration of ammonia in the effluent from fish fed 1.5% of body weight and those fed 3%. He further stated that maximum ammonia levels occurred between 2 and 12 hours after feeding with the average being 6.5 hours. |
| Clemson | |
| · | (Jack Whetstone) reported on a change in effluent regulations in |
| University of |
|
| · | (Harry Dupree) reported on the use of adjacent ponds as flow-tru-unites to clean up effluent water had been very successful on their station. |
| · | (Carl Greaves) lamented the lack of information dealing with why adjacent ponds on a single facility differed so greatly. Others have had the same problem but no solutions were mentioned. |
| University of |
|
| · | (Gary Burtle) commented that they had found that excess water movement in recirculated ponds may adversely affect fish feeding. He also reported that filter strips of grass had been effective for removal of ammonia, particularly at higher concentrations. |
| A discussion of using oxygen monitors to automatically activate ensued, but no one had a great deal of information available. | |
| March 18-20, 1995 Attendees: Not available Facilitator: Jim Darns SESSION SUMMARY: The initial round of discussion was focused on reports from participants: Georgia. |
|
| · | Charles Santerre reported on some of the residues that were being found in the edible portion of fish and crawfish. Only one product had been found that was above action levels and this insecticide is suspected of being a false positive. In response to questions Charles indicated there had been no effort to date to locate a source of even the trace materials found but that feed samples had been collected. |
| · | Delbert Gatlin indicated that he was working on dietary effects on water quality but it was in a very early stage. He also said that salmonid studies were far ahead of those for catfish in this area. Most concern is on static water systems. |
| · | Jim Davis discussed problem with TDS discharges from shrimp ponds and the methods they were using to combat the problem. |
| Tennessee | |
| · | Dr. Chung discussed his studies with tannic acid effects on microbial populations and solicited any ideas from other researchers. |
| Georgia | |
| · | Gary Burtle gave a synopsis of the studies on effluents for use on agronomic crops. The catfish pond effluents had some nitrogen but were low in phosphorus. Up to 12" per year applied as irrigation water did not affect the round water at their station. They were also working with flowing water through small Bermuda grass filter strips and back into the production ponds with good success. Slug flushing of catfish ponds (25 percent out at any one time) caused a drop in production. This is being studied further. |
| North Carolina. | |
| · | Harry Daniels discussed their work with various forms of phosphate in feeds and the effect on water quality. In a very limited study they did not find any effect on water quality. This will be repeated on a long term basis. He also discussed problems with hybrid striped bass production ponds occasioned by high pH and low hardness ponds with high turbidity. |
| Mississippi | |
| · | John Hargreaves discussed his studies that indicated high turbidities usually improved water quality. In his opinion this was because the oxygenated silt particles effectively lowered available phosphates and nitrates. Based on a statistical, without supporting field data, study he concluded that keeping bottom sediments aerobic lowered the phosphate concentration. After studying limited field data he anticipates that water blenders would better accomplish this than the conventional paddlewheels. |
| SE Fish Culture
Lab ( |
|
| · | Les Torrans posed the question, "Why do ponds with higher salt contents have fewer disease problems?" After no answer was forthcoming he then considered the proposition that high ammonia levels in the pond would stress fish and predispose them to disease outbreaks. Mike Moore discussed studies with copper sulfate for control of algal blooms and why sometimes treatments were more effective than others. In addition, "Where does the copper go?" and "If there is a buildup, when does it reach toxic levels?" |
| Six others in attendance had no
specific items to report. Areas in need of research included the following: |
|
| · | Delineation of why the yellow serum found in fish in closed systems. |
| · | Interrelations between fish stress and water quality. |
| · | Phytoplankton management techniques. |
| · | Factors affecting proliferation of fish pathogens. |
| · | Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles in ponds. |
| · | Effluent control and treatment methods. |
| · | Quality of fish products as affected by water quality. |
| March 13-15, 1994 Attendees: Nineteen individuals representing 10 states, and several representatives of Federal agencies Facilitator: Jeff Hinshaw SESSION SUMMARY: The discussions focused on two main topics: |
|
| · | aquaculture effluents |
| · | water quality effects on off-flavor |
| Participants reported and discussed research and demonstration projects on: | |
| · | The production of wetland plants for mitigation, using water from catfish and tilapia production ponds (NC). |
| · | The development and demonstration of waste handling systems for tank, raceway, and intensive culture systems, by adapting municipal sludge dewatering systems for fish manure (NC). |
| · | The development of a fish manure composting system for trout manure (NC). |
| · | Experimental work using low-production intensity as a management technique for avoiding effluent or off-flavor generation (KY). |
| · | Using filter feeding fishes to manipulate zooplankton to avoid off-flavor
development and produce additional fish species ( |
| · | Research on intensive catfish production and the role of nitrite in fish disease (AR, MS). |
| · | Development of a field test for the presence of geosmin and MIB (FDA and AR). |
| · | Microbial analyses of pond systems (MS). |
| · | The status of discharge permit requirements and effluent characteristics from aquaculture, particularly those discharging into estuarine areas, such as shrimp producers (TX). |
| Following considerable discussion on these and related topics, the group established by consensus three priorities for consideration: | |
| · | Baseline information on effluents from aquaculture is still a very urgent need -- the current effluents project from SRAC is addressing this need and should be concluding this year. One potential problem is that the permitting and regulatory agencies are not consistent with regard to discharge limitations and monitoring requirements. The SRAC project may not be able to totally cover this "moving target". |
| · | Better methods for the prediction of off-flavor are needed, particularly methods for the early detection of the off-flavor compounds and organisms in culture waters. |
| · | An IEG focused on effluents would provide a better focus on issues of discharge water quality and regulation than a general "water quality" IEG. |
