Sustainable Marine Aquaculture

NUTRITION AND FEEDING STRATEGIES FOR SELECTED MARINE FINFISH SPECIES

One of the factors limiting commercial aquaculture production of new marine finfish aquaculture species such as Southern Flounder, Florida pompano and Black Seabass is the general lack of knowledge regarding the nutritional requirements of these species. An important objective of the USDA/ARS Sustainable Marine Aquaculture research program is to study the growth and development of these marine finfish species and to develop feed formulations that will provide the nutrients required to maximize growth and feed efficiency. Studies will be conducted to evaluate nutrient availability of different feed ingredients so that feeds can be formulated that minimize Feed Conversion Ratios and the production of solid wastes. Another goal of the research program is to identify protein sources that are suitable alternatives to fish meal. Researchers are also working to develop broodstock diets that will improve reproductive performance, and larval feeding regimes that improve the growth and survival through the larval-rearing period.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Comparison Of Spawning Performance Of Southern Flounder Broodstock Fed With Fresh Feeds Vs. Pelleted Feeds

Substitution Of Animal Protein Sources With Soybean Meal In Diets Of Summer Flounder

Evaluation Of Refractometry As A Tool for Measuring Changes In Blood Chemistry Of Fish Reared At Different Salinities

Feed Consumption And Growth Of Black Seabass As A Function Of Salinity

Use Of Image Analysis For Modeling Growth And Development Of Larval Southern Flounder, Paralichthys Lethostigma