University of Florida, Indian River Research and Education Center and Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 

Main Objective: Assess the efficacy of AQUI-S®20E to enhance survival and mitigate stress during the handling and transport of two commercially important foodfish species: Red Drum and Florida Bass.

Abstract: “Aquaculture producers and fisheries professionals in the U.S. need a fish sedative approved for immediate sale or release of treated fish. The Animal Welfare Act requires use of sedatives when procedures cause more than slight distress. Fish are acutely stressed by routine handling and transport procedures, yet no sedative is available in the U.S. allowing immediate release for stock enhancement or sale for human consumption. AQUI-S®20E is a fish anesthetic that effec­tively sedates freshwater and marine fish. However, light sedation and transport data on warm freshwater and marine species are deficient for full approval by the Food and Drug Administra­tion. We propose to evaluate the efficacy of AQUI-S®20E in reducing physiological stress dur­ing harvest, transport, and recovery of Red Drum and Largemouth Bass. Two independent trials will be conducted on each species to evaluate the effects of light sedation via AQUI-S®20E on survival during live transport and recovery over four days. Physiological stress following transport and an acute temperature challenge will be measured via blood parameters including hematocrit and plasma osmolality. This information will advance AQUI-S®20E toward FDA ap­proval as the first zero-withdrawal anesthetic available in the U.S., having major positive impli­cations for aquaculture and fisheries management programs.”

Bay Shellfish Company

Main Objective: Combine cutting edge automated phytoplankton isolation techniques with flow-cytometry identification and large-scale growth experiments to investigate whether newly isolated local microalgae strains can serve as effective feedstock for large-scale shellfish aquaculture.

Abstract: “Florida’s shellfish aquaculture industry generates over $40 million in sales annually, positioning the state as a national leader in shellfish production. However, production can be constrained by a reliance on microalgae sourced from algal repositories, which often perform inconsistently in shellfish hatchery operations. Many strains, adapted to controlled laboratory conditions, perform poorly under the variable environments encountered in Florida’s aquaculture systems. In contrast, Florida’s coastal waters host a rich diversity of native microalgae that could provide nutritionally superior and regionally adapted feed for shellfish, but their potential remains untapped due to challenges in isolation and large-scale cultivation.

This project seeks to address these challenges by developing tailored cultivation practices for local microalgae species to support Florida’s shellfish aquaculture industry. The research objectives include characterizing seasonal variations in local microalgae communities, identifying species contributing to shellfish diets, isolating new strains, and evaluating their suitability for large-scale aquaculture.

By aligning feedstock development with the natural diets of juvenile shellfish, this work aims to provide a more stable feedstock that could enhance shellfish growth rates, survival, and yield in hatcheries while reducing feed production costs. Successful outcomes could improve the feedstock challenges faced by bivalve hatcheries, as well as shrimp and fish farms, thereby enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of Florida’s aquaculture industry.”

University of Florida/IFAS, Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory

Main Objective: Reveal the widespread susceptibility of up to 24 ornamental fish species to biotic resistance using mesocosm and pond experiments. 

Abstract: “The ability of native species to limit invasion is one of the most important factors contributing to the characterization of ornamental fish in Florida as low risk. Our previous research has revealed that a few ornamental fish are highly susceptible to Eastern Mosquitofish aggression, which contributes to their inability to invade. However, it is unknown whether the effects of Eastern Mosquitofish on ornamental fish are more universal. Anecdotal evidence suggests the effects of native fish predation may be far more widespread across most of the major ornamental fish families. We propose to expand on our previous research on the susceptibility of predation by showing that brightly colored ornamental fish cannot persist with native fish using controlled tank and pond experiments with native species. For fishes lacking vulnerability to Eastern Mosquitofish, pond studies will be used to show their vulnerability to larger predators. The lack of data outside a few well-studied fish hampers our ability to make more sweeping statements about the influence of native species on failed invasions and the subsequent lack of risk posed by the entire industry. These results will undoubtedly show the widespread vulnerability of ornamental fish.”

University of Florida/IFAS, Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory

Main Objective: Determine optimal Artemia nauplii feeding densities for freshwater ornamental fish species and a commercially important foodfish species.

Abstract: “Larval fish and broodstock nutrition are key components to the success of fish aquaculture. Certain feeds such as blackworms (Lumbriculus variegatus) and Artemia nauplii are critical for broodstock spawning and larval production, respectively. However, these feeds can be characterized by inherent disadvantages, including volatile availability, high cost, and inconsistencies in nutritional profile, especially when considering Artemia nauplii. This project addresses critical research priorities for Florida’s aquaculture industry by improving larval culture and broodstock nutrition. We propose to first explore Artemia feeding densities for multiple freshwater ornamental fish species and one foodfish species to enhance larval growth, survival, and cost efficiency. Additionally, we aim to characterize the nutritional profile of blackworms to identify key components that support spawning success in broodstock. This project will provide practical solutions to improve production efficiency and reduce costs by minimizing Artemia waste and providing insight into replacements or alternatives to blackworms. Findings and protocols will be directly transferred to the industry through targeted outreach, delivering measurable economic benefits.”

Live Advantage Bait, LLC

Main Objective: Investigate biofloc technology as an alternative grow-out methodology for pinfish culture and Atlantic Croaker culture. 

Abstract: “Biofloc utilizes a controlled closed environment of bacteria, algae, and fungi to convert waste products like uneaten feed and excrement to protein-rich feed. Biofloc farming is popular for shrimp and tilapia farming, as it has low start-up costs, reduced maintenance costs, can reduce feed costs, improve water quality, reduce environmental impacts, improve biosecurity, and increase profit margins. Marine baitfish species, such as pinfish and Atlantic Croaker, have ecological characteristics such as the ability to thrive in high tannin and suspended solids environments, are omnivores with small size feed preference, and eat at the surface or mid-water column. This project excites shrimp farmers in Florida, Texas and across the SE U.S. as international competition, inflation, and climate change have severely impacted their businesses as it can utilize existing infrastructure and staff knowledge. And urban center farmers who struggle with sourcing and discharging seawater and are space limited. This project will investigate the grow-out performance of these two species in RAS and Biofloc. Dr. Romano at USDA-ARS has experience with biofloc in largemouth bass culture and will help guide this project. A white paper with performance and production metrics will be produced and presented in several media to the industry.”

Gulf Shellfish Institute (GSI) and University of Florida/IFAS, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

Main Objective: Continue the development of heat-resistant clam lines produced by GSI and UF, and these efforts are coordinated to maximize industry benefits.

Abstract: “Extreme summer heat events are a significant challenge to Florida’s aquaculture industry; and heat-resistant broodstocks have been proposed as one solution to improve harvests of Florida’s main commercial shellfish species, the northern hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria). In this collaboration, traditional and genomic selective breeding approaches will be continued, multiple F2 lines produced, and seed performance evaluated on commercial leases. With 2023-2024 ARC funding, the Gulf Shellfish Institute (GSI) initiated traditional heat-resistant breeding efforts, with an F1 generation produced from survivors of acute thermal stress and currently in field growout. The University of Florida (UF) separately initiated its breeding of heat-resistant hard clams with support from Sea Grant, developed genomic tools, produced an F1 heat-shock strain, and evaluated their performance with subsequent heat challenges. This combined project aims to utilize both traditional and genomic breeding approaches to produce multiple F2 M. mercenaria lines, including a combined F2 generation using the top F1 broodstock from both GSI and UF. Monitoring of F2 lines on commercial leases will also evaluate the efficacy of accumulating heat-resistance traits relative to unselected controls and the value of traditional and genomic selection approaches.”

Live Advantage Bait, LLC and Great Florida Shellfish Company, LLC

Main Objective: Characterize the nutrition and physical properties of this new culture of brackish spirulina and examine its use in commercial marine finfish and shellfish hatchery runs as a supplemental feed and water conditioner.  

Abstract: “The many benefits of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis spp.), a cyanobacterium with extremely high protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, as a supplemental feed have been well documented in freshwater culture of fish and shrimp including improved growth, survival, disease and stress resistance, coloration, shell thickness, and reduced cultivation time; with live cultures generating higher nutrition and environmental benefits than dried and preserved cultures. Recently, the PI organization has developed commercial techniques to grow spirulina in brackish (20ppt) and we are ready to test these benefits in marine fish and shellfish commercial hatcheries. This project aims to (1) characterize the nutrition and physical properties of this new culture of brackish spirulina and (2) examine its use in commercial marine finfish and shellfish hatchery runs as a supplemental feed and water conditioner. The results of these projects will be developed into two outreach PDFs: the first is an instructional document on how to culture brackish Spirulina and the second is on preliminary impacts we have determined in the culture of marine fish and shellfish. As not to compete with Florida's 7+ commercial microalgae companies, isolates will be provided to microalgae companies for culture and distribution."