AA2015

Aquaculture America 1
2015
Aquaculture – Center of the Plate
February 19-22, 2015
New Orleans Marriott

New Orleans, Louisiana
THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION OF
Associate Sponsors
American Veterinary Medical Association Latin America & Caribbean Chapter WAS
America's Tilapia Alliance Striped Bass Growers Association
Aquacultural Engineering Society US Shrimp Farming Association
Aquaculture Association of Canada US Trout Farmers Association
Catfish Farmers of America World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association
Global Aquaculture Alliance Zebrafish Husbandry Association
International Association of Aquaculture
Economics and Management
2
PREFACE
Aquaculture America 2015
Welcome to Aquaculture America 2015! On behalf of the conference sponsors — the United States Aquaculture
Society (chapter of the World Aquaculture Society, USAS/WAS), the National Aquaculture Association (NAA) and
the Aquaculture Suppliers Association (ASA), it is my pleasure to welcome you back to one of our favorite host
cities, New Orleans, LA. We hope you enjoy the conference, the trade show and all the charm and fascinations of
the Big Easy!
This year’s conference theme, Aquaculture – Center of the Plate, spotlights the significance of aquaculture in global
seafood production (currently >50%) and celebrates aquaculture products as the centerpiece of a delicious, nutritious
meal. The trio of plenary speakers will take us on the aquaculture journey of “farm-to-plate.” The advantages
of reliable, high-quality protein products supplied by various aquaculture industries will be discussed from each
perspective—chef, distributor, and producer. The farm-to-plate concept embraces a sustainable, unified approach
for the availability of fresh, wholesome food. To be credible, this approach requires partnership and commitment--
not only from those involved with animal production, product handling and preparation--, but also from the wider
community to support farming, like aquaculture, through investment, political and regulatory will, and simply
eating well. Aquaculture is more than food on the plate; it also encompasses restoration and conservation, recreation
and education, as well as providing community enrichment such as employment and social stability. At Aquaculture
America we celebrate it all by bringing together the diverse aspects and impacts of aquaculture.
This year the President’s Reception will be held at the National World War II Museum. Special exhibits currently on
display at the museum include “Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy,” as well as a reproduction of a
“Higgins boat”. Both exhibits demonstrate the power and transformation that can result when great leaders, industry
and community work together. These are truly inspiring pieces of U.S. history.
Aquaculture America 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of USAS as a chapter society of WAS. Keep your eyes open
for the special ways USAS is celebrating this milestone. Trade show exhibitors who are USAS corporate members
will receive commemorative plates. There will be a special issue USAS 25th anniversary lapel pin for members that
have maintained their membership consistently over these past 25 years. The USAS Board is excited to share this
quarter-century event with you all!
Finally, since we last saw each other in Seattle, the U.S. aquaculture community has lost several good friends.
These individuals will be missed and always remembered for the impact, passion, and dedication they brought to
our community as colleagues and friends.
As you walk the trade show, mingle in the hallways and bid on items at the NAA auction (Saturday night), please
remember to thank the conference associate sponsors and all the folks that work tirelessly and volunteer some long
hours to prepare and organize this annual event.
As they say in N’awlins, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”…Let the good times roll!
Cheers,
Kathleen Hartman, DVM, PhD

President, USAS 2014-2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome........................................................................2
Aquaculture America 2015 Abstracts........................5
Addendum..................................................................520
To find abstracts for a specific author or subject, use the

pdf search features built into Adobe Acrobat.
DISCLAIMER
Aquaculture America 2015 prints abstracts in this Abstract Book exactly as they are submitted without
editing or confirmation of material contained in the abstract. Aquaculture America 2015 has no
responsibility for the information contained in the abstracts. Aquaculture America 2015 is not responsible
for authors or contact information contained in the abstracts.
Aquaculture America 2015 does not have any liability for problems or damages caused by the use of the
information in the abstracts published in the Abstract Book. Any one using these abstracts needs to verify
the information in the abstracts on their own before utilizing such information and will have full liability
for results of using such information.
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Aquaculture America
2015
Aquaculture – Center of the Plate
ABSTRACTS
5
INFLUENCE OF SALINITY ON THE EARLY DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF CHANNEL

CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus, BLUE CATFISH Ictalurus furcatus, AND CHANNEL CATFISH I.
punctatus f × BLUE CATFISH I. furcatus m HYBRID
Nermeen. Y. Abass*, and Rex A. Dunham
School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, AL 36849, USA
Nyy0001@auburn.edu.
Genetics Branch, Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture Saba-Basha, Alexandria University, Egypt
Salinity tolerance of yolk-sac larvae and swim-up fry of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus),
and channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, f × blue catfish, I. furcatus, m hybrid catfish was investigated at 0, 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0
parts per thousand (ppt) salinity. No yolk sac larvae or swim-up fry survived for channel catfish, blue catfish, and hybrid catfish
at 9.0 ppt for either stage of development.
Channel catfish were more resistant to salinity than hybrid catfish and blue catfish. The resistance of (C×B) hybrid catfish to
salinity was intermediate to that of channel catfish and that of blue catfish. NaCl had a negative effect on survival rate of yolk-
sac larvae beginning at 3 ppt and for swim-up fry at 6 ppt.
These results indicate the types of saline environments that might be used long-term for growth of juvenile ictalurid catfish,
and the salinities that could be used for long-term disease treatment. This information could be increasingly important for
aquaculture planning in the event of global climate change.
6
ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF COPEPOD PRODUCTION FOR COMMERCIAL USE: RESULT

FROM A PROTOTYPE PRODUCTION FACILITY
Tenaw G. Abate*, Rasmus Nielsen, Max Nielsen, Per M. Jepsen, Guillaume Drillet and Benni W. Hansen
Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen

Rolighedsvej 25, DK-1958 Frederiksberg C
tga@ifro.ku.dk
During the last three decades, it has been shown that copepods are a superior live feed alternative for marine fish larvae
compared to other commonly used feed items, such as, Artemia and rotifers. The application of copepods, which have a better
biochemical composition (Drillet et al., 2006; Evjemo and Olsen, 1997), increases survival rate and improves growth condition
(Rajkumar and Vasagam, 2006; Shields et al., 1999; Wilcox et al., 2006 ), reduces mal-pigmentation (Næss and Lie, 1998;
Shields et al., 1999) and allows a successful breeding of ‘new’ marine finfish species (Payne et al., 2001). However, copepods
are not commercially produced and therefore they have not been widely used in the aquaculture industry yet. One of the
bottlenecks has been the lack of economic knowledge on the feasibility of production of copepods for commercial application.
Thus, this is the first empirical study which investigates the economic feasibility of copepod production for commercial use.
In 2011, a prototype recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) for the production of a copepod species Acartia tonsa was built
at Roskilde University in Denmark. Experts on building and running RAS for copepods as well as scientists with many years
of experience on the biology and physiology of copepods were working together to establish a RAS for intensive copepod
production for commercial use. Economic data were collected both when the system was built and afterwards while the system
was running. A standard cost benefit analysis is employed and net present value (NPV) is calculated. Mathematically,
where is the discount rate, is net cash flow at time and is the expected life span of the production facility.
The results revealed that it is economically feasible to produce copepods as a new source of live feed for juvenile marine finfish
species. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis indicated that the production system is economically competitive with the existing
rotifer production.
By and large, the biological superiority coupled with the economic feasibility is expected to result in a commercial application
of copepods which in turn will have a positive impact in the aquaculture industry in terms of increased productivity and
successful farming of ‘new’ marine finfish species such as tuna.
7
EFFECTS OF PADDLEWHEELAND DIFFUSED-AIR AERATORS ON WATER TEMPERATURE

AND POND EVAPORATION
Hisham A. Abdelrahman* and Claude E. Boyd
The School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama 36849-5419 USA
haa0008@tigermail.auburn.edu
This study was conducted to determine the influence of two types of aeration on evaporation rate and water temperature in
ponds. The study was carried out in six, 0.04-ha research ponds located at the Auburn University E. W. Shell Fisheries Center.
Water exchange was not used and overflow did not occur in ponds. One pond was an unfertilized control (no aeration) while
the other five ponds were treated with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer twice per month. One of the fertilized ponds was a
fertilized control (no aeration) while two ponds were supplied with 0.37-kw paddlewheel aerators; one in one pond and two
in the other pond. The other two ponds were supplied with diffused-air aerators (h units); one pond had 4 sets of 4 h units
connected with 0.37-kw air blower while the other one had 8 sets of 4 h units connected with 0.74-kw air blower. Surface water
temperature in each pond and air temperature were monitored at 1-h intervals with HOBO data loggers. Light intensity and
water temperature at 70 cm depth were also monitored at 1-h intervals with HOBO data loggers. Chlorophyll a concentration
was measured weekly, and Secchi disc visibility was determined daily. The water level was measured with a hook gauge every
24 h for 100 d. Aeration was used on alternative days in each pond and the water losses are shown (Fig. 1). A rain gauge was
used to measure rain fall and a Class A evaporation pan was used to measure pan evaporation. Then water budget was calculated
for each pond. Turbidity of water was measured daily. The correlations between variables, the amount of water loss per horse
power of aeration and the decrease in water temperature caused by aeration will be presented. Exact same procedures were
applied on 0.4-ha pond with 3.7-kw paddlewheel aerator for 30 d.
8
COMPARISON BETWEEN PERFORMANCE TESTS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF AERATORS
Hisham A. Abdelrahman* and Karen L. Veverica

Auburn University
This study was conducted to compare performances of different aeration methods. The tests were performed in indoor
fiberglass tanks located at the Auburn University E. W. Shell Fisheries Center. The approximate tank volumes were 0.1, 1 and
9 m3, but actual water volume was estimated during each test. The tanks were supplied with clean city water. The procedure
for conducting the tests followed protocol suggested by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The procedure involved
deoxygenating water in the tank with sodium sulfite and cobalt chloride, measuring dissolved oxygen concentration during
reaeration by using smarTROLL RDO handheld oxygen meter (In-Situ Inc.), and calculation of the oxygen transfer coefficient
(KLaT). The value for the KLaT was adjusted to 20°C. The adjusted value (KLa20) was then used to calculate the standard oxygen
transfer rate (SOTR). The wire power was computed and divided into SOTR to provide the standard aeration efficiency (SAE)
in kilograms of oxygen per horsepower hour. The aerators that were tested are: small paddlewheel with 0.37-kw motor, air-
o-lator aerator (vertical pump) with 0.37-kw motor, 2 h units (diffused-air aerators) connected with air blower, nano bubble
generating technology (NBT) unit supplied with 0.5 l/min flow rate of pure oxygen, small air stone supplied with 0.5 l/min flow
rate of pure oxygen, NBT supplied with 0.5 l/min flow rate of air. In addition, the SOTR of normally occurring diffusion of air
into water (no aerators) was tested. The test was repeated 3 times for each aerator, and the averages of SOTR and SAE were
calculated (Fig. 1). Moreover, the tests of NBT were repeated in water with different salinities.
9
EFFECTS OF CLAY AND PHYTOPLANKTON TURBIDITY ON WATER TEMPERATURE

AND POND EVAPORATION
Hisham A. Abdelrahman* and Claude E. Boyd

Auburn University
This study was conducted to determine the influence of water turbidity on evaporation rate and water temperature. The
experiment was conducted on two phases. First phase was carried out in nine, 0.04-ha research ponds located at the Auburn
University E. W. Shell Fisheries Center. Ponds were classified into three groups (three ponds in each group). Ponds of first
group had clear water. While ponds of second group were treated with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer twice per month, to
maintain a phytoplankton turbidity. Kaolin clays were added to ponds of last group in order to develop a clay turbidity. Floating
buckets were used in each pond in order to estimate seepage. Water exchange was not used and overflow did not occur in ponds.
Surface water temperature in each pond and air temperature were monitored at 1-h intervals with HOBO data loggers. Light
intensity and water temperature at 70 cm depth were also monitored at 1-h intervals with HOBO data loggers. Chlorophyll a
concentration was measured weekly, and Secchi disc visibility was determined daily. The water levels of ponds and floating
buckets were measured with a hook gauge every 24 h for 100 d. A rain gauge was used to measure rain fall and a Class A
evaporation pan was used to measure pan evaporation. Then water budget was calculated for each pond. Turbidity of water was
measured daily. Second phase was carried out in buckets to emphasize the effect of clay turbidity on evaporation rates. Twenty
four, 87-liter capacity transparent plastic buckets were divided into eight groups of three replicates. Each bucket was filled with
50 liters of city water. Different concentrations of kaolin clay were added to water in each group (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400
and 500 ppm). Minimum and maximum water temperatures were measured in order to calculate the average water temperature
of each bucket. Water level was measured by hook gauge, and water turbidity was measured in each bucket. Gentle stirring of
water in each bucket was performed twice daily to keep kaolin clay suspended.
10
EFFECT OF ACUTE TEMPERATURE CHANGE ON CHANNEL CATFISH, Ictalurus punctatus,

HEMATOLOGY, METABOLISM AND ACID-BASE REGULATION
Daniel L. Aboagye*, Heather Stewart, Shane Ramee and Peter J. Allen
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Mississippi State University
Box 9690
Mississippi State, MS 39762
daboagye@cfr.msstate.edu
The channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, is an important recreational and aquaculture species. In both natural and pond culture
systems, channel catfish are periodically exposed to acute increases in temperature, especially in the summer, which may
induce a stress response. With the effects of global climate change, the impact of rising temperatures on aquatic systems is
expected to be exacerbated in the future. Hence, there is the need to understand acute temperature effects and their relationship
to thermal stress responses in fish. To assess the physiological response of channel catfish to temperature increase, acid-base,
hematological, osmoregulatory and metabolic regulation were investigated following acute temperature increases from 28o C
to either 32o C or 36o C at a rate of 2o C/ hr. Blood was sampled one hour after treatment temperatures were reached. Blood
pH, bicarbonate, hematocrit, hemoglobin, glucose, lactate, total proteins, chloride, and osmolality all increased when channel
catfish were subjected to acute temperature increase from 28o C to 36o C. With the exception of HCO3-, there were no changes in
the parameters measured between fish at 28o C and 32o C. The changes observed from 28o C to 36o C are characteristic of acute
stress responses in fish and suggest that acute temperature increase to 36o C may be physiologically stressful to channel catfish.
Thus, acid-base, hematological, osmoregulatory and metabolic perturbations may be the underlying physiological mechanisms
influencing channel catfish stress responses at relatively high temperatures.
11
INTERRACTIVE EFFECTS OF AN ENZYMES COCKTAIL AND PROBIOTICS ON TILAPIA

Oreochromis niloticus GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT UTILISATION
Ayodeji A. Adeoye*, Daniel L. Merrifield and Simon J. Davies
Aquatic Animal Nutrition and Health Research Group

Plymouth University
Plymouth, PL4 8AA
ayodeji.adeoye@plymouth.ac.uk
Supplementation of plant-based diet with additives, a way of keeping production cost low without jeopardising fish performance
and health, requires more refined research. Therefore, a study was carried out to evaluate combined effects of an enzyme
cocktail (phytase, protease and xylanase) and probiotics (Bacillus species) on Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. The tilapia
(34.6±0.16 g) were fed one of four plant-based diets (32±0.2 % protein, 5.0±0.15 % lipid); one of which was a control (T1)
and the remaining three diets supplemented with the enzyme cocktail (T2) at 0.2g kg-1, probiotics (T3) at 0.2g kg-1 and a
combination of the enzyme cocktail and probiotics (T4). The fish were reared at 30°C and fed the experimental diets (3.5%
biomass per day), with triplicate tanks per treatment for seven weeks. T4 performed better than T1 and T3 (P < 0.05) in
terms of growth performance and nutrient utilisation (Table 1). The dietary treatments did not have apparent effect on the
tilapia survival, haematology, condition factor, visceromatic and hepatosomatic indices (P > 0.05). It could be inferred that
the combined effects of the enzyme cocktail and probiotics have the potential to enhance growth performance and nutrient
utilisation without apparent impairment of tilapia health (P > 0.05). Histological analysis of gut morphology is ongoing as well
as microbiology analysis of gut microbiota profile.
12
DIETARY LYSINE REQUIREMENT FOR SOUTH AFRICAN DUSKY KOB Argyrosomus

japonicus
Adejoke A. Adesola* Clifford L.W. Jones and Thomas A. Shipton
Rhodes University, Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Grahamstown, South Africa
joke.adesola@gmail.com
Dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) is a carnivorous marine finfish with high potential for aquaculture in South Africa.
Typically feed costs in aquaculture account for between 40-60% of production costs, and the development of cost-effective
feeds that satisfy the nutritional requirements of a culture species is prerequisite to the development of a financially viable
production model. As protein is the most expensive dietary component and is central to growth, developing an understanding of
the protein and amino acid dietary requirements of a culture species is important for developing cost-effective feeds. Nutritional
studies for South African dusky kob have been conducted by various researchers however, dietary lysine requirement has not
yet been determined. The present study, therefore, was conducted to evaluate dietary lysine requirement for dusky kob.
Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental diets were formulated to contain graded levels of crystalline lysine (1.11, 1.77,
2.43, 3.09, 3.75, and 4.41 % dry diets) with commercial ingredients. Crystalline essential amino acids were supplemented in
all experimental diets to satisfy the requirements according to the body profile of dusky kob. Each diet was randomly assigned
to triplicate groups of 12 fish (initial body weight, 4.5 ± 0.2 g and total length 66.5 ± 1.1 mm). Dusky kob was fed to apparent
satiation by hand 2 times daily for 12 weeks. Throughout the experimental period average water temperature was 24.1±0.2;
DO and ammonia were not less than at 4.7 mg L-1 and 0.03 mg L-1 respectively. Results showed that fish fed lysine 2.43 % dry
diet (DL3) had the highest growth rate (SGR). LWG of fish increased with increasing levels of lysine up to 2.43% dry diet and
peaked at 445.82 % (P<0.05), beyond which it showed a declining tendency. Similar trend were observed for protein efficiency
ratio (PER). Fish fed lysine 1.77 % dry feed and 3.09 % dry feed dry diet had highest (26.72g) final mean weights. The most
efficient FCR and the highest PER were observed in groups fed 2.43 % dry feed (DL3). No significant difference in survival rate
found among all dietary treatments. The second order polynomial regression analysis based on SGR, indicated that the lysine
requirement of dusky kob was 2.25 % dry diet corresponding to 5.2 % of the dietary protein.
13
ANTRHOPOGENIC IMPACT ON BENTHIC ANIMAL COMMUNITIES IN AN ICELANDIC

FJORD SYSTEM
Thorleifur Ágústsson*, Thorleifur Eiríksson, Ólafur Ögmundarson, Gudmundur Vídir Helgason,

and Bödvar Thórisson.
International Research Institute of Stavanger

Mekjarvik 12, 4070 Randaberg. Norway
thag@iris.no
The system of fjords studied here is located in north-west peninsula of Iceland, named Westfjords, and is a system of fjords
that all connect to a small bay, Isafjardardjup. Westfjords comprise a unique environment for studying anthropogenic effects on
benthic animal communities as they represent a scale of organic load from non-to severe. This allows making the comparison
between different fjords, organic loads and hence establishing models to predict future environmental effects. Besides having
this variation in environment, being spawning grounds for several important fish and crustacean species, the fjords are subject
to various anthropogenic effects, ranging from sewage from local towns to sea cage aquaculture. This further underlines the
uniqueness of Westfjords as a real-life laboratory.
Sampling was conducted at 66 locations, 3-5 samples at each location, in Isafjardardjup and connecting fjords (fig. 1), but in
different projects. A Van Veen grab (198cm2) was used for sampling of soft bottom sediment. When necessary, a more robust
Shipek grab (340cm2) was used. Samples were stored in plastic containers containing 5-10% formalin. Sodium Borate (Borax)
was added to the containers for avoid dissolving of calcium of shellfish. After 2-3 days, the samples were stored in 70% alcohol.
In similarity calculations, the benthic animal communities can be divided into three main groups, based on natural environment
and organic load (figure 2). Even though the polychete worm Capitelle capitata is a good robust indicator species for increased
organic load as seen in number of studies conducted in other countries – it is necessary to take the dynamics of several species
into account, e.g. the complete animal community, to ensure the healthy recovery and aquaculture areas. Country specific
difference is also important as e.g. for the polychete Malacaceros fuliginosus, a common indicator species in Norwegian
aquaculture but rare in Iceland.
14
STUDIES ON WATER QUALITY SUITABILITY OF RIVER BENUE FOR AQUACULTURE IN

MAKURDI BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Akaahan, T. James, *Araoye Pius A.
Department of Biological Sciences

Benue State University Makurdi
P.M.B. 2373 Makurdi Benue state Nigeria
paraoye_2004@yahoo.com
The production of fish depend totally on the physical, chemical and biological qualities of the water. During the course of this
study water samples of river Benue at Makurdi within one study location was assessed for its suitability for the survival of the
fish population in the river. This is because indiscriminate dumping of wastes into rivers is widely practiced in the developing
nations of the World as it is observed in River Benue at Makurdi. To investigate the health status and quality of the River for
fish production, water samples were collected monthly from the River along the shoreline for a period of one year (January
2012-December2012). The physico-chemical quality of the water samples were examined using standard methods.
The results of the physico-chemical parameters indicate the river water samples with the following characteristics: Conductivity
(50.63±6.03µS/cm), pH (6.60±0.19), TDS (29.63±4.29mg/L),TSS (42.95±5.32mg/L), Colour (265.66±36.57TCU),
Turbidity (57.71±6.96NTU), Temperature (27.96±0.450C), Bicarbonate (120.63±14.16mg/L), Chloride (112.39±16.03),
DO (4.32±0.59mg/L), BOD (1.88±0.40mg/L), COD(4.07±0.82mg/L),Nitrate (2.38±1.01mg/L), Sulphate (5.58±1.35mg/L),
Phosphate (0.46±0.11mg/L) and Copper (0.07±0.02mg/L). The mean values were generally within the WHO and the Nigerian
Standard for Drinking Water Quality accepted maximum limit except for colour and turbidity. The result of ANOVA for all the
parameters was significant during the seasons (P<0.05), except for TDS, TSS and temperature (P>0.05). Across the locations
temperature, bicarbonate, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate and copper were not significant (ANOVA, P>0.05). It is recommended
that the discharged of effluents and other waste into the River Benue should be controlled.
15
EVALUATING THE ROLE OF AQUACULTURE AND FISH ON HUMAN NUTRITION IN

GHANA
Akua Akuffo* and Kwamena Quagrainie
Department of Agricultural Economics

Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
aakuffo@purdue.edu
This study is seeking to identify nutritional improvements of households engaged in fish farming practices in selected
communities in Ghana. There are quite a number of avenues to explore in establishing this causality relationship. This study
takes two main approaches; using anthropometric indicators of mothers and children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years
of age and through the income effect.
Data was collected from 164 households in five districts in Ghana on their dietary patterns using a 24-hour recall and a food
frequency table. Questions relating to household health, mother’s education, breastfeeding, and portion sizes per meal for
mother and child were asked as well as socioeconomic information about the household. The target group was fish farmers that
have been participating in AquaFish Innovation Lab training programs over the years. Non-fish farming households living in
close proximity to the fish farming households were used as control groups. The data is analyzed using simple linear regression
and Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) models. The dependent variables are nutritional indicators and z-scores of the
anthropometric measures on vectors with socioeconomic indicators, health indicators, nutritional indicators, individual and
household characteristics.
The mean age of respondents is 36 years with about 93% of the respondents being women. The average monthly income is
Gh¢330 (USD110) and the average years of schooling for caregivers is eight. On the average, a household consumes about
224g of fish per meal. The most prevalent health concern for households in these districts is malaria, and hypertension is the
most common chronic ailment. On the average fish farming households get about 12% of their fish from their own ponds.
The major assumption for this study is that fish farming households consume fish from their ponds. It is also assumed that they
sell some of the fish to buy other more nutritious food compared to non-fish farming households. In view of this it is expected
that, on the average, fish farming households will have more income than the control group. Some expected results include:
• Fish farming households consume more fish.
• Fish farming households have less incidences of nutrient deficiencies particularly proteins, vitamins A, D, E & K and fatty
acids.
• The anthropometric indicators from mothers and children in fish farming households are relatively better compared mothers
and children from non-fish farming households.
16
BIOMARKERS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AS INDICATORS OF WATER POLLUTION IN

COMMON CARP (Cyprinus carpio) FROM WADI NAMRA IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
Khalid A. Al-Ghanim*, Shahid Mahboob, H. F. Alkkahem Al-Balwai, F. Al-Misned, and Z. Ahmed
Department of Zoology, College of Science,

King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455,
Riyadh-11451, Saudi Arabia
E-mail: shahidmahboob60@hotmail.com
Heavy metals accumulated in the tissues of fish may catalyze reactions that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) which
may lead to environmental oxidative stress. To cope with the continuous generation of ROS from normal aerobic metabolism,
cells and tissues contain a series of cellular antioxidants that show both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities (Nordberg
and Arner 2001). To neutralize toxic effects of ROS on fish, like mammals, possess well developed antioxidant defense sys-
tems (Almeida et al. 2002; Pandey et al. 2003).
A total of 28 Oreochromis niloticus were captured with a hand net from the Wadi Namra (WN) and from a commercial fish
farm in Riyadh, which was designated as the control site (CS). The captured fish were immediately anesthetized using 0.7 g
L-1 benzocaine dissolved in ethyl alcohol (Sardella et al. 2004). The effects of the anesthesia in the fish were deep sedation,
loss of swimming activity and partial loss of equilibrium (Altun and Danabas 2006). The fish were then immediately trans-
ported to the laboratory in ice-cold containers (0-4°C). The sampled fish farm is free from any industrial input or any other
source that could cause pollution. The fish samples weighed between 200 and 400 g.
Antioxidant enzyme activities of fish (Oreochromis niloticus) were determined in order to assess the status of pollution in the
Wadi Namar (WN), near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Activities of four antioxidant enzymes as superoxide dimutase (SOD), cata-
lase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione (GSH) concentration and the oxidant malanodialdehyde (MDA)
were chosen as bioindicators. Fish (n=14) were sampled in the month of April, 2013 from WN and a control site (CS). SOD
activity was increased by 42.9%, 52% and 34 % in kidney, liver and heart, respectively, while a significant decrease (36.4%)
was observed in the gills of O. niloticus from WN as compared to the fish from the CS. CAT activity was decreased by 56%,
60%, 52% and 40% in the kidney, liver, heart and gills of O. niloticus from WN. The GST activities in the kidney, liver and
heart of O. niloticus from WN was increased by 39%, 53% and 37%, respectively. However, significant decrease (54%) in
the gills of fish from WN as compared to the fish from the CS. GSH concentration was increased by 49%, 41% and 43 %
in the kidney, liver and heart, respectively but decreased by 35% in the gills. MDA levels of O. niloticus were significantly
(P<0.001) increased in the kidney, liver and heart in the fish from WN. We concluded that WN is polluted mainly by indus-
trial and urban discharge of liquid waste products.
17
EFFECTS OF DIETARY SALT SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH, SURVIVAL, BODY

COMPOSITION, TISSUE ELECTROLYTES AND GILL AND INTESTINAL Na+/K+ ATPase
ACTIVITIES OF JUVENILE BLACK SEA BASS REARED AT LOW-SALINITY
Md Shah Alam*, Wade O. Watanabe, Amanda R. Myers, Patrick M. Carroll and Stephen Skrabal
University of North Carolina Wilmington

Center for Marine Science, Aquaculture Program
601 South College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403-5927, USA
alamm@uncw.edu
The black sea bass Centropristis striata is a commercially harvested marine serranid in continental shelf waters of the US
Atlantic coast. This high-value species is an important candidate for intensive aquaculture in recirculating systems, potentially
including low-salinity systems. Two laboratory feeding trials were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary salt
supplementation on growth and survival of black sea bass reared under sub-optimal salinity conditions. In experiment 1 (15
ppt), six iso-nitrogenous (48% crude protein) and iso-lipidic (12% lipid) test diets were formulated to supplement graded levels
(0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5% dry wt.) of natural sea salt (99.9% NaCl). Triplicate groups of juveniles (mean wt. = 8 g) were fed
the respective diets in eighteen 75-L tanks supported by a recirculating aquaculture system at 15 ppt salinity for 56 days. In
experiment 2 (10 ppt), these same levels of salt-supplemented diets and two additional diets (0% salt, but no mineral mix, 7.5%
artificial sea salt) were fed to triplicate groups of fish (mean wt. = 9.4 g) two times per day for 70 days. In both experiments,
temperature and photoperiod were maintained at 21 - 23 C and 12 L:12 D, respectively. After terminal sampling in experiment
2, the ability of the fish to tolerate a further reduction in salinity from 10 ppt to 4 ppt was monitored over a two-week period (0.5
ppt per day). Fish were fed their respective test diets during the acute hyposalinity challenge. Electrolyte analysis confirmed
that sodium and chloride concentrations in the diets increased incrementally according to formulation, while the concentrations
of other electrolytes (K, Mg, Ca and P) were similar among diets.
In experiment 1, after 8 weeks of feeding at 15 ppt, survival (95 - 98%) and body weight gain (216 - 244 %) were not
significantly different among diet treatments. In experiment 2, after 10 weeks of feeding at 10 ppt, survival (96 - 78%) and
body weight gain (177 - 250%) were not significantly different among treatments. Plasma osmolality and electrolytes also
showed no treatment differences in both experiments. In experiment 2, however, gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity was significantly
higher in fish fed the highest level (12.5%) of supplemented salt compared to fish fed 0% salt. On the other hand, intestinal
Na+/K+ ATPase activity was higher in fish fed low salt (0% and 2.5%) than in fish fed from 5 to 12.5% salt. Furthermore, fish
fed salt-supplemented diets showed significantly higher survival (66-96%) than those fed diets with 0% salt (survival = 22%)
when challenged with a reduction in salinity from 10 ppt to 4 ppt. In both experiments, whole body tissue electrolytes were
not significantly different among fish fed the test diets. The results demonstrated that black sea bass juveniles are remarkably
euryhaline, maintaining optimal growth and survival at 10 to 15 ppt salinity when fed diets with or without supplemental salts.
Salt supplementation at 2.5 to 5% appeared to improve growth performance under sub-optimal salinity (10-15 ppt) rearing
conditions, and salt supplementation at 5-12.5% improved survival under acute hyposalinity (4 ppt) conditions.
18
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BIGHEAD

CARP Hypophthalmichthys nobilis JUVENILES
Mohammad A. Alam* and Konrad Dabrowski
School of Environment and Natural Resources

The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH 43210
alam.52@osu.edu
Bighead carp are characterized by many morphological and physiological adaptations allowing them to survive and grow
in wide range of environmental conditions. However, information on how this species withstands environmental change is
contradictory. To address environmental thresholds of bighead carp, a set of experiments was conducted with the aim of
determining the effect of temperature on the growth of bighead carp under laboratory conditions. Small (S; 2.5±0.3g) and large
(L; 5.7±0.5g) juveniles were reared in temperatures ranging from 10-35°C in 5°C intervals. Both S and L fish were further
divided into two treatments (feeding and fasting), each with five replicates. Maximum specific growth rate (SGR, % weight
gain*day-1) was 7.0±0.2 and 6.1±0.1, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 1.90±0.38 and 1.39±0.18 at 30°C for both S and
L fish, respectively. The highest weight loss was in fasting groups of both S (-0.59±0.22%/day) and L fish (-0.30±0.03%/day)
at 25°C. Survival was >95% in all treatment groups. The effect of temperature (Q10) change on weight gain was the highest
between 15 and 20°C for both S (4.0±0.5) and L (3.9±0.7) fish. Dissolved oxygen O2 (DO) thresholds for surface respiration
were examined at 28°C. Critical oxygen limit leading to surface respiration was observed at 0.32±0.09 mg/l (4% saturation).
More than 70% fish were gulping, but no loss of equilibrium was observed.
19
ANALYSIS OF THE EXPRESSION OF 7 HOUSEKEEPING GENES IN AHPND POSITIVE

Vibrio parahaemolyticus STRAINS, ISOLATED FROM WHITE SHRIMP (Litopenaeus vannamei)
FARMS IN SONORA STATE, MEXICO
Aldama-Cano, Diva J., Robles-Valdez, Ariel ,Sanchez-Diaz, Ricardo, Gonzalez-Galaviz, Jose R.,
*
Luna-Badillo, Cecilia G., Quiroz-Macias, Martha E., Ibarra-Gamez, Jose C.
Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora. Laboratorio de Análisis de Sanidad Acuícola. 5 de Febrero 818 sur,
*
Colonia Centro. C.P. 85000. Ciudad Obregón, Sonora. Mexico. dcanoib@gmail.com
In 2013, the bacteria responsible for the AHPND disease that causes mass mortalities in species such as Litopenaeus vannamei
and Penaeus monodon was identified as a virulent strain of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Tran et al., 2013).
The first reports of this disease occurred in Asia (China, Vietnam and Thailand) where it was called Early Mortality Syndrome
(EMS) and later Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrotic Disease (AHPND). In 2013 it was detected in white shrimp farms in Mexico,
causing losses of up 40% of national production. In this study the expression of seven characteristic conserved genes (Gonzalez-
Escalona et al., 2008) of the specie that were analyzed by multiplex PCR in Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND + strains isolated
from white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farms located on the coast of Sonora, Mexico, a known positive sample and a
reference strain of V.p (ATCC 17802).
The results obtained are shown in the table 1, where we can see the differences between strains analyzed. It can be inferred that
there is a high variation in expression of the 7 housekeeping genes although all strains are Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND
+. This differences might be related to the identity of the strain (serotype, virulence, mutations, etc.), more tests are needed to
find the reason of this differences.
González-Escalona, N. ;Martínez-Urtaza,J.; Romero,J.; T. Espejo, R.; Jaykus, L.; DePaola,A. (2008) Determination of
molecular phylogenetics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains by Multilocus Sequence Typing. Journal of Bacteriology. Vol
190, N.8, 2831-2840.
Tran,L;Nunan,L; Redman, Rita M.; Mohney, Leone L.; Pantoja, Carlos R.; Fitzsimmons, Kevin; Lightner, Donald V. (2013)
Determination of the infectious nature of the agent of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome affecting penaeid shrimp.
Dis. Aquat. Org. Vol. 105: 45–55, 2013
20
THE INFLUENCE OF MARINE POLLUTION ON DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF

POLYCHAETES
El-Gendy, S. Al-Farraj, S. Al-Kahtani, M. El-Hedeny
salfarraj@hotmail.com
Polychaetes are the most abundant taxon recorded in benthic communities of many habitats of Alexandria, Egypt. In the study,
six stations were chosen along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria. In each station water quality variables were measured.
A total of 25 polychaete species were encountered. The most common families were Capitellidae and Spionidae both in term
of abundance and species richness. Capitella capitata, Minuspio cirrifera, Polydora capensis and Heteromastus filiformis were
the most abundant and omnipresent polychaete species in the study area, indicating their tolerance and adaptability to various
degrees of pollution. Statistical analyses of polychaete data were used to determine the level of environmental degradation in
various stations of coast. Shannon’s index (H’) varied spatially from 1.43 to 2.52, Margalef richness index (d) from 0.50 to
2.59, and evenness index (J) from 0.81 to 0.97 indicating poor polychaete diversity. Comparing with control sites, the impacted
stations (1-4) had lower species richness and diversity indicating poor environment that is confirmed with low pH and dissolved
oxygen values. Moreover, they displayed high nutrient levels due to the high organic matter input in the area. The poorest
environment for polychaetes was in the Eastern Abu Quir “station #1” (S = 5, N = 2275, H’ = 1.50, d = 0.51 and J = 0.93). The
present data can form a baseline for future monitoring programmers in the area.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF POMEGRANATE (Punica

granatum L.) PEELS
Saleh H. Salmen1*, Abeer S. Aloufi1, Milton Wainwright1, A. A. Alatar1 and Sulaiman Ali Alharbi1
1
Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University,
P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh-114 51, Saudi Arabia.
The aim of the present study was to examine the antibacterial activity of methanol extract of pomegranate peels against
some Gram positive and negative bacteria. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using both agar-diffusion method and
minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). With the exception of Streptococcus faecalis and Salmonella, all of the bacteria
showed sensitivity to methanol extracts of pomegranate peel The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration varied with Streptococcus
salivarius and Bacillus subtilis having the lowest MIC (1mg/ml) while Streptococcus faecalis and Salmonella where more
resistant, having MICs of 4 and 8 mg/ml respectively.
21
USING 1-D AND 2-D J-RESOLVED 1H-NMR METABOLOMICS TO UNDERSTAND THE

EFFECTS OF ANEMIA IN CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus
Peter J. Allen*, David Wise, Terry Greenway, Lester Khoo, Matt J. Griffin and Michael Jablonsky
Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 9690
pallen@cfr.msstate.edu
Anemia is a widespread hematological disorder in vertebrates. In channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), anemia is a persistent
problem in culture environments, however its causes and physiological impacts are not well understood. To better understand
the symptoms and characterize associated biomarkers of anemia, 1-D and 2-D J-resolved 1H NMR were used to analyze
metabolite changes in healthy and anemic channel catfish kidney and liver tissue, and standard physiological analytical
techniques were used to analyze blood plasma. NMR analyses revealed energy sources such as glucose were depleted, and
many metabolites associated with anaerobic metabolism or alternative energy pathways such as lactate, creatine, alanine,
acetate and myo-inositol had changed. Energy demanding processes were reduced, such as muscle function, as indicated by
reductions in taurine and inosine, and protein synthesis. Stress and oxidative stress related metabolites changed, with increases
in valine, leucine and isoleucine and decreases in glutathione. Inhibitory neurotransmitters such as 4-aminobutyric acid
(GABA) increased, and excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamine and glutamate generally decreased, although there were
tissue-specific differences. Immune function also decreased in anemic fish. Blood analyses revealed decreased respiratory gas
transport capabilities through reductions in erythrocytes and hemoglobin-markers. Taken together, these tissues and analytical
techniques produced complementary results, and metabolite expression in anemic channel catfish was similar to that observed
in other vertebrates exposed to anoxia, severe hypoxia or experiencing oxidative stress from deficiencies in iron homeostasis.
22
SALT REGULATORY ABILITIES OF INLAND AND COASTAL ALLIGATOR GAR Atractosteus

spatula
Peter J. Allen*, Alf Haukenes and Steve Lochmann

Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 9690
pallen@cfr.msstate.edu
Alligator gar Atractosteus spatula are cultured for conservation purposes. Wild broodstock are collected from inland and coastal
locations, and juveniles are stocked for reintroduction or population supplementation, with local genetics and availability
used to guide efforts. Because alligator gar are euryhaline, and because genetic differentiation is present between inland and
coastal populations, an investigation into whether salinity regulatory ability differs between inland and coastal populations
was conducted. Results are important for understanding how important physiological characteristics may complement genetic
differences in populations and can be used to further guide conservation stocking efforts.
Juvenile alligator gar derived from wild broodstock collected from an inland population (St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife
Refuge, Mississippi) and a coastal population (Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana) were compared for salinity
regulatory ability. Alligator gar [(mean ± SD) weight 100 ± 32 g (inland) and 70 ± 12 g (coastal)] were acclimated for two
weeks to either 0 or 20 ppt and 10 or 30 °C (n=8/treatment). After this time period survival was assessed, and gill tissue, blood
and gut fluids were collected. Gill Na+, K+-ATPase activity, blood osmolality, ion concentrations and gut fluid base content were
compared. Survival, gill Na+, K+-ATPase activity, plasma osmolality and plasma and gut fluid ion concentrations were similar
between populations. Notably, neither population of alligator gar regulated ions well at 10 °C and 20 ppt. Although genetic
differentiation exists between inland and coastal populations, ion regulatory ability appears to be conserved, likely indicating
historic movement or dispersal between populations.
23
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY IN AQUACULTURE: SELECTION, HYBRIDIZATION,

BIOTECHNOLOGY HYBRIDIZATION
Standish K. Allen, Jr.
Aquaculture Genetic and Breeding Technology Center

Virginia Institute of Marine Science
College of William and Mary
Gloucester Point, VA 23162
ska@vims.edu
Humans have domesticated terrestrial plants and animals for nearly 10,000 years, and since the 19th century, at a rapid pace. By
now, most agricultural commodities bear little resemblance to their progenitor species, all of them selected, many hybridized
(including polyploidy), and increasingly more – genetically manipulated.
For aquaculture, genetic improvements are quite far behind that in agriculture, however, there are a staggering array of tools
available to effect genetic change. For example, in 30 years, farmed salmon are clearly a domesticated species. Concerns about
the ethical responsibility for the use of genetically improved aquaculture crops – whether through selection, hybridization, or
biotechnology – generally fall into two categories: 1) ecological ones about the interaction between domesticated and wild
individuals and 2) issues of intellectual property when breeding is done on a proprietary basis, but distributed among multiple
independent farmers. Health issues sometimes raised by the use of genetically modified species are moot since this technology
is yet to be used in commercial aquaculture.
Alternatively, one might consider that genetic improvement is an ethical imperative in today’s populace world. It was recently
estimated that only 10% of aquaculture production is the product of selective breeding, implying that overall yield of protein
from the sea is less than can be realized with improved stocks. Further, genetic improvement has the potential to improve feed
conversion ratios, increase farm efficiencies, and optimize water resources.
24
DESIGN OF MECHANICAL AND ECO-SECURITY TO LIMIT DOUBLE-CRESTED

CORMORANT Phalacrocorax auritus PREDATION ON FINGERLING CHANNEL CATFISH
Ictalurus punctatus
John K.B Alosias

Brian Nerrie, Ph.D.*
Virginia State University

20900 Riverterrace Rd, APT 20895, VA 23803
Jalo1640@students.vsu.edu
Predation by double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) can result in serious economic loss in the expanding Virginia
catfish aquaculture industry. Fingerling-size catfish, on which predation is more severe, are reared in smaller ponds (<0.25ha)
allowing control options.
This three-month study focused on the use of pond netting and aquatic dye to reduce physical contact between cormorants
2
and catfish. Six randomly selected ponds (500m ) were used during study at Virginia State University’s Randolph Farm, each
stocked with 200 catfish fingerlings. Nets were partially positioned on top of two ponds to test fish survival as a mechanical
security. The remaining space was covered with strings as mechanical barriers. Two wires were applied across the pond, each
supported by two PVC pipes (12cm diameter & 150cm in length) at 30cm into the ponds to hold the net above water surface.
On the side, the two pipes were placed 7.9m between each other. Twenty PVC pipes (5cm diameter & 60cm length) were set on
each side 60cm outside the ponds for stretching the net. Based on net installation, a pond of 30m length requires a net of 40m
length. Aquatic dye was applied to two ponds to reduce transparency of the pond water. In addition, each pond was supplied
with a 1.5m diameter feeding plastic ring to reduce waste of wind-blown floating feeds. Inflow pipes were screened to prevent
introduction of unwanted organisms.
Ponds covered with nets had more than 90 percent survival. Extrinsic influences such as normal pond activities and disturbances
by visiting groups reduced cormorant presence. These findings indicated that the use of mechanical barriers and good ecological
supervision of the fish ponds is a sound practice to reduce the conflict between cormorants, fish and farmers. Using pond netting
is more expensive than using strings as mechanical barriers and aquatic dye. The effectiveness of these nets and strings will be
further tested during winter using rainbow trout under the same design.
25
COMPUTER SIMULATION OF AMMONIA REMOVAL THROUGH HETEROTROPHIC

ASSIMILATION
Daniel Alt*, Dr. Ronald Malone, Fatemehsadat Fahandezhsadi
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Dalt1@tigers.lsu.edu
The hatching of ornamental fish fry from eggs in recirculating aquaculture systems has been inhibited as nitrifying biofilters
cannot handle the shock loading of ammonia experainced as the eggs hatch. Computer models using Michealis-Menton
kinetics show the shock loading could be mitigated with bacteria that grow with low half saturation constants. Experimental
results indicate that heterotrophic biofilms have a lower half saturation constant than nitrifying biofillters (~0.1 compared to >
0.5). Heterotrophic bacteria use assimilation to take up the ammonia as nitrogen, as opposed to autotrophic bacteria, which use
ammonia as an energy source. As the heterotrophic biomass grows, it is then be released from the PHA bed through backwashing
and removed from the system, lowering the system’s nitrogen content. Experiments using granular polyhydroxyalkanoates
(PHA) as an insoluble carbon source demonstrated that this approach is viable.
A computer model confirmed that heterotrophic biofilters with low half saturation constants will display lower peak TAN
levels during a hatching event. The modeled system was set up similar to Figure 1 using partial differential equations to
analyze ammonia, carbon, and bacteria in the system as the eggs hatch. Simulations also show how internal nitrogen recycling
can impact PHA consumption rates. Experimental results displaying consumption rates that were approximately double
stoichiometric projections. Additional analysis is needed to examine the effect of biofilm thickness on oxygen availability on
the surface of the PHA particle. The resulting program can be used by design engineers to project performance under different
loading and acclimation conditions facilitating commercial evaluations.
26
FISH FARMING AND HOUSEHOLD WELLBEING: A CASE STUDY IN SELECTED REGIONS

IN GHANA
Akuffo Amankwah* and Kwamena Quagrainie
Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University

403 W State Street
aamankwa@purdue.edu
This study uses the propensity score matching (PSM) approach to examine the impact of aquaculture technologies on fish
farm households in Ghana. Fish farmers in Ghana were introduced to aquaculture Best Management Practices (BMPs) through
a collaborative work of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Collaborative Research Support Program (AquaFish CRSP) and the
Ministries of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Ghana. The promotion was undertaken through workshops and field demonstrations.
Improved feed called commercially formulated pelleted floating feeds and water reuse were the technologies promoted to these
farmers. The rationale for the technology promotion was to overcome some of the challenges they face in production, reduce
production cost and also improve their livelihoods. The emphasis of this paper is on examining the impact of the technologies
on yield, income and consumption expenditure of the household after controlling for observable household heterogeneities.
Though farmers were randomly invited to attend the workshops, their adoption of the technologies is non-random but an
individual decision based on household and farm characteristics. Since they were not assigned to the adoption category, there
is selection bias in which households self-select themselves into adoption. The implication is that technology assignment is
non-random and also there are some factors that affect technology adoption which might also influence the yield and welfare
outcomes. Thus, estimating a linear outcome equation with a binary variable for adoption will lead to bias and inconsistent
results. The use of PSM helps correct for these and ensure that each household has equal chance of been in the adoption
category by adjusting for observable household heterogeneities.
A cross-sectional data of fish farm households from Ghana collected through questionnaire administration is used for the study.
This data comes from a multistage sampling technique in which the first stage involved purposeful selection of regions and
zones in Ghana where smallholder earthen fish pond farming is dominant. In this case, the Ashanti, Western and Brong-Ahafo
regions were selected. In the second stage, a sample of 187 fish farm households were randomly selected. The spread of
adoption across these regions is presented in table 1 below.
Preliminary results indicates that adopters of these technologies have higher yield, income and consumption expenditure than
non-adopters after controlling for household observable heterogeneities. This result is consistent with literature that improved
agricultural technologies increase productivity and improve the welfare of beneficiaries.
27
MODELING ADOPTION INTENSITY OF IMPROVED FEEDS AMONG FISH FARM

HOUSEHOLDS IN KENYA
Department of Agricultural Economics

Purdue University
403 W State Street
aamankwa@purdue.edu
Improved fish feeds have been promoted among fish farmers in Kenya through a collaborative work of the Aquaculture
and Fisheries Collaborative Research Support Program (AquaFish CRSP) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Development in Kenya. The approach involved the replacement of sinking and other forms of fish feeds with the more improved
commercially floating pelleted floating feeds. These feeds have the potential of increasing production and profit, and reducing
the maturity period of the fish. Fish farmers however, use different combinations of feeds in production and face a number
of constraints in accessing the feed. Thus, the adoption and intensity of use of the improved feeds will depend on whether or
not the household has unconstrained access to the technology. This is especially important when there is availability of feed
substitutes.
The objective of the study is to examine the adoption and intensity of adoption of improved fish feeds in the presence of
constraints using a random sample of 205 fish farm households from Kenya. Two hypotheses are tested in this study. First,
fish farm household characteristics, farm technical and institutional factors affect the adoption and intensity of adoption of the
improved feed. Second, the price of improved feeds and its substitute prices have negative and positive effects on the intensity
of adoption of the improved feed respectively.
Given that most fish farm households in Kenya combine both the improved feeds with other feed types (herein called traditional)
during a given production cycle, it is vital to look at the intensity of adoption of this technology. Thus, a representative
household might belong to either of three categories in terms of how much improved feeds they use during the production
cycle. First are those that did not use improved feeds and therefore have zero observed use for it. Second are those that used
only the improved feeds, and finally, those that used both improved and traditional feeds. I define intensity of improved feed
adoption as the proportion of total feed used that is of the improved type.
The Double Hurdle model is used to examine the adoption and intensity of adoption to allow for adoption and intensity
determinants to be different. This model will also capture the constraints that these households face in accessing the feed which
include credits, distance, knowledge about the profitability of the feed, to mention a few. In this approach, two hurdles have
to be overcome – the access/adoption and desired demand hurdles. For comparison and robustness checks, the Heckman two
step and the Tobit models are estimated. These models have been used in the literature for intensity of adoption of agricultural
technologies though with their drawbacks.
Initial results indicate that the distance to the sales point for the feed negatively affects both adoption and intensity of use.
The implication of this result is that farmers with close proximity to the feed source have higher probability of adoption and
intensity of use due to the reduced transaction cost. The result is also consistent with literature that the intensity of adoption of
a new agricultural technology is limited by ease of access to the technology. Similarly, access to credit has positive effect on
adoption and intensity of use, which is consistent with credit effect on adoption in the literature.
28
THE IMPACT OF AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION ON HOUSEHOLDS IN

KENYA
Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University

403 W State Street
aamankwa@purdue.edu
Aquaculture is gradually being accepted as a complement to supply of capture fisheries globally and Africa in particular. The
aquaculture sector in Africa is however beset with a number of challenges including lack of technical knowhow, lack of access
to improved feeds and seeds, and quality extension services. These have always been hurdles for farmers, governments and
development partners to overcome, especially in Kenya. Nonetheless, the Aquaculture and Fisheries Collaborative Research
Support Program (AquaFish CRSP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Kenya promoted
improved feed and water reuse technologies to tilapia farmers through workshops and field demonstrations. Little however is
known about adoption of these technologies and the expected yield and welfare effects on the beneficiaries.
In this study, we use a sample of 205 fish farm households from Kenya to examine the adoption of aquaculture technologies
and the impact of these technologies on fish yield and household wellbeing. The data was collected using a multistage sampling
technique in which the first stage involved the purposeful selection of the regions where smallholder pond fish production
is prevalent. Rift Valley and Western regions were selected in this case. In the second stage, two major counties with high
smallholder fish production were also selected, and finally 205 households were randomly selected and interviewed using
structured questionnaire.
The study uses the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique to examine the yield, income and consumption expenditure
effects of the technologies. There are two reasons for which the use of PSM is warranted in this study. First, there is selectivity
bias in the data in that households self-selected themselves into the adoption category and therefore this has to be corrected
for. Second, in normal experimental setting, the approach would be to compare the outcome of treated to a control group. In
observational studies such as the current however, the outcome of adopters have they not adopted is not available because in
the ex post, each household can only be in one category. Thus the approach involves using the counterfactual to match adopters
to non-adopters by controlling for observable covariates. The PSM basically involves two steps. The first stage involves
estimating a binary choice model for the technologies and predicting the probability by which all households will be adopters.
In the second stage, these predicted probabilities (called “p-scores”) are used to match adopters to non-adopters. Thus, the PSM
has the power to control for observable covariates to ensure that adopters and non-adopters have equal chance of been in the
adoption category. The interest here is to be able to distill the difference in income, yield and consumption expenditure per
capita that is due to the technologies and those due to observable heterogeneities.
Initial results indicates that fish yield and income are higher for adopters than non-adopters, after controlling for observable
covariates. Consumption expenditure which captures the food security status of the household is higher for adopters than it is
for non-adopters, a clear indication that adopters tend to be more food secure than non-adopters after controlling for observable
household heterogeneities. These results are consistent with the perceived role of a new agricultural technology of improving
productivity, and the livelihood of beneficiaries.
29
GROWTH RESPONSE AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION OF AFRICAN MUD CATFISH Clarias

gariepinus (BURCHELL, 1822) FINGERLINGS FED PROCESSED MACROALGAE AND
MACROALGAE-BASED FORMULATED FEEDS
*Albert O Amosu1, 4, Ayofe M Hammed2, Gavin W Maneveldt1 and Deborah V Robertson-Andersson1;3
1
Department of Biodiversity & Conservation Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the
Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535. South Africa.
2
Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, P.O. Box 0001, LASU Post office,
Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria.
3
School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Postal address: Private Bag X54001, Westville,
Durban 4000, South Africa.
4
Department of Agricultural Science, School of Vocational & Technical Education, Adeniran Ogunsanya
College Education, Otto/Ijanikin, PM.B 007 Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. Email: aamosu.uwc.ac.za Tel: +27744413588, +2348028162450
In aquaculture, feed utilization is an important factor affecting

growth of the target species, and thus the success of the
aquaculture operation. Growth of C. gariepinus fingerlings
(weight 1.60 ± 0.05g; length 4.50 ± 0.07cm) was monitored in
a closed door hatchery for a period of 21 days in an experiment
consisting of 4 treatments stocked at 20 fish/10 litre tanks,
fed in triplicate twice daily (08:30, 17:30) at 4% body weight
with weight changes recorded every 3 days. Treatments were:
1) FeedX; 2) 35% crude protein diet + non enriched Ulva spp
(11.18% crude protein) (CD + NEU); 3) 35% crude protein
diet + enriched Ulva spp (11.98% crude protein) (CD +EU)
and 4) control diet of 35% crude protein (CD). The production
of Ulva spp. biomass was cultivated for a period of 3 months.
The result shows that the fish fed macroalgal enriched diet had
good growth, though no significant difference (p > 0.05) was
recorded amongst the weight gain, % weight gain, specific
growth rates and nitrogen metabolism of diets CD + NEU,
CD + EU and CD. Significant differences (p < 0.05), were,
however, found in the food conversion ratio (FCR) and gross
food conversion ratio (gFCR) among the fingerlings across all
the different experimental diets. The best FCRs were recorded
for control diet (0.79 ± 2.39) and the Ulva enriched (1.75 ±
1.34) diets. The results suggest that the fingerlings were able
to utilize Ulva supplemented with control diet better than the
FeedX. We have shown that Ulva supplemented diets are
good substitutes for formulated and commercial feeds, with
potential to be successful fish feed in aquaculture systems.
30
REPLACEMENT OF MENHADEN FISH MEAL PROTEIN AND FISH OIL BY GENETICALLY

IMPROVED LOW GOSSYPOL COTTONSEED FLOUR AND COTTONSEED OIL IN THE
DIET OF JUVENILE BLACK SEA BASS Centropristis striata
Austin D. Anderson*, Md Shah Alam, Wade O. Watanabe, Patrick M. Carroll, Tom C. Wedegaertner
and Michael K. Dowd
University of North Carolina Wilmington

601 South College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403-5927, USA
ada6828@uncw.edu
Four iso-nitrogenous (47% protein) and isolipidic (14%) test diets were formulated to replace menhaden fish meal protein (FM,
59.5% crude protein) and fish oil by genetically improved low gossypol cottonseed flour protein (GLCP, 50.4% protein) and
cottonseed oil for juvenile black sea bass. A control diet (0% replacement) was formulated with high fish meal (30%), soybean
meal, poultry meal, fish oil, canola oil and other practical ingredients. Two test diets were prepared replacing 75 and 100% of
FM protein by GLCP based on our previous experiment completed on a laboratory scale. Another test diet replaced 100% of
FM by GLCP and 50% fish oil (FO) from the control diet by glandless cottonseed oil (CO). Fifty fish were stocked in each of
twelve 2,127-L pilot-scale recirculating tanks (600 fish total), and each diet is being fed to triplicate groups of fish (mean weight
53.4 ± 3.37 g) for 16 weeks under 22-24°C, 32-34 ppt salinity, and ambient photoperiod conditions. Fish are being fed twice
per day (09:00 and 16:00 h) to apparent satiation. After the growth trial, fish will be fed chromic oxide diets and feces collected
to determine apparent digestibility coefficients.
No significant differences in survival or weight among fish fed the control or test diets were observed after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of
the feeding trial (Fig.), indicating that 100% FM could be replaced by GLCP in the diet of juvenile black sea bass. Weight gain,
feed utilization and digestibility of nutrients will be evaluated after 16 weeks of the feeding trial. The proximate composition,
amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and gossypol concentration of glandless cottonseed flour, the test diets, and fish whole bodies
and livers are being analyzed. The effects of replacing FM and FO in the diets by GLCP, CO and vegetable oil in diets on fatty
acid composition of whole body tissues will be compared.
31
THE EFFECTS OF PROBIOTICS ON GROWTH, GASTROINTESTINAL MORPHOLOGY

AND METABOLISM IN JUVENILE Oreochromis mossambicus (Mozambique Tilapia)
Anderson, M. and Dr. Hunt von Herbing, I.
Biological Sciences Department, University of North Texas (DIB Cluster), Denton, TX
Probiotics are defined as “good bacteria”, which may be beneficial to enhancing the growth rate of a freshwater teleost fish,
Mozambique tilapia (O. mossambicus). In the present study a strain of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus was mixed
into fish feed and fed to juvenile tilapia at a rate of 5% of total body mass. Five treatments were set up as follows: 1) a control
0.0 g of L. rhamnosus to 1 kg of fish feed (0g/kg), 2) 0.005g of L. rhamnosus to 1 kg of fish feed (0.005g/kg), 3) 0.010 g of
L. rhamnosus to 1kg of fish feed (0.010g/kg), 4) 0.015 g of L. rhamnosus to 1kg of fish feed (0.015g/kg), and 5) 0.020 g of
L. rhamnosus to 1kg of fish feed (0.020g/kg) Experiments were run in triplet with sampling every seven days, for 28 day
total experimental time line, where five tilapia were removed. Morphometric measurements were recorded each sampling
period: standard length (SL), total length (TL), myotome height (MH), and Mass (M). Preliminary morphometric results
showed a significant increase in growth rate (28 – 30%) in treatments containing the probiotic bacteria. The data collected from
metabolic trials have also shown preliminary results supporting the benefits to the probiotic supplement in fish feed. On going
studies include developing a probiotic dose response curve, investigating intestinal histology and metabolic rate assessment.
We hypothesize that ingestion of probiotics increases fish growth rate by improving digestive efficiency, protein assimilation
and reducing the metabolic cost of digestion.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY IN SHRIMP FARMING IN NIGERIAN
Anetekhai Martins Agenuma, Ogunkoya Sola
Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science

Lagos State University, Badagry Express Road
P.M.B, 1081, Apapa, Lagos Nigeria
E-mail: anetekhaimartins@gmail.com
The shrimp industry in Nigeria is based on wild capture with the product export oriented and Nigeria has certification from the
United State of America and the European Union where bulk of the catches are sold. Production can be increased considerably
but for the limited scope in shrimp production from the wild. Adoption of shrimp farming is proposed as the concrete and
sustainable mean of continuous production. The potential for shrimp farming is huge due to very suitable naturally existing
species that enjoy export acceptance. These are Peneaus notialis (indigenous) and Peneaus monodon(exotic) .Very extensive
and suitable areas for shrimp farming exist in Nigeria but the oil rich areas which are prone to oil pollution are mainly equally
the suitable areas for shrimp farming. In addition operational costs is very high due to poor infrastructure and high cost of credit
but the current Government policy on export incentive is very encouraging. Despite some of these constraints, the potential is
high. It is therefore recommended that the technological packages to be adopted must be carefully planned to avoid mistakes
made by our predecessors in other Countries.
32
MICROBIOTA FROM PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei: DIGESTIVE TRACT

MICROBIAL COMMUNITY OF L. vannamei CULTIVATED IN SISAL, YUCATÁN, MEXICO
Leticia Arena-Ortiz, Jaqueline Tuyub, Gabriela Gaxiola*, Rafael Rojas, Diana Rendíz
UMDI, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Puerto de Abrigo s/n, Sisal, Hunucmá
Yucatán, CP 97355, Yucatán, Mexico
leticia.arena@ciencias.unam.mx
Bacteria capable of producing different extracellular enzymes of potential relevance in digestive processes were isolated from
the stomach, hepatopancreas and intestine of Pacific white shrimp L. vannamei. A total of 64 strains with proteolytic activity
were isolated and grouped into 16 clusters based on morphological characteristics: 4 groups were isolated from the intestine;
5 from the hepatopancreas; and 7 from the stomach. Molecular methods (16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing) and
phenotypic criteria (Gram stain, catalase and oxidase tests, cell and colony morphology) were used to identify strains, which
corresponded to Pseudoalteromonas and Vibrio genera. These genera are reported to form part of the digestive tract microbial
community in shrimp. Both genera were isolated from all three tested tissues. One member of each morphologic group was
selected for analysis of the presence of amylases, lipases/esterases and chitinases. Most of the strains had all the tested enzymes,
indicating that the L. vannamei digestive tract microbiotic flora includes groups which have the potential to contribute to the
degradation of dietary components.
33
CHANGES IN BACTERIAL DIVERSITY IN THE STOMACH, HEPATOPANCREAS AND

DIGESTIVE TRACT OF Litopenaeus vannamei (Mexico) TREATED WITH OXYTETRACYCLIN
IN CLEAR WATER AND FLOC
Maria Leticia Arena-Ortiz, Ana Varguez-Iuit, Gerard Cuzon, Gabriela Gaxiola*
Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación (UMDI), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de

México (UNAM), Puerto de Abrigo s/n, Sisal, Yucatan, Mexico; e-mail: leticia.arena@ciencias.unam.mx
Bacterial diversity and taxonomic composition of the digestive tract (DT) of farmed L. vannamei from “La Marca” farm, was
analyzed by DGGE, to determine the effect of administering oxytetracyclin (OTC) via the feed. Stomach, hepatopancreas
(HP) and DT were studied for eubacteria groups, Vibrio and lactic acid bacteria from clear water and floc in UNAM. The
organ with highest species richness (30) was DT from shrimp without OTC intake and raised in floc, DT with major changes
after OTC intake decreased to 19 species in floc. DT from animals in clear water receiving OTC had the lowest number of
species (17). HP on the other hand, was the tissue with fewer changes in all conditions (Table 1). The results showed that
OTC intake caused bacterial changes in both clear water and floc. With exception of HP receiving OTC, Vibrio is a genus
present in all organs in both water systems. Achromobacter, Firmicutes, Salinococcus, Bacteroidetes, Bacillus thuringiensis,
Enterobacteriace, Lactobacillus, Vibrio alginolyticus, Gamaprotobacteria, V. parahemolyticus, Citrobacter koseri, V. harveyi,
V. shilonii groups were found in shrimp DT. Species richness was higher in stomach of shrimp fed with OTC. In general, these
results indicate that ingestion of antibiotic OTC cause changes in the structure of the bacterial populations in the digestive
system of shrimps. Future studies in collaboration with ‘The Shrimp Epigenome (shrimpENCODE) Consortium’ will examine
the intergenerational environmental epigenetic changes caused by the antibiotic Glyphosate (also a herbicide, chelator and
endocrine disruptor) on the bacterial diversity of shrimp.
34
EFFECT OF STARVATION ON THE BACTERIAL DIVERSITY IN THE DIGESTIVE TRACT,

STOMACH AND HEPATOPANCREAS OF THE PACIFIC WHITELEG SHRIMP Litopenaeus
vannamei
Luis Emanuel Aviles-Gomez, Gabriela Gaxiola*, Ernesto Perez-Rueda and Maria Leticia Arena-Ortiz
Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación (UMDI), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de

México (UNAM), Puerto de Abrigo s/n, Sisal, Yucatan, Mexico
E-mail: leticia.arena@ciencias.unam.mx
We evaluated the bacterial community composition in stomach, hepatopancreas and intestine of Litopenaeus vannamei in
response to starving, and compared juveniles vs adult specimens, and adult specimens by gender. The richness and diversity of
bacteria in the digestive tract of L. vannamei was evaluated by using the DGGE method. Results showed changes in the
composition of the intestine microbiota of juvenile specimens subjected to starving, and between male and female adults, being
more significant in the stomach and hepatopancreas of juveniles at 8 days of starving, when a greater number of Operational
Taxonomic Unit (OTUs) was observed. In the intestine, when shrimps were fed, the higher number of OTUs in all the organs
was found. The genus Paenibacillus was identified in juvenile in all three organs, in fed and starved, but not in adult shrimps.
In contrast, Bacillus genus was found in adults but not in juvenile shrimps. Weissella and Lactobacillus genera were found
in juvenile (fed and fasted) and adults (males and females) of shrimps, mainly in the stomach, hepatopancreas and intestine.
35
THE SPOT-FORWARD RELATIONSHIP IN ATLANTIC SALMON FORWARD PRICES
Frank Asche*, Bård Misund
Department of Industrial Economics, Risk Management and Planning

University of Stavanger
N-4036 Stavanger, Norway
Frank.asche@uis.no
Salmon farming is a rapidly growing industry. Traditionally, spot markets have been the main mode of transaction, while
recently new transaction modes such as futures and forward markets have emerged. Still, there is very limited knowledge of
how these markets work and particularly the relationship between spot and forward prices for farmed salmon. That is the topic
of this study.
First we examine the relationship between spot and forward prices and whether forward prices are unbiased predictors of the
future spot price. Then we examine the lead-lag properties of the spot and forward prices using Granger causality tests for
integrated prices. Using data for 2006-2014 and with forward prices with maturities up to 12 months we find that spot and
lagged forward prices (i.e. also examining for forwards as predictors of future spot prices) are cointegrated up to maturities of
6 months. We also find that, with the exception of the front month, that the causality is one-directional. The spot prices lead
forward prices between 1 to 6 months maturity. Hence, while the spot and lagged forward prices are unbiased estimates, we
do not find support for the hypothesis that forward prices are predictors of the future spot price for maturities longer than 2
months. Rather, it seems that innovations in the spot price ripple out into the forward prices. This is contrary to findings in
other commodities, where the opposite tends to be the case, but is not uncommon in new and immature markets. Hence, salmon
forward markets are still immature and have not yet reached the stage where forward prices are able to predict future spot prices.
36
VARYING FEEDING PARAMETERS AFFECT GROWTH AND BLOOD CHEMISTRY OF

Catla catla FINGERLINGS
Sadaf Aman and Muhammad Ashraf
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore, Pakistan,
email: muhammd.ashraf@uvas.edu.pk
Catla is highly important and fast growing fish species of current fish culture practices. It is difficult to breed and very hard
to rear its spawn. For its successful rearing, ration size, feed frequency and proper stocking density is of key importance. The
current studies were designed to standardize these parameters. 200 Catla juveniles were collected from the local ponds.
200 juvenile of Catla catla were obtained from local ponds and acclimatized to experimental tanks. There were three trials as
categorized above with three treatments and an independent control in each trial. Each treatment including control had three
replicates. The artificial feed used in these studies was uniform and contained 30% protein. In trial 1, 4 different rations(5, 7, 9
and 11% of the body weight) were offered to fish. In second trial fish were fed 2, 4, 6 and 8 times a day. In third trial fish were
stocked @ 10, 15, 20, and 25 fish in each tank. In trial 1 there was gradual increase in weight with rise in feeding percentages of
feed but at 11% feeding rate growth suddenly declined. WBC level followed growth, however, growth hormone concentration
maintained continuous rise with increasing feed ration(Table 1). Contradictory to the feeding ration feeding frequency deviated
from feeding ration. Fish showed gradual increase in weight right from feeding twice up to feeding 6 times a day but when
feeding frequency was 8 times growth drastically declined. Blood parameters including growth hormones have similar trend
and accordingly their levels dropped when feed frequency approached 8 times a day(Table 2). In trial 3 stocking density of 15
fish per tank appeared the best. Whenever density exceeded this limit growth declined immediately. Similarly RBCs, and
WBCs level was the highest up to stocking density of 15, growth hormones however, were on the rise up to 20 fish per tank,
they declined immediately when this number exceeded(Table 3). From the above studies it can be concluded that 9% is the
best feeding ration, 6 times feeding per day is the best feeding frequency and 15 fish per tank is the best stocking density for
12x4x3 ft fiberglass tank. Other water quality parameters did not differ much though there were slight variations from treatment
to treatment effect of which may not disturb the outcomes of the studies.
(Continued on next page)

37

38

39

40
POND AERATION AND AERATORS - A SECOND THOUGHT
Yoram Avnimelech
Technion, Israel Inst. Of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel

agyoram@technion.ac.il
Aeration is an essential means to achieve higher yields in ponds. Aeration systems are designed to achieve several goals:
a. Supply oxygen to cover oxygen consumption and to overcome oxygen limitations and thus enable higher stocking
growth and yields.
b. Distribute the oxygen in the pond, horizontally and vertically.
c. Mix water and sediment – water interface.
d. Control sludge coverage, location and drainage.
e. Do all this, but save energy
Do we have the aerators required to fulfill these goals?
During the last few decades, aquaculture systems have been changed. We have different genetic lines of animals, feed
formulation has changed dramatically etc. But we are still using in most cases, the same aerators and aeration strategies.
The suitability of presently used aerators will be discussed and some ideas toward the development of new generation of
aerators will be presented.
STUDIES ON BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH FISH POND SOIL IN BAUCHI, NIGERIA
+
Misau, A.B., Maryam, E. Shuaib., Nayaya, A.J and J.O. Apochi
Animal Production Department, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P. M. B. 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria.
abubakarbabamisau@yahoo.com
+
Author for correspondence.
Analysis of pond soil collected at Dayiji farms yielded 18 bacteria isolates. The isolates were identified as members of the genera
pseudomonas, bacteria active in organic matter decomposition; Bacillus species which is proteolytic; Micrococcus species and
Escherichia coli,which plays vital roles in water quality control and are important indicators in primary productivity and fish
yield potentials. Among the isolates obtained, Escherichia coli had a relative frequency occurrence of 50%, Bacillus species
had a relative frequency occurrence of 38.8%, Micrococcus had a relative frequency occurrence of 5.6% and Pseudomonas also
had a relative frequency occurrence of 5.6% respectively.
41
EFFECTS OF REPLACING FISHMEAL WITH Leucaena Leucocephala LEAF MEAL ON THE

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF Tilapia zilli FINGERLINGS
OLUSOLA BABALOLA* and LOLADE LAWAL
Department of Fisheries Technology, School of Agriculture, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu Campus,
Lagos Nigeria
Email: sola_aug@ yahoo.com
The study was carried out for eight weeks to determine the effect of various levels of replacement of fishmeal with Leucaena
leucoephala Leaf meal in the diet of Tilapia zilli fingerlings. Three hundred (300) Tilapia zilli fingerlings were fed with
diet containing Leucaena leucoephala. Leaf meal at 0%, 6.5%, 12.5%, 18.5% and 25% level of inclusion representing the
replacement of fish meal at 0%, 25% 75% and 100% respectively. The tilapia fingerlings were treated with five diets including a
control experiment of which each treatment was replicated thrice, the total number of replicated were fifteen and the experiment
was laid out in a completely randomized design. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) revealed that there was no significant difference
(P<0.05) in weight gain but there were significant difference in (P>0.05) in feed conversion efficiency and protein efficiency
ratio. Leucaena leucocephala can therefore be recommended in the formulation of Tilapia zilli feed at 25% level of inclusion
due to high level of digestibility, protein content and its economic value in terms of cheapness and abundance especially in the
tropical region over feeds that contains fish meal.
PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY STUDY OF VERTICAL AQUACULTURE SYSTEM IN KOREA
Sungchul C. Bai*, Hyeonho Yun, Seunghan Lee, Changboo Seok and Myunglim Ko
Dept. of Marine Bio-materials and Aquaculture

Feeds and Foods Nutritional Research Center
Pukyong Nat’l University, Busan 608-737, Rep. of Korea
Corresponding author: scbai@pknu.ac.kr
The goal of this experiment is to develop the vertical in recirculating aquaculture system (VRAS) with four different
aquaculture species. In the experiment, four tanks having 2.5-ton seawater carrying capacity are inter-connected with each
other for constructing the vertical aquaculture system. The system will be established by stocking olive flounder (Paralichthys
olivaceus), korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli), abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) and green laver (Enteromorpha prolifera) as
integrated design. Effluents from tanks of two fish species will drain into abalone culture tank. Subsequently, effluents from
abalone culture tank will drain into green laver culture tank and finally into multi-filter (protein skimmer, high pressurized sand
filter and bio-filter) tanks. The system will be monitored to assess productivity and nitrogen partitioning over 3 months. At the
end of feeding trial, biological performance and economical feasibility will be analyzed. The industrial applicability of V RAS
will be assessed.
42
“CAN YOU USE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TO RUN THIS SYSTEM?” INVESTMENT

ANALYSIS IN AQUAPONIC SYSTEM DESIGN
Donald Bailey*
University of the Virgin Islands

Agricultural Experiment Station
RR01 Box 10,000
Kingshill, VI 00850
dbailey@uvi.edu
Aquaponics is an integrated aquaculture and hydroponic production system. It is operated as a recirculating system with the
hydroponic beds acting as a biofilter for nitrification of waste and the uptake of nitrate and other waste nutrients by vegetable
crops. The intensive production of fish and vegetables in tanks requires energy inputs for water circulation and aeration to
provide fish and nitrifying bacteria with oxygen for respiration and growth. The UVI Aquaponics System has continuous
energy requirements of 3 hp; a 0.5 hp circulating water pump, and two regenerative blowers; 1.5 hp for fish production tank
aeration and 1.0 hp for hydroponic bed aeration.
The electrical power rate in the US Virgin Islands for Commercial Service is $0.50719 per kWh consisting of the Base Rate:
$0.103832, Line Loss: $0.002196, Pilot Surcharge: $0.000686 and Fuel Charge: $0.400476 per kWh. This rate is three times
the US national average and hinders the development of aquaponics in the territory. Alternative energy is often proposed
as a solution to offset the high operational cost of electricity but an investment analysis is needed to determine if a capital
investment with finance payments is a better option.
Several alternative energy production scenarios exit, including solar, wind or mixed systems. Also, off-grid or grid-tied options
exist and must be considered. An off-grid solar system requires extra power generation capacity during the day and storage
batteries to operate the system through nighttime darkness as well as on overcast days, which adds to the capital investment
required
Investment analysis will study annual cash flow for an aquaponic system powered conventionally from the public utility and
compare with the alternative energy scenarios. Payback period, net present value and internal rate of return for each scenario
will be used to evaluate the use of alternative energy from an investment perspective.
43
BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE ORGANS OF Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus

AND Oreochromis niloticus FISH IN ASEJIRE DAM, OSUN STATE NIGERIA
O. T. Banjo* and K. D. Olawepo
Department of Fisheries Technology

Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology
P.M.B. 5029, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo-State, Nigeria.
otbanjo@fcahptib.edu.ng
The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the liver, gill, muscle and operculum of two fish species (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus
and Oreochromis niloticus) collected from Asejire water dam, Osun State Nigeria was investigated. Level of Cadmium (Cd),
Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni) and Lead (Pb) in the organs of the two selected fishes were analysed using atomic
absorption spectrophotometer.
The result of the analysis showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the accumulation of the heavy metals in all the organs
with Nickel (Ni) having the highest significant (p < 0.05) level of bioaccumulation (Figure 1 and 2). However, bioaccumulation
of heavy metal in each organ was lower than the recommended maximum permissible limits set by FAO, UNEP, FEPA and
WHO except the bioaccumulation of Nickel (Ni). Responsible disposal of sewage and industrial effluent is therefore advocated.
44
EFFECTS OF LIGHT QUALITY AND LIGHT QUANTITY ON LOUISIANA MICROALGAE/

CYANOBACTERIA CO-CULTURE
Jonathan Barnett*, M Teresa Gutierrez-Wing, Kelly A. Rusch, Jin-Woo Choi
Louisiana State University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
jbarn47@tigers.lsu.edu
In this era of depleting fossil fuels, interests towards renewable energy sources are being researched. Biofuels research,
particularly microalgae research, is becoming a viable option to help supplement and possibly replace fossil fuels. Oil
production from microalgae has been shown to be significantly higher compared to other biofuel sources such as corn or
soybean plants. Additionally, microalgae produce valuable co-products that are widely used in commercial applications. One
of the most important factors that affect the growth of microalgae is light. Light quality and light quantity have a dramatic
effect on the growth and production of lipids and pigments of microalgae. In this work, a native Louisiana co-culture containing
Chlorella vulgaris (microalgae) and Leptolyngbya sp (cyanobacteria) is being cultured as a possible source for lipids and
valuable pigments. The objectives of this study are to determine the effects of light quality and light intensity on the growth and
production of biomass, lipids and pigments as well as specie composition for the co-culture.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used as light sources to cover the visible light spectrum. The light colors and their
corresponding peak emission are: blue – 467 nm, green – 522 nm, yellow – 597 nm, red – 640 nm and white - narrow peak
at 453 nm and a broad peak from 500 to 700 nm. Three irradiance levels (80, 180, 400 µmol m-2 s-1) were tested in all five
wavelength distributions. The light that produced the highest growth rate was tested at 600, 800, 1000, 1200 and 2000 µmol
m-2 s-1 along with white as control. Nitrates, nitrites, orthophosphates and total phosphorus concentrations are taken at the start
and end of each experiment.
Data collected, indicates that at irradiances higher than 80 µmol m-2 s-1 the red LED produces the highest cell concentration (cells/
µL) and biomass. Irradiance level 80 µmol m-2 s-1 saw a specie composition shift from microalgae dominant to cyanobacteria
dominant.
Table 1: Representative example of the data collected. Data set represents results from the five lights at irradiance level 80 µmol
m-2 s-1. Mean (top, bold) and standard deviation (bottom) for the growth rates and biomass concentration are displayed. For cell
concentration microalgae (top) and cyanobacteria (bottom) concentrations are presented.
45
NOVEL ADVANCES FOR EVALUATION OF IMMUNE RESPONSES AGAINST Aeromonas IN

TELEOST FISH
Daniel R. Barreda*, Jeffrey J. Havixbeck, Aja M. Rieger, Michael E. Wong
Department of Biological Sciences and

Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G2P5
dan.barreda@ualberta.ca
Understanding of a disease process requires accurate assessment of interactions between host and pathogen. Recent advances
in cellular and molecular immunology now allow for detailed characterization of these events in aquaculture species despite
continued challenges in reagent availability (e.g. specific antibodies and probes). This study highlights the use of a combinatorial
approach for evaluation of immune responses against Aeromonas infection in fish. This is a highly virulent aquaculture-relevant
pathogen, whose infections are characterized by the presence of fin rot, tail rot, ulcers and hemorrhagic septicemia leading to
scale shedding, hemorrhages in the gills and anal area, exophthalmia, and abdominal swelling. Infections are most prominent
during times of stress, including changes in water temperature, water quality or hormone levels. Many carrier fish do not present
with external furuncles but are still capable of shedding bacteria into the environment at high rates (105-106 CFU/fish/hour).
Our results indicate that Aeromomas infection significantly impacts the CSF-1 immune regulatory axis at the site of infection
as well as systemically. Sustained promotion of inflammation is marked by continued infiltration of inflammatory leukocytes,
dramatic increases in the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates, phagocytosis, intracellular killing, and
expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Although this leads to significant cytotoxicity at the infection site, it unfortunately
has limited protective effects against this catalase-producing gram-negative bacterium. Systemically, we find that Aeromonas
colonization reduces proliferation activity among immune progenitor cells in the hematopoietic compartment, further limiting
the capacity of the host to mount appropriate immune responses, and opening the door for secondary infections. The relevance
of a novel soluble regulator of CSF-1 activity will be discussed in the context of pathogenesis and opportunities for disease
prevention.
46
PHYSICAL AND NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A SOFT-TEXTURE AND WATER-

STABLE AQUAFEED
Frederic Barrows, Jason Frost, Keshun Liu, Carly Stone
USDA/Agricultural Research Service

Bozeman, Montana, 59718
rick.barrows@ars.usda.gov
The majority of aquafeeds today are produced by cooking extrusion, which produces hard, dry and durable particles well
suited for most applications. These conventional feeds (CF), however, are not well accepted in some feeding situations such
as weaning from live feeds, grazing animals, and medicated feeds. A scalable process, using commercial equipment, was
developed by USDA/Agricultural Research Service to produce unique feed particles that are soft in texture, high in moisture
and stable in water (STF). Samples of CF, STF and STFD (dried) were evaluated for structural integrity after soaking in water
for 0, 0.25, 1, 2, 4, and 24 hrs, using a TA.XT Plus analyzer fitted with a triangle-slotted cutting blade (also known as Warner
Bratzler). The blade advanced downward, at a speed of 2 mm/second, to cut through each sample and the maximum force (g/
mm2) required was recorded. Initially (no soaking) CF required 436 g/mm2 to cut as compared to only 43 g/mm2 for STF and
29 g/mm2 for a fresh salmon fillet (Fig. 1). After 1 hour soaking CF had lost its structural integrity with only 6 g/mm2 required
to cut, while the STF remained stable at 1 hour (31 g/mm2 ) and after 24 hours (27 g/mm2). STFD required 476 g/mm2 cut
force which was similar to CF. After one hour of rehydration, however, the STFD regained the original soft texture with a cut
force similar to STF. The water stability of CF and STF was also determined. Each feed (100 g) was placed in a beaker, 500
ml water was added and placed in a heated water bath (20˚C) and shaken at 85 rpm for 24 hours. The samples were removed,
drained and sifted through a 2.7 mm screen with light rinsing and dried at 60oC for 24 hours, followed by 80˚C for 24 hours. The
feeds were then weighed and the percentage of dry weight retained calculated. After 24 hrs STF remained intact and retained
72% dry matter while CF disintegrated and retained only 17% dry matter (Fig. 2). This modified feed manufacturing process
does not require the addition of specific binders and texture can be modified through changes in formulation and/or processing
conditions. Standard ingredients can be used to produce fishmeal, animal or plant-based feeds. These studies show that STF
has excellent water stability in spite of its soft texture, and STF can be dried and screened to appropriate sizes and rehydrated
in a solution of vitamins and attractant for use as a weaning feed. STF was readily consumed by pompano, cobia, yellowtail
and several feeding trials are underway.
47
METABOLOMICS ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTAL FEED EFFECTS ON RED DRUM

(Sciaenops ocellatus)
Daniel W. Bearden*, Miki Watanabe, Justin Yost, Aaron Watson, John W. Leffler, Paul Sandifer
and Michael R. Denson
National Institute of Standards and Technology

Hollings Marine Laboratory
331 Ft. Johnson Rd.
Charleston, SC 29412, USA
dan.bearden@nist.gov
The effect that various feeds have on the fish metabolome, defined as the collection of small-molecule metabolites present in
an organism at a moment in time, may be helpful for providing insight into various feeding regimes or assessing the specific
impact of novel feed ingredients1. We have used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics protocols to assess
the response of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) to a variety of experimental diets and feeding protocols. In these experiments,
individual fish from an indoor recirculating aquaculture system are sampled, often at multiple time-points during grow out, for
multiple tissues. Sampling protocols are focused on rapid collection and snap freezing of tissues and plasma so that the extracted
metabolites are representative of the individual fish. NMR is used as the analytical tool for these studies because it provides
an unbiased, quantitative assessment of the small-molecule metabolite pool in biofluids or tissue extracts. The NMR spectra
from the individuals are complex, but by using pattern recognition techniques, differences between treatment groups emerge
and the biochemical basis for the differences in the groups can be identified. Once the metabolites that cause the differences are
identified they can be correlated to metabolic pathways and/or dietary input information. This multivariate, -omics assessment
is a powerful tool for investigation in aquaculture. We will report on recent findings from these studies.
1. (a) Schock, T. B.; Newton, S.; Brenkert, K.; Leffler, J.; Bearden, D. W., An NMR-based metabolomic assessment of
cultured cobia health in response to dietary manipulation. Food Chemistry 2012, 133 (1), 90-101; (b) Schock, T. B.; Duke,
J.; Goodson, A.; Weldon, D.; Brunson, J.; Leffler, J. W.; Bearden, D. W., Evaluation of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus
vannamei) Health during a Superintensive Aquaculture Growout Using NMR-Based Metabolomics. PLoS ONE 2013, 8
(3), e59521. (c) Simpson, M. J, and Bearden, D.W. : “Environmental Metabolomics: NMR Techniques”, eMagRes, Vol 2:
549–560. DOI 10.1002/9780470034590.emrstm1352, (2013).
48
METABOLOMICS ASSESSMENT OF TEMPERATURE AND FEED EFFECTS IN RAINBOW

TROUT AQUACULTURE
Daniel W. Bearden*, Carl Yeoman and Gibson Gaylord
National Institute of Standards and Technology

331 Ft. Johnson Rd.
dan.bearden@nist.gov
In anticipation of the potential climate change effects on Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) aquaculture, we have
implemented a program to investigate changes in the gut microbiome and system-wide metabolic signatures of trout as culture
temperatures are increased from 15 °C to 18 °C. These temperatures reflect the current raceway culturing temperatures that
are stably maintained by spring flows and the maximum predicted increases in culturing temperatures expected in 2050,
under projected increased hydraulic residence times and ambient air temperatures. Additionally, we are evaluating the use of
conventional fishmeal-based and the more sustainable plant-based diets. Changes in air temperature and water flow could bring
about significant changes in culturing stressors, and understanding the interplay of these varying conditions with modified diets
may lead to greater food security with economically achievable feed-based interventions.
The current abstract details the metabolomics approaches that involve the assessment of small-molecule metabolites in tissues
and biofluids to look for systematic changes in organisms under different conditions. The operating hypothesis of this approach
is that the instantaneous metabolite profile reflects the physiological status of the organism and a thorough understanding of
the metabolome and its dynamics can lead to diagnostic insight for individuals and populations. Our approach utilizes nuclear
magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics protocols to assess the response of the fish in this first phase of the study. The
experiment design is a 2 by 2 design of feed (fishmeal-based and plant-based) vs. water temperature (15 °C and 18 °C) with
baseline and 12-week sampling protocols of plasma, muscle and liver. Since NMR provides an unbiased assessment of the
metabolome, this discovery phase will illuminate the biophysical basis for adaptation to elevated temperatures and modified
dietary intake. We will report on early metabolomics findings from this research program.
49
CHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF CHANNEL AND HYBRID CATFISH

BY-PRODUCTS
Peter J. Bechtel*, John M. Bland, Karen Bett-Garber, Casey Grimm, Suzanne Brashear, Steven Lloyd,
Micheal Watson and Jeanne Lea
*Peter J. Bechtel. USDA-ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, Food Processing and Sensory Quality
Unit, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 286- 4448
E-mail: peter.bechtel@ars.usda.gov
The largest US aquaculture industry is producing and processing catfish in Mississippi, Alabama and other southern states In
the past channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) accounted for most of the aquaculture reared fish; however, now hybrid catfish
(channel X blue) account for an ever increasing percent of aquaculture reared catfish. Hybrid catfish have been reported to have
many desirable traits including a greater fillet yield and smaller heads. The major by-products parts from commercial catfish
processing are heads, viscera frames and skin, which are usually combined and made into fish meal and oil that are used as feed
ingredients. Valued added products for human and pet food ingredients can be made from some of the byproduct parts. The
first information needed is the protein, lipid, ash and moisture content of the byproduct parts; however, there are no definite
studies on the composition of commercially available channel or hybrid byproduct parts.
The objective of this study was to chemically characterize both channel and hybrid catfish parts including heads, frames,
viscera, skin and trimming. Triplicate samples of both channel and hybrid catfish heads, frames, viscera, skin and trimming
were obtained from the processing line of a large commercial catfish processor in Mississippi. Samples were kept on ice during
transport to the Southern Regional Research Center and then kept frozen until analyzed for percent moisture, lipid, protein,
ash, and their amino acid and fatty acid profiles determined and the content of the off flavor compounds; MIB and geosmin
determined.
The lipid content of samples were 13.6 % and 10.0 % for channel and hybrid skins, 17.7 % and 21.4 % for channel and hybrid
viscera, 20.0 % and 19.1 % for channel and hybrid frames, 9.7 % and 9.3 % for channel and hybrid heads and 19.2 % and 21.6
% for channel and hybrid trim. The protein content of samples ranged from a high of 22.8 % for channel catfish skins, to a low
of 13.4 % for channel frames. The average ash content was 6.7 % for heads, 4.8 % for frames and 0.6 % for skins. The moisture
content of samples ranged between 70.4 % and 59.5 %. Low levels of geosmin, less than 1 ppb, were detected in the byproduct
samples. The amino acid profiles indicated the catfish by-product parts were of high quality. Results from this study will be
used in the development of new value added products from catfish byproducts.
50
KAOLIN CLAY PROTECTS FISH FROM COLUMNARIS DISEASE
Benjamin H. Beck*, L. Matthew Barnett, Bradley D. Farmer, Eric Peatman
*United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Stuttgart National Aquaculture

Research Center, Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160 Benjamin.Beck@ARS.USDA.gov
Columnaris disease, caused by the bacterial pathogen Flavobacterium columnare, continues to be a major problem worldwide in
cultured freshwater finfish. Despite the far-reaching negative impacts of columnaris disease, safe and efficacious preventatives
and curatives for this disease remain limited. We evaluated the potential of kaolin (Al2Si205(OH)4), a type of clay, for the
prevention of columnaris disease. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fingerlings were experimentally challenged with
F. columnare in untreated water or with water containing kaolin (1 g/L). Over the 7 day course of study, kaolin treatment led
to significantly (P<0.001) improved survival (96%) as compared to untreated fish (78% survival). Histological examination of
gill tissue revealed that kaolin-treated fish had substantially less gill damage than untreated controls. Quantitative PCR analysis
of gill demonstrated that kaolin significantly reduced F. columnare adhesion (measured at 1 h post-challenge) and colonization
(24 h post-challenge). Incubation of kaolin with F. columnare in vitro demonstrated that kaolin reduced the number of
F. columnare cells in culture supernatants, presumably through the formation of physical complexes. In summary, kaolin can
improve survival, reduce gill pathologies, and reduce bacterial attachment to key tissues associated with columnaris disease in
channel catfish by binding to F. columnare.
51
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY OF INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS IN POLICING THEIR OWN

MEMBERS
Sebastian Belle
Executive Director
Maine Aquaculture Association
P.O. Box 148
Hallowell, Maine.
04347
Industry trade associations can take a number of different forms and serve many different roles for their members and the
public. The various forms and functions of trade associations are summarized with particular attention paid to the role trade
associations can play in the development of best management practices (BMPs) and Codes of Practice (COP). BMPs and COPs
are one way the private sector can improve business practices, increase ethical standards, take responsibility for and mitigate
any potential impacts operations may have other sectors, the environment and the public. BMPs and COPs take many different
forms and can address a broad range of issues. COPs tend to be “higher order” guidelines that identify aspirational goals and
make recommendations as to how sector participants should operate generally. BMPs tend to be more detailed and technically
based standards that focus on specific processes and methods. Effective BMPs must be based on a systematic process and
risk analysis, include some measurement metrics and should be verified through a regular audit process. BMPs are often the
operational means to achieve the aspirational goals established in an overarching COP.
In order for COPs and BMPs to effectively change the behavior and operations of individual members of a sector they must be
the product of a development process that “vests” sector members in their implementation. Sector members must feel it is in
their self-interest to comply with COPs and BMPs and that these collective aspirations and standardized management methods
should be used by all members of the sector. Trade associations play a critical role in this process by facilitating sector member
engagement in the development of COPs and BMPs, ensuring that different types of sector participants are fairly represented,
encouraging the inclusion of technical advice and innovation and serving as translators of sector needs and aspirations to the
public and regulatory communities. As intermediaries between sector members and the public and regulatory communities’
trade associations play a vital role in helping sector members respond to external concerns and in prioritizing how these
concerns are addressed through changes in operations and management practices.
Trade associations are ultimately responsible to their members. At times this responsibility may include pushing their own
members to embrace change. Trade associations are uniquely positioned to utilize peer pressure to increase sector member’s
compliance with COPs and BMPs.
52
OVERVIEW ON MARINE FISH AQUACULTURE IN THE AMERICAS
Daniel Benetti*, Jorge Arturo Suarez, John Stieglitz, Ron Hoenig, CarlosTudela
University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149, U.S.A.
Email: dbenetti@rsmas.miami.edu
Several commercially important species of tropical marine fish are currently being cultured in the US, Panama, Costa Rica,
Mexico, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Belize and the Bahamas. High-value species whose aquaculture
technologies are available at various levels of feasibility are cobia (Rachycentron canadum), yellowtail jacks (Seriola spp),
pompanos (Trachinotus carolinus), snappers (Lutjanus spp), mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), drums and corvinas (Scianidae),
snooks (Centropomidae), groupers (Serranidae) and tuna (Thunnus spp) – among others.
A number of state-of-art hatcheries have been built and are currently operating. Basic science on genetics, physiology and nutrition
is supporting the development of novel technologies for volitional broodstock spawning and mass production of fingerlings.
Simultaneously, selective breeding programs based on cross-breeding males and females of wild parental broodstock with
subsequent selection of the best progeny coupled with environmentally controlled maturation systems and improved nutrition
have been yielding promising and, in some cases, very good results of production. Firm protocols on early developmental
stages based on a proactive health management approach including the use of probiotics, prophylaxis and improved nutrition
of live feeds have been used to assist in mass producing fingerlings for the growout market. Growout methods are primarily
targeting the potential of exposed, high-energy areas of the open ocean using both submersible and gravity cages. Advanced
technologies are also being used for land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). As with the development of any new
industry, there are serious hurdles to overcome before commercial viability can be secured. Development of optimal feeds for
the new target species is at the top of the list of problems to resolve. A lack of knowledge about the nutritional requirements
and nutrient digestibility at the various life stages of most commercially important tropical and subtropical high-value marine
fish species being cultured has been identified as the major problem to be addressed and solved. Currently, economic feed
conversion rates remain extremely high, ranging from 2.0-3.0.
Marine fish aquaculture in the Americas is a reality. The infrastructure and logistics are in place as well as a strong and steady
market demand driven by thriving economies. The potential was identified, solid investments were and are being made, and
the industry is posed to continue to expand exponentially. The major hurdle faced by the industry to expand profitably remains
the persistent and recurring lack of adequate feeds for the species being raised commercially. We must collectively focus on
determining the nutritional requirements at different life stages of targeted species, aiming at formulating and manufacturing
more economically viable and ecologically efficient aquafeeds.
53
INNOVATION IN FISHERIES, AQUACULTURE AND SEAFOOD: THE CASE OF NORWAY
Ole Bergesen*
Department of Industrial Economics, Risk Management and Planning

N-4036 Stavanger, Norway
ole.bergesen@uis.no
The Norwegian seafood industry has experienced sustained growth for the past decades, primarily as a result of increased
aquaculture production. Earlier research has stressed the role of innovation and technological change as explanations for the
growth in aquaculture, but providing little detail about the innovation process. In this paper we use logit models to analyze
trends of innovation in the Norwegian seafood industry.
The dataset used for the econometric analysis is constructed by combining 5 innovation surveys with data on employment and
wage for the period 2000-2010. The surveys contain information with respect to three types of innovation; product innovation,
process innovation and radical innovation. Product- and process innovation represents innovations new to the firm, while
radical innovation represents innovations new to the market. Based on NACE-codes we divide the seafood industry into five
industrial subgroups: 1. Aquaculture farming 2. Aquaculture services (including juvenile production) 3. Fisheries 4. Food
production 5. Wholesalers. The combined dataset includes a total of 917 observations.
Aggregate innovation rates display a pattern where aquaculture favors process innovation over product innovation. Aquaculture
services have generally high innovation rates. Fisheries have very low innovation rates. Food producers and wholesalers display
a pattern of moderate innovation rates for all types of innovation.
The results indicate that a higher number of employees and wage level significantly increases the probability of product- and
process innovation. Revenue significantly decreases the probability of product- and process innovation. For radical innovation
the coefficients display the same pattern, but the effects are not significant. Aquaculture services are significantly more
innovative than aquaculture farming for all three types of innovation. Seafood production has a significant and positive effect
for product and radical innovation. Wholesalers are only significant for product innovation.
When we combine data on innovation rates with the econometric analysis a pattern emerges. Innovation in the aquaculture
industry is focused in services and juvenile production, not in farming. Further down the value chain both food producers and
wholesalers engage in product and process innovation.
54
REGULATORY BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Lauren Bernadett
laurenbernadett@gmail.com
The regulatory framework for aquaculture in the United States is seen as a major barrier to the growth of a United States
aquaculture sector that would provide economic opportunities, employment, and new sources of safe and sustainably farmed
domestic seafood. This framework comes from federal and state regulations and local rules, particularly those related to
permitting and leasing lands suitable for aquaculture. While many industries must grapple with overlapping regulatory
frameworks, the numerous regulations affecting aquaculture are particularly uncoordinated and negatively affect aquaculture’s
ability to grow to help meet demand.
However, initiatives across the country are helping to streamline and coordinate the regulatory framework for aquaculture,
and some states have set up regulatory systems that are more friendly to aquaculture. Many additional opportunities exist that
would help decrease barriers posed to aquaculture by regulations from all levels.
In order to share and deepen discussions on how to create a more functional regulatory framework for aquaculture, the speakers
at this session will identify regulatory barriers posed to aquaculture, recognize existing initiatives that help overcome these
barriers, and discuss further opportunities to create a more useable regulatory framework. The presentations will include
federal, state, local, and cross-jurisdictional topics.
55
DEVELOPMENT OF A FEED CONCENTRATE TO ENABLE REDUCED DEPENDENCE ON

FISH MEAL IN SHRIMP FEEDS
Bharadwaj, A.1, G. Chamberlain1, F. Olbrich2, S. Blezinger2, K. Karges2, B. Hill2
1
Integrated Aquaculture International (iAqua), St. Louis, MO 63129 USA anantb@iaqua.com
2
H. J. Baker & Bro., Inc., Westport, CT 06880 USA sblezinger@bakerbro.com
The global supply of fishmeal has plateaued at approximately 6 MMT per year but demand is increasing rapidly due to growth
in worldwide aquaculture production. From 2000 to 2010 aquaculture grew by 97% and increased its consumption of the world
fish meal supply from 33% to 73%. As the aquaculture feed sector has grown it has outcompeted other animal feed sectors
to secure the needed fish meal supply. As a result fish meal prices have roughly tripled in value since 2004. The growth in
aquaculture production will outstrip the world supply of fish meal necessitating alternate protein sources. Potential protein
alternates include oil seed meals (soybean meal, canola meal, corn gluten meal), protein concentrates (soy protein concentrate,
corn protein concentrate), rendered animal products (poultry by-product meal, feather meal, blood meal, meat and bone meal),
microbial and algal meals and novel products (insect and worm meals).
Fish meal is a complex ingredient and replacing it is more complicated than simply replacing protein. It is a source of essential
and non-essential amino acids, highly unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, cholesterol, vitamins and minerals, nucleotides,
attractants, bioactive compounds and growth promoters. Numerous alternates have been used to replace fish meal but each
of these varies in their nutrient composition and digestibility. Alternate sources of protein may, however, be deficient in one
or several nutrients and often a combination of ingredients is a better match for the nutrient requirements of an animals.
Conventional replacement strategies may result in over fortification of diets and it is a common practice to supplement with
crystalline amino acids to meet the target requirements of specific species. A proper balance of amino acids is required to
synthesize proteins and animal performance can be limited by the most deficient amino acid hence supplementation is used to
meet the requirements of the animal.
Shrimp, unlike fish, do not consume feeds quickly or as whole pellets and locate feed by smell which requires extended periods
of time. They also break down pellets into smaller particles before ingestion. Significant leaching losses of amino acids and
other nutrients can occur before the shrimp consume feed. H.J. Baker and iAqua have developed a feed concentrate that
resembles anchovy meal in its nutrient composition. This feed concentrate includes a proprietary amino acid premix that is
protected by a heat stable lipid coating. Leaching tests have indicated that loss of amino acids from submerged feeds is reduced
by 40% (from 70% to 30%) with the use of protected amino acids. Feeding trials with the feed concentrate and encapsulated
premix have shown significant improvements in performance in different species of shrimp. Shrimp fed reduced fishmeal or
fish meal-freed diets containing feed concentrates and the premix exhibited growth rates, feed efficiency and survivability
similar to those fed diets containing fish meal. These results will be presented.
56
SPECIES COMPOSITION AND SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS OF THE ARTICULTURAL

FISHER FOLKS OF THE COASTAL WATERS OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
Josef Bamidele Bolarinwa
Department of fisheries Technolopgy, Lagos State Polytechnic, P. M. B. 21606, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
bolabolero2007@yahoo.com
Tel: 08023014849
The survey of species composition of the coastal water of Ondo State, Nigeria, conducted for 18 months (June, 2011 – December,
2012) revealed the predominance of nine (9) fishes viz Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Oreochromis niloticus,
Chrysichthys nigodigitatus, Heterotis niloticus, Parachanna africana, Gymnarchus niloticus, Mugil cephalus and Ethmalosa
fimbriata. The study of the socioeconomic status of the fisher folks also showed that the male-dominated fishing populace,
81.4% of whom were married practiced mainly gill net fishing (50%) , followed by cast netting (23.1%). Access to credit,
extension services and improved fishing inputs were very low at 1%, 2% and 7% respectively. Poor recording habit cuts
across all the fishing communities. About 92% of the fisher folks did not keep records of transactions and catches despite the
relatively high level of literacy (60% of them had minimum of secondary education). Lack of awareness of fishing laws and
regulations was observed, hence the use of ¼ “and 1” meshed nets and obnoxious methods of fishing by some of the fisher
folks. Dearth of infrastructural facilities like health centres, training centres, post- harvest storage facilities, electricity and
water supply was observed in most of the fishing communities. The two major challenges facing them were high incidence
of water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) and oil spillage. This calls for governmental intervention in the area of training and
provision of infrastructures that would increase the living standard of the artisanal fisher folks of Ondo State..
57
REPRODUCTIVE AND SUBSEQUENT LARVAL FITNESS OF GULF KILLIFISH (Fundulus

grandis) EFFECTS OF CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO A WATER ACCOMMODATED FRACTION
OF MC-252 CRUDE OIL
Chelsea M. Bonner and Christopher C. Green
Aquaculture Research Station

Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
CBonner@agcenter.lsu.edu
A novel upwelling system was designed for large-volume water accommodated fraction (WAF) generation to investigate the
potential reproductive effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on a resident estuarine baitfish species commonly used in
aquaculture. The larger goals of this work are to investigate reproduction and trans-generational effects from chronic hydrocarbon
exposure under laboratory conditions. An upwelling system was used to generate a WAF of Macondo 252 (MC-252) crude oil
every 4 days for a 40-d static-renewal exposure period. Adult Gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis, from Louisiana were exposed
to either WAF or control treatment water in mesocosms containing sediment. Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (TPAH)
concentrations were characterized in treatment water across the exposure period using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy
analysis.
During the exposure period, liver tissue, gonadal tissue, and blood were sampled for gonadosomatic index (GSI) and
hepatosomatic index, and estradiol and testosterone levels, respectively. Following exposure, a 40-d spawning period was
initiated in which egg number, embryo viability, embryo
hatchability, spermatozoa quantity/motility, survival activity
index (SAI) and salinity tolerance of larvae, as well as larval
morphometrics upon hatch were analyzed. GSI was found to
be significantly lower in WAF-exposed males during exposure
and subsequently increased to near-baseline levels post-transfer
into WAF-free spawning tanks, while female GSI was not
significantly different during either period (Figure 1). WAF-
exposed males also showed lower total and motile spermatozoa
concentrations. Egg output was not significantly different
between the treatments; however, there were a significantly
greater number of unhatched embryos from WAF-exposed
females. SAI was significantly reduced in larvae from WAF-
exposed adults. There was no significant difference in salinity
tolerance LC50 values between treatments. These findings show
evidence for reproductive impairment for certain aspects of
reproduction following chronic exposure to hydrocarbons. This
could result in decreased reproductive output in aquaculture
systems using hydrocarbon-contaminated source water. In
addition, the large-volume upwelling system allows for future
oil toxicity testing on adult organisms for sustained exposure
regimes.
58
ADDRESSING HUNGER AND UNDERNUTRITION THROUGH SUSTAINABLE

AQUACULTURE PRACTICES
Jenna Borberg*, Paris Edwards, and Hillary Egna
AquaFish Innovation Lab

Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Jenna.Borberg@oregonstate.edu
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly 842 million people, or roughly one in eight people
in the world, suffered from chronic hunger and undernourishment from 2010-2012. Hunger is concentrated in developing
nations and especially effects women and children in poor, rural environments. As demand for animal-source protein continues
to grow, aquaculture stands out as an efficient and sustainable method of food production. The AquaFish Innovation Lab
(AquaFish), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Universities in the US and
participating host countries, works to address hunger and undernutrition in Africa and Asia through aquaculture research and
outreach.
AquaFish is working to increase production and meet the needs of a growing population by developing technologies and Best
Management Practices for efficient and sustainable aquatic production. Culturing species that require fewer inputs can reduce
financial and environmental cost, thereby improving sustainability. Many AquaFish projects involve finfish that are lower on
the food chain, such as tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and catfish (Clarias gariepinus),
which effectively convert smaller amounts of feed to body mass. Mollusks and aquatic plants are also part of the research
portfolio because they can be cultivated using no or few additional inputs and help to filter contaminants and improve water
quality. AquaFish research also focuses on farming small-sized fish, such as the cultivation of Mola (Amblypharyngodon mola)
in Bangladesh, where Mola are endemic and can be cultivated using no additional feeds. Many species of fish, particularly
small-sized fish eaten whole, are densely packed with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D and E), water-soluble vitamins (B complex),
and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine and selenium) (David, 2013; FAO, 2012). Mola stand out among other small-
sized fish due to high Vitamin A content (>2,500 μg RE/100g raw edible parts), in addition to beneficial levels of heme Iron,
Calcium, and Zinc (Wahengbam et al., 2012; Roose et al., 2003; Roos et al., 2002). The nutrients available in fish can help fill
the gaps that represent some of the most widespread deficiencies among vulnerable populations, specifically iron, zinc, and
vitamin A.
59
HERITABILITY OF RESISTANCE TO ENTERIC SEPTECEMIA OF CATFISH (ESC) IN

JUVENILE CHANNEL CATFISH.
Brian Bosworth1, Geoff Waldbieser1, Sylvie Quinou1, Brian Peterson 1, and David Wise2
1
USDA-ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit, PO Box 38, Stoneville, MS 38776 (662686-5460).
2
Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Mississippi State University, PO Box
197, Stoneville, MS 38776.
Enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), caused by the bacterium Edwardseilla ictaluri, is a significant disease problem in farm-
raised channel catfish. Selective breeding for increased resistance to E. ictaluri has potential to reduce mortalities and growth
inhibition associated with ESC, but little information on the heritability for resistance of channel catfish to E. ictaluri is
available. The objective of this study was to estimate heritability for survival following ESC challenge and determine the
potential for improving resistance to ESC in the Delta Select strain of channel catfish.
An E. ictaluri immersion bath challenge was conducted using 5,766 channel catfish fingerlings (mean weight = 28.8 g) from
98 full-sib families, including 41 paternal half-sib families and 8 maternal half-sib families. Three replicate aquaria per full-sib
family were challenged and mortalities were recorded for 30 days post challenge. Heritabilties for percent mortality and days
to death were estimated with MTDFREML software using two statistical models: the first model was a standard animal model,
the second model included dam as uncorrelated random effect to account for maternal effects associated with maternal half-sib
families.
Mean mortality was 55.8% and mean days to death was 18.7. The proportions of variance explained by factors in model 1
(standard animal model) for survival were: additive genetic variance 10% (h2=0.10), spawn 13%, replicate tank 3.9%, and
error 73%; and for days to death: additive genetic variance 19% (h2 = 0.19), spawn 12%, replicate tank 4.5%, and error 64%.
For model 2 (dam included as an uncorrelated random effect) the proportions of variance explained for survival were: additive
genetic variance 4% (h2=0.04), spawn 5%, dam 11%, replicate tank 3.9%, and error 76%; and for days to death: additive genetic
variance 10% (h2=0.10), spawn 3%, dam 13%, replicate tank 4%, and error 70%..
Heritabilities were reduced by about half for each trait by including dam as a random effect in the model, indicating
that some maternal environmental or maternal genetic effect influenced ESC resistance in offspring. The results
indicate that improving resistance to ESC in this population of channel catfish through selection will not be effective
given that heritabilities are low and not significantly different from zero for either survival or days to death following
challenge. However, understanding the basis for the apparent maternal effect on survival to ESC challenge could
provide insights into understanding resistance to E. ictaluri and managing ESC in farm-raised channel catfish.
60
DEVELOPMENT OF THE DELTA SELECT LINE OF CHANNEL CATFISH AND RESULTS OF

SELECTION FOR GROWTH AND CARCASS YIELD
Brian Bosworth and Geoff Waldbieser
Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit, USDA-
ARS, PO Box 38,
Stoneville, Mississippi 38776 (662-822-8022)
Development of a new line of channel catfish, referred to as the Delta Select line, was initiated at the Warmwater Aquaculture
Research Unit (WARU) in 2006. The line was established by collecting 10 to 13 spawns from each of 8 commercial farms in
the spring of 2006 and mature broodfish from another 2 commercial farms in the fall of 2007. Fish were sampled for DNA,
tagged to allow identification of farm and family of origin, and then allowed to mate at random in the spring of 2008 and again
in spring 2009 to establish a genetically diverse based population for selection. Parentage of spawns collected in 2008 and 2009
was determined by the use of DNA markers. Fry from each spawn were raised in separate family tanks at the WARU hatchery
until fingerlings were large enough to be tagged and then a random sample of tagged fingerlings from each family were stocked
communally in ponds and grown until approximately 18 months old. Fish were harvested and measured for weight and sex;
and a sample of 5 to 10 fish per family were measured for processing yield. Data on harvest weight and processing yield were
analyzed with an animal model to estimate heritabilities and breeding values for harvest weight and carcass yield. A selection
index with equal emphasis on harvest weight and carcass yield was used to select the population for increased harvest and
weight and carcass yield. Response to selection was determined by comparing harvest weight and carcass yield in offspring
from selected parents to offspring from a randomly selected control population derived from the same base population in 2012
and by estimating the correlation between mid-parent breeding values of selected parents from the 2008 and 2009 year classes
and phenotypes of their full-sib offspring from 2011 and 2012 year classes.
Currently, 15,329 individual fish have been measured for growth and 3,105 have been measured for carcass yield. These fish
were produced from 630 spawns produced by 334 male parents and 514 female parents. Estimated heritabilities are 0.33 for
growth and 0.36 for carcass yield. The correlation between mid-parent breeding values and full-sib offspring phenotypes were
0.50 for harvest weight 0.32 for carcass yield, which equate to accuracies of breeding value estimates of 0.8 for growth and 0.5
for carcass yield. Results indicate that growth rate was increased about 70 grams and carcass yield was increased 0.15% from
one generation of selection.
61
CHEMICAL TREATMENT COSTS REDUCED WITH IN-POND RACEWAY SYSTEMS
Lisa B. Bott*, Travis W. Brown, Luke A. Roy, Terrill R. Hanson
Alabama Fish Farming Center, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
lbb0006@auburn.edu
Production systems such as in-pond raceway systems (IPRS) and split ponds are providing an alternative to traditional pond
culture for raising catfish in several southeastern states. One advantage noted by farmers utilizing these systems is the reduced
cost associated with the chemical treatment of diseases. The Alabama Fish Farming Center (Greensboro, Alabama) and Auburn
University have been tracking the incidence of disease in IPRS since 2008. The most common diseases observed over this
time period include columnaris, enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), and Aeromonas hydrophila. There have also been cases
involving parasites such as trichodina, henneguya, ich, and others. Fish kills caused by disease outbreaks have varied in scope,
ranging from a few dead fish to thousands of kilograms depending on the disease and severity of infection. While disease
outbreaks are never desired, one advantage that IPRS have over traditional pond culture is they are much cheaper to treat with
chemicals.
The total treatment cost for formalin at 150 ppm in a 5 cell raceway (2.3 hectare pond) is $62.78 per treatment. In contrast, to
treat a 2.3 hectare pond at 20 ppm with formalin (1.67 m average depth), the cost would be $1,473 ($641/ha). Similarly, the cost
of treatment with KMnO4 is much less in an IPRS compared to a traditional earthen pond. The total treatment cost using KMnO4
for the 5 cell raceway system at 5 ppm would be $8.36 per treatment, while for a 2.3 hectare pond would cost $871 to $1,162
(3 and 4 ppm, respectively. The cost of chemical treatment in an IPRS system would also be less expensive than treating a split
pond production system since split-ponds have a larger fish culture area; approximately 20% of the total pond area.
In addition to the lower cost of treating the water in IPRS compared to traditional ponds it is easier to monitor and track
mortalities in an IPRS and inventory control is a vital component of modern livestock production systems that is missing in
commercial pond aquaculture systems. Farmers have also noted that due to increased feeding efficiency in these systems,
due to the smaller culture area compared to a traditional pond, it is much easier to verify the delivery and response of fish to
antibiotic feed in an IPRS. There is also considerably less time and labor, and hence costs, involved to treat raceways in this
system as compared to treating an entire pond. IPRS provide an alternative production method that can substantially reduce
chemical treatment costs, improve the treatment delivery efficiency and allow new chemical treatments that are cost prohibitive
in traditional pond settings. Several generations of the IPRS have now been experimented with and tried on commercial farms
and the reductions in operating costs are large and can help offset other inputs whose costs have increased, such as feed and
electricity.
62
PRODUCTION AND ECONOMICS OF AN IN-POND RACEWAY SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING

NICHE MARKETS WITH CATFISH
Lisa B. Bott*, Terrill R. Hanson, Luke A. Roy, Willard Powe, Jesse A. Chappell
Alabama Fish Farming Center, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama 36849
lbb0006@auburn.edu
Most commercial catfish farmers in the southeastern US sell their catfish to a processor. Unfortunately, due to fluctuations in
the supply and demand for catfish, prices have typically not kept up with production costs and fluctuate widely. Competition
from inexpensive foreign imports has compounded the problem by keeping the wholesale price of catfish down and has led to
lower prices for live fish. In order to obtain a higher price for catfish, one farm in west Alabama has developed an alternative
niche live market for catfish within the Asian grocery store community and is supplying it exclusively with hybrid catfish
produced in an in-pond raceway system (IPRS). Over the last two production seasons at Weissinger Lakes (Browns, AL),
catfish produced in the IPRS have been sold weekly to Asian markets located in multiple states. In 2012-2013, more than
half of the fish produced in the IPRS were sold to niche live markets while the rest were sold to large-scale processors. In the
following year (2013-2014), the market expanded and the fish produced in the IPRS were exclusively sold to niche markets at
a higher price than would have been obtained if selling to a processor.
The design of the IPRS system makes harvest of small amounts of fish (<1000 lbs weekly) feasible from the standpoint of
labor, time and money. Since fish are confined to raceway cells that are easily crowded and harvested by means of a boom
truck, a significant reduction in labor costs has occurred compared to harvesting larger traditional levee ponds. This has made
it economically feasible to harvest small amounts of fish on a weekly basis. The farm originally developed the niche market
for tilapia that were being raised in an indoor recirculating facility on their farm and later began supplying the same market
with catfish. Wholesale meat and fish companies have indicated that one stop shopping for a diversity of fish products from
a producer is desirable. In addition, some of the catfish have been sold for use in pay-out lakes (fee fishing) and for stocking
in private recreational fishing ponds, also at prices higher than would have been obtained by selling directly to a processor.
Production cycle 1 (2012-2013 ) showed an increase from $0.85/lb to $0.97/lb average price received as a result of the direct
marketing of catfish from the IPRS in Browns, Alabama. During production cycle 2, catfish were sold exclusively to live niche
markets. Production and economic results for both cycles as well as comparisons drawn between the two will be presented.
63
USE OF CHLORAMINE-T TO CONTROL MORTALITY OF TIGER MUSKY DIAGNOSED

WITH COLUMNARIS DISEASE
James D. Bowker*, Molly P. Bowman, Geofrey Eckerlin, and Andrew Noyes
Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership Program, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4050 Bridger
Canyon Road, Bozeman, Montana
jim_bowker@fws.gov
Columnaris (causative agent, Flavobacterium columnare) is a widespread fish disease of concern among fish culturists in the
United States. If left untreated, an entire population of fish may become infected, and morbidity and mortality may reach high
levels. In virtually all instances, an external columnaris outbreak requires intervention (e.g., improving water quality or fish
culture conditions and/or using chemotherapeutants) to reduce the bacterial load on fish. Several chemotherapeutants have
historically been used to control mortality caused by external columnaris and, of these, chloramine-T (CLT) is generally regarded
as one of the most effective. Recently, Halamid Aqua (100% CLT) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to
control mortality in freshwater salmonids due to bacterial gill disease and in walleye Sander vitreus and warmwater finfish due
to external columnaris. To expand the existing label to include control of mortality in all coolwater fish due to columnaris, an
additional field effectiveness study was required on a coolwater fish species other than walleye.
We conducted a study to demonstrate the effectiveness of CLT to control mortality in Tiger Musky (TGM) Northern Pike
Esox lucius × Muskellunge E. masquinongy fingerlings (mean length, 13.1 cm) naturally infected with external columnaris
disease. Eight test tanks were stocked with infected fish from a single reference population and completely randomized design
procedures were used to assign four tanks as treated and four tanks as controls. Treatments consisted of administering 20 mg/L
CLT for 60 min once daily for three consecutive days. The 3-d treatment period was followed by a 14-d posttreatment period.
For the treatment to be considered successful, it was determined a priori that, among other things, mean cumulative mortality in
treated tanks must be significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in control tanks, and that the dose of CLT administered had to be
within 20% of the target dose. In this study, mean mortality in treated tanks (12.6 ± 13.35%, mean ± SD) was significantly less
(P = 0.0145) than in control tanks (81.9 ± 22.92%). In addition, the mean analytically verified CLT concentration administered
to treated tanks was 20.6 mg/L (+1.2% relative to the target dose). Chloramine-T was not detected in control tanks.
Results from this study were submitted to the FDA for review. If accepted, we will request that FDA consider the relevant
effectiveness technical section complete, and we will encourage the sponsor to expand the label to allow use of CLT to control
mortality of all non-salmonids caused by columnaris.
64
WHEN GOOD STUDIES GO BAD AND HOW IT AFFECTS FISH DRUG APPROVAL EFFORTS
James D. Bowker*
Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership Program, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4050 Bridger
Canyon Road, Bozeman, Montana
jim_bowker@fws.gov
Research with live animals is itself a living, breathing thing to which Murphy’s Law certainly applies: anything that can go
wrong, eventually will go wrong. Virtually every researcher working with live animals has experienced that slightly nauseating
feeling and subsequent panic when something starts to go awry with a study. Fortunately, the investigator can often intervene,
salvage some or all of the study, and still report their findings in peer-reviewed literature. In most cases, all is not lost. In
aquaculture drug approval research in the United States, such happy endings are not as common. Investigators are required
to follow detailed U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-accepted study protocols and must report and address all
instances—no matter how trivial—in which there was a deviation from the protocol. Although researchers may contend that
the deviations did not impact the outcome of the study, deviations can lead to “non-concurrence” by the reviewing party, the
FDA. In other words, the study doesn’t count and the researchers are back to ‘square one’.
Over the years, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership Program and others have conducted
hundreds of studies to support FDA approval of aquaculture drugs. Most of these studies were conducted in near-accordance
with the associated protocols, and any deviations from the protocol were minor and did not affect the FDA reviewer’s decision
of whether or not the study was deemed successful. However, there have been numerous instances where these deviations did
result in non-concurrence. Such deviations have included things such as failure to confirm identification of the pathogen, using
fish in a study that had previously been treated with another antimicrobial, and mis-applying the treatments. Though these
mistakes can be easily avoided, they commonly occur when studies are conducted at remote locations by study participants with
limited experience conducting studies within a strict regulatory framework, such as that required for FDA approval. Having
experienced staff conduct the studies or assist in setting them up can mitigate the risk of deviations, but reduced budgets limit
the ability for AADAP staff to work onsite with study participants. It is often very difficult for the lead investigator to travel
to the study site in time to start the study or to get there at all. This limitation is compounded by the difficulty of coordinating
logistics remotely. This presentation will highlight some of the critical components of studies conducted to support aquaculture
drug approvals, how deviations that could have been fatal were handled to avoid non-concurrence, and how FDA reviewers
have viewed our attempts to salvage studies in which potentially fatal deviations have occurred.
65
EFFECTS OF A SOLID-STATE FERMENTATION PRODUCT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE,

INTESTINAL HEALTH AND APPARENT NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY IN RAINBOW TROUT
Oncorhynchus mykiss FED DIETS WITH HIGH LUPIN INCLUSION
P. H. Bowyer*, D. Merrifield, A. Rodiles, A. J. Vizcaino, J. Sweetman, S. J. Davies
School of Biological Sciences

Plymouth University,
Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA (United Kingdom).
peter.bowyer@plymouth.ac.uk
Exogenous enzymes are well established tools for improving nutrition, profitability and waste characteristics in terrestrial
monogastric livestock, particularly poultry; however their use in aquaculture remains limited. The use of such products is
particularly interesting given increasing trends towards higher inclusions of plant-derived ingredients which contain anti-
nutritional factors such as non-starch polysaccharides. This study was undertaken to study the effects of a natural solid-state
fermentation complex on performance, gastrointestinal health and nutrient digestibility of rainbow trout fed a high lupinmeal
inclusion diet.
Rainbow trout (43.58g ± 0.41) were stocked into quadruplicate 120L tanks at 12.5°C ± 1. For a period of 10 weeks, the fish
were fed a diet containing 30% dehulled yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus) and 0% (LC), 0.1% (S0.1) and 0.5% (S0.5) inclusion
of Synergen™ (Alltech, KY) (CP – 44.89%; CL – 20.69%; ash – 5.80%; GE - 21.62Mj/Kg). At the end of week 10, fish
were sampled for gut light and electron (scanning and transmission) microscopy, gastric and intestinal enzyme activity (via
standardized spectrophotometric method) and gut microbiology (via Next Generation Sequencing). Remaining fish (159.57g
± 12.27) were restocked into triplicate tanks and fed with their original respective diets for a further 7 days, after which faeces
was manually stripped from all fish. Macro nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients were determined along with mineral
apparent digestibility coefficients (via inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy).
A significant difference in specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, fish weight gain and final fish weight was observed
among the experimental treatments (P<0.01). Synergen™ inclusion at 0.5% consistently resulted in improvements of these
parameters over the LC and S0.1 diets. Synergen™ inclusion displayed positive modulating effects on absorption capacity
in the anterior intestine with increased leucine aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase activity (P<0.05). No significant
differences in total alkaline protease, trypsin or chymotrypsin activity were observed between treatments in anterior intestinal
chyme (P>0.05). The apparent digestibility coefficients of crude protein, gross energy, Ca, K, Mg, Mn and P were significantly
improved by Synergen™ inclusion (P<0.05).
The results suggest that 0.5% inclusion of Synergen™ can increase nutrient availability, digestive capacity and subsequently
promote fish and feed performance in temperate salmonid aquaculture. This could be attributed exogenous protease, carbohydrase
and phytase activities and interactions.
Further Analyses of intestinal morphology, gastric and mucosa-associated digestive enzyme activities and microbiome
composition of the gut are ongoing.
66
DEVELOPING RESTED HARVEST STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF FARM-

RAISED RAINBOW TROUT Oncorhynchus mykiss
John Bowzer* and Jesse T. Trushenski
Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL 62901
Bowzer.john@siu.edu
Harvesting fish for slaughter commonly elicits a generalized stress

response due to handling and crowding which can negatively affect
meat quality and processing (e.g., taste, shelf-life, filleting efficiency).
The use of sedatives for ‘rested harvest’ may be beneficial in terms of
reducing pre-slaughter stress levels in fish and improving post-slaughter
fillet quality while also being perceived as a more humane practice.
Accordingly, we evaluated two electrosedation waveforms, a

chemosedative, and manual percussion slaughter to gauge whether these
harvest techniques could promote rested harvest protocols for rainbow
trout (Table 1). Briefly, quadruplicate groups of fish (10 fish/group, ~520
g/fish) were exposed to 3 minutes of crowding and chasing to simulate
harvest stressors followed by slaughter (dewatering or percussion).
Treatments were evaluated in terms of time to mortality, time to rigor,
and post-mortem blood chemistry profile.
Time to mortality was significantly longer in fish treated with eugenol

(Figure 1). Additionally, glucose was significantly elevated in the
Waveform A, eugenol, and percussion treatments compared to the
control while lactate was significantly lower in the percussion treatment
(Figure 1). All treatments reached full rigor within 180 min except the
percussion treatment. Results will be discussed in terms of processing
efficiency, indicators of animal welfare, product quality, and consumer
perception.
67
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF A MARINE AQUAPONIC SYSTEM PRODUCING RED DRUM

Sciaenops ocellatus AND SEA PURSLANE Sesuvium portulacastrum
Suzanne Boxman*, Sarina Ergas, Kevan Main, Maya Trotz
University of South Florida

4202 East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33620
boxmans@mail.usf.edu
Aquaponic systems are considered more environmentally benign than conventional aquaculture systems, due to water and
nutrient recycling; however, the environmental impact of these systems has not been empirically established. Life cycle
assessment (LCA) is a tool used to assess the environmental impact of products or processes. It has previously been used to
evaluate fisheries and recirculating aquaculture systems; however, no prior LCAs have been reported on aquaponic systems.
The goal of this research was to apply LCA to a commercial-scale marine aquaponic system at Mote Aquaculture Research Park
in Sarasota, FL (Figure 1) and to quantitatively determine if water and nutrient recycling in these systems reduce environmental
impacts of land-based fish production.
LCA is comprised of four steps: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. The
impact assessment was performed using SimaPro 7.0 (PréConsultants, The Netherlands) using data collected during system
construction and operation.
The main function of the system was the production of red drum; therefore, the functional unit was 1 ton harvest-ready live-
weight red drum. Since sea purslane was a secondary product, system expansion was used to avoid difficulties allocating the
environmental impacts between the two products. The production of sea purslane was assumed to result in the avoidance of
marginal fertilizer and pesticide use. It was also assumed that recirculation of water through the sea purslane resulted in avoided
water use for irrigation. Preliminary results indicate that reduced energy use and fish feed had the greatest environmental
impacts. The avoidance of fertilizer and pesticide use resulted in minimal reduction in environmental impact. Future work will
explore the relationship between the economic benefits of sea purslane production combined with the environmental impacts
of aquaponic food production.
68
IS COPPER SULFATE APPLICATION TO AQUACULTURE PONDS A FOOD SAFETY

CONCERN?
Claude E. Boyd
School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

Auburn University, Alabama 36849 USA
boydce1@auburn.edu
Those involved in certification and buyer standards for aquaculture products are concerned about the use of copper sulfate in
ponds to control blue-green algae responsible for off-flavor and certain other unwanted organisms. Although copper sulfate is
highly soluble, copper from copper sulfate does not persist in water; it is precipitated as copper oxide, absorbed by plants, or
adsorbed by the bottom soil. The treatment dose varies between 0.05 and 0.5 mg/L of copper depending upon the alkalinity
of the water, and several applications are sometimes necessary. Copper concentrations following copper sulfate application,
however, decline to pretreatment levels within 48 to 72 hr, and copper in sediment is not highly available to the water column.
Copper sulfate also is widely used to control algae in municipal water supply reservoirs, and the USEPA drinking water
standard is 1.3 mg/L
Copper is an essential nutrient in human diets being important in many enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Nearly all foods contain
copper. Lean meat typically contains about 1 to 5 mg/kg (fresh weight), but organ tissue such as liver contains several times
as much. Fish contain similar concentrations of copper as found in other meats, but shrimp and other invertebrates tend to
have a higher copper concentration. Shrimp tails contain 1 to 8 mg/kg of copper, and even greater concentrations are found in
crabmeat. The recommended daily dietary requirement for adults is 0.9 mg/day and the recommended tolerable amount is 10
mg/day. Note also that the USEPA standard for drinking water would allow a copper intake of 4.81 mg/day at the recommended
daily adult water intake of 3.7 L.
Studies have shown no increase in copper concentration in ictalurid catfish associated with copper sulfate use in ponds, but
similar studies have not been done with other species. Nevertheless, copper concentrations in shrimp that have been reported
for ponds treated with copper sulfate were no higher than concentrations found in the literature for shrimp from ponds not
treated with this chemical.
A 200-g portion of shrimp containing 8 mg/kg of copper would represent an intake of 1.6 mg of copper – far below the tolerable
level. An equal portion of beef liver would contain more copper than continued in shrimp. Although a comparison study could
be made of copper concentration in shrimp from replicated copper sulfate-treated ponds and control ponds, there does not really
appear to be a valid food safety concern over copper sulfate use.
69
SPOTTED GAR: DARWIN’S “LIVING FOSSIL” AS A NEW MODEL TO STUDY THE GENOMIC
BASIS OF VERTEBRATE EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT
Ingo Braasch*, Peter Batzel, Ryan Loker, Jason Sydes, Angel Amores, Quenton Fontenot, Allyse Ferrara,
and John H. Postlethwait
Institute of Neuroscience
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1254
ibraasch@uoneuro.uoregon.edu
Lepisosteidae (gars) are holostean rayfin fish that diverged from teleost fish shortly before a whole genome duplication event in
an ancestor of the teleost lineage. Gars are one of Darwin’s defining examples of ‘living fossils’ and the analysis of gars holds
many clues to the ancestry of vertebrate gene functions and provides connectivity among vertebrate genomes.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of the spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) became recently available as the first non-
teleost rayfin fish genome. The unduplicated genome of the spotted gar thereby provides important insights into rayfin gene
functions before the teleost genome duplication (TGD) and lets us trace the patterns of gene duplicate evolution in teleosts
following this ancient polyploidization event that has shaped the genomic basis of development, morphology, physiology, and
behavior of all teleosts used in aquaculture today.
In addition to its use as a genomic model and aquaculture species, spotted gar can be reared in the laboratory providing embryos
and adults. Spotted gar is thereby amenable to study spatio-temporal patterns of gene expression during development, and
chemical treatments and other developmental techniques can be applied for functional testing of hypotheses about the origin
of gene activities in divergent fish lineages. Using these advantages of the spotted gar, we analyzed the functional evolution of
numerous gene families that are of major importance for fish development and morphology comparing gar to teleosts.
For example, the transcription factor prrx2, a gene lost in clupeocephalan teleosts but present in the basal teleost lineages of
elopomorphs (eels) and osteoglossomorphs (bony tongues), is expressed in spotted gar fin buds like its ancient duplicate prrx1.
This forces the seemingly paradoxical conclusion that regulatory mechanisms for fin expression domains of prrx genes existed
before the evolution of paired fins that emerged after the prrx1/2 precursor duplication.
Using spotted gar as a pre-TGD representative and taking advantage of the differential genomic reshuffling following the
TGD, we analyzed lineage-specific retention of duplicated genes in teleosts and their linked putative gene regulatory elements
among basally diverging teleost lineages (clupeocephalans, elopomorphs, osteoglossomorphs). This helps us to predict targets
of regulatory elements that we are testing in vivo in transgenic reporter assays. For example, we find major differences among
these teleost lineages and gar in their retention of the dmrt cluster genes involved in gonad development and sex determination
and their embedded conserved non-coding elements (CNEs), which are major candidates for gene regulatory regions.
70
USING SPAWNING DESIGN TO INCREASE THE GENETIC EFFECTIVE POPULATION

SIZE OF HATCHERY-PRODUCED SPOTTED SEATROUT (Cynoscion nebulosus) IN SOUTH
CAROLINA
Karl Brenkert*, Tim O’Donnell ,Tanya Darden, and Michael R. Denson
Marine Resources Research Institute

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Charleston, SC 29412
brenkertk@dnr.sc.gov
Spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) are a popular recreational fish species in the southeastern United States. In 2011,
the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) began a three year pilot-scale stock enhancement study to
determine the feasibility of using hatchery-reared fish to augment natural populations following significant winter kill events
in South Carolina. When beginning a stock enhancement program, it is important to understand and evaluate the potential
negative impacts of stocking on the genetic diversity of the wild population. As such, it is incumbent upon hatchery managers
to develop spawning designs which seek to maximize the genetic diversity of the release population. Of critical importance to
maximizing genetic diversity in hatchery-produced fish is maximizing individual broodstock contribution to spawning events.
Broodstock spawning trails conducted in South Carolina between 2012-2014 were intended to identify hatchery protocols that
would increase individual broodstock participation and thus improve the genetic effective population size (Ne) of hatchery-
produced spotted seatrout. In 2012, the spawning hormone hCG was administered to 3-4 females with oocyte diameters greater
than 400 µm in each of 3 spawning systems in order to initiate spawning. In 2013, all spawning events were volitional and
no spawning aids were utilized; while in 2014, hCG was administered to all broodstock in the spawning systems, both males
and females, regardless of oocyte diameter. Genetic parentage analysis conducted on approximately 50 larvae following both
volitional and hormone-induced spawning events revealed broadly distributed male contribution, however, early season spawns
were typically less diverse and dominated by a single male. Female participation in spawning events was limited to 1 or 2
females per spawn in both 2012 and 2013, but increased to as many as 4 females per spawn in 2014. These results suggest that
hatchery managers seeking to increase the genetic diversity of hatchery-produced spotted seatrout should avoid using the first
spawns of the year to maximize male contribution and should use spawning aids on all females in a spawning system in order
to improve female participation.
71
STAGE-SPECIFIC VULNERABILTY OF JUVENILE COMMON SNOOK TO SPINAL

DEFORMITY: MORPHOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO WATER VELOCITY AND REARING
ENVIRONMENT
Brennan, N. P.*, Yanes-Roca, C., Lemus, J., and Main K.L.
Mote Marine Laboratory

874 WR Mote Way
Sarasota, FL 34240
nbrennan@mote.org
\Spinal deformity is a common obstacle in finfish aquaculture and has been attributed to a variety of causes including nutritional
deficiencies, rearing environment, and genetic heritability. Earlier research with common snook Centropomus undecimalis,
has shown that spinal deformity can be induced (42% in treatment groups) by subjecting 70 days-post-hatch juveniles (DPH)
to water currents (Brennan et al., unpublished data). The present study examined earlier stage-specific vulnerability to spinal
deformity influenced by water flow. At 40 DPH (0.54g mean wt.) snook were removed from the nursery rearing tanks and 120
individuals were stocked into each of 4 replicate experimental tanks (circular, 1.54 m diameter x 60 cm depth) containing either
continuous water currents (“fFlow” treatment, water currents ≈110 mm/s [2-4 body length/s] or control “no flow” treatments
with no obvious water currents [0±12 mm/s]). Using automatic belt feeders juvenile snook were fed daily with 3 mm diameter
slow-sinking pellet feed (1-5% body wt./d, 40% protein, 11% lipid).
Visual examination of the study fish occurred at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 weeks after study onset to collect data on weights, lengths
and visual deformity estimates. Spinal deformities were categorized as lordotic, kyphotic, or scoliotic, and enumerated in
an anterior-to-posterior order of occurrence. On week eight, all fish from each tank (about 1,600 total fish) were harvested,
anesthetized, and individually weighed and examined for spinal malformities. Each fish was also digitally photographed from a
standardized camera mount. Fish were photographed on their sides and were aligned along a mounted ruler on a standardized
mount.
Overall, juveniles exposed to “flow” treatments for 8 weeks has significantly higher rates of spinal deformities (treatment
mean= 82%, control mean =34%) and these rates were approximately twice as high as 70 DPH snook observed in an earlier
study subjected to the same duration and intensity of flow treatment (82% versus 44%). A subset of fish, removed from the
production cohort at 25DPH, and held in a separate control “no flow” system was also examined at this time and these had 0%
spinal deformity indicating that some of the observed deformity in the control tanks originated in the production cohort system
prior to study onset. Morphometric analysis of the digitized images showed that snook subjected to the experimental flow
conditions were more “muscular”, had proportionally larger heads, higher dorsal profiles and shorter fins. The severity of the
particular spinal deformities also increased over time.
72
EFFICACY OF CHANNEL CATFISH PITUITARY EXTRACT ON INDUCED SPAWNING

PERFORMANCE OF PINFISH Lagodon rhomboides AND PIGFISH Orthopristis chrysoptera
Jason S. Broach*, Cortney L. Ohs, Matthew A. DiMaggio, Christopher C. Green, and D. Roger Yant
University of Florida
Indian River Research and Education Center
2199 South Rock Rd.
Fort Pierce, FL 34945
jbroach@ufl.edu
Pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides, and pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera, are distributed along the eastern and southeastern coastline
of the United States. Both species are popular marine baitfishes and have been listed within the top five species with culture
potential for the saltwater fishing industry in regions where they occur. Research has indicated ease of spawning for both
species after hormone injections as well as maintenance of photo-thermal conditions conducive for spawning. Efficacy of
piscine pituitary extracts on spawning induction has yet to be evaluated for either species. For both species, the efficacy of
channel catfish pituitary extract (CCPE) was evaluated on spawning induction and spawn quality (including egg output, egg
viability, egg and larval morphology, and larval viability).
Mature pinfish and pigfish broodfish were anesthetized and CCPE was administered into the coelomic cavity. For both species,
one of four dosages (5, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg) were used for a single female which was paired with a single male that received
half of the corresponding female dosage and stocked separately into 1,600-L tanks. Ovaprim® was used a positive control
treatment in eight additional replicate broodfish pairs. Tanks were checked daily for spawning activity, up to 72 hours after
hormone administration. Spawns were measured volumetrically for egg enumeration and assessed based on egg and larval
viability, and egg and larval morphology. Data were analyzed with either logistic regression or ANOVA depending on the type
of data, and a P-value of 0.05 chosen to determine statistical significance. CCPE failed to induce spawning in pinfish at any
dosage administered (Table 1). CCPE induced spawning in pigfish among all dosages administered, although there were no
statistically significant differences in spawning frequency. Further results of spawn quality for CCPE administered into pigfish
will be presented.
73
EFFECTS OF NUTRITIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES DURING EARLY

LARVAL CULTURE OF PIGFISH Orthopristis chrysoptera
Jason S. Broach*, Cortney L. Ohs, Matthew A. DiMaggio, Audrey H. Beany, Andrew T. Palau,
and Scott W. Grabe
2199 South Rock Rd.
jbroach@ufl.edu
The pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera, is a marine fish commonly used as bait for recreational fishing throughout coastal areas
of the southeastern United States. Pigfish may volitionally spawn in captivity and juveniles can be cultured at low salinities
and high densities. Many technical aspects of pigfish larval aquaculture are still unknown and are the impetus for evaluating
important nutritional and environmental variables that are critical to larval survival and growth. Five studies were conducted
with larval pigfish to examine the effects of commercial rotifer enrichments (OriGo, AlgaMac 3050, and DHA Protein Selco),
rotifer feeding density (5, 10, and 20 rotifers/mL), larval stocking density (50, 75, 100, and 125 larvae/L), feeding regime (once
daily rotifer feedings vs. twice daily), and algal density (250,000 and 500,000 cells/mL of T-Iso or Nannochloropsis oculata)
on development, growth, and survival.
The larval culture system was comprised of 14.75-L tanks flushed with continuous flow through seawater with a minimum
daily water exchange of 200 %. Larvae were stocked at 0 dph into multiple replicate tanks (n ≥ 5) for each treatment in
all experiments and fed rotifers beginning at 2 dph. Larvae were sampled at 5 and 10 dph and photographed for growth
measurements. Survival was determined from larvae harvested at 10 dph. Survival was significantly affected (P-values ≤ 0.05)
by treatments in all experiments, and growth at 10 dph for the larval stocking density experiment (Table 1). DHA Protein Selco,
rotifer feeding density of 20 rotifers/mL, once daily feeding regime, 50 larvae/L density, and T-Iso density of 500,000 cells/mL
yielded the highest survival in their respective experiments. These studies illustrate the importance of nutrition and husbandry
environment during early larval culture of pigfish.
74
THE GERMAN WHITEFISH MARKET: AN APPLICATION OF THE LA/AIDS MODEL USING

RETAIL-SCANNER-DATA
M.Sc. Julia Bronnmann
University of Kiel
Institute of Agricultural Economics
Wilhelm-Seelig-Platz 6/7
24118 Kiel /Germany
Email: Julia.Wiegand@ae.uni-kiel.de
Whitefish is one of the largest segments in the global seafood market. The whitefish market includes traditional wild caught
species; cod, Pollack and Alaska-Pollack, and the more recent introduction of aquaculture species; pangasius and tilapia.
The study describes the price development of pangasius and tilapia over the study period. The contribution of this study is in
estimating the demand structure for the five whitefish species in Germany using retail scanner data. The underlying panel is a
unique dataset covering whitefish purchases in more than 1.300 German retail stores over a period of five years.
As shown in Figure 1, the prices of wild whitefish species are relatively stable over the period 2008 to 2012. However, the
prices for aquaculture species are more volatile. As expected, price of pangasius ranges in the lower price segment: on average
0.68€/100g. Interestingly, the price for tilapia ranges in the upper price segment: on average 1.13€/100g. Notice the major
price drop for tilapia first in 2010 as a result of the increased production of China and again in 2012, after the flood in Thailand.
For estimation, the general form of the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) with linear approximation (LA) is used.
Expenditure-, own-price- as well as cross-price elasticities are calculated and reported in Table 1. The demand for whitefish on
the German market is relatively inelastic with the exception of cod and Pollack. Expenditure- and cross-price elasticities are
generally moderate.

75
76
CREATING THE AQUAPONIC LEARNING LABORATORY AT THE GEORGE B. BROOKS,

SR., COMMUNITY SCHOOL, ROOSEVELT SCHOOL DISTRICT, PHOENIX ARIZONA
George B. Brooks, Jr.*, and James Hicks
RighTrac Inc.
4518 W. Sheridan Street, Phoenix, AZ 85035-2234
george@rightracinc.com
Recognizing the need for an, “innovative community incubator of education and success” within its urban South Phoenix
service area, the Roosevelt School District created the George B. Brooks, Sr., Community School. Its mission is to promote the
wellness of families and children in south Phoenix by supporting and leveraging the efforts of a broad range of organizations
with shared visions.
Inside the school’s 13,000-ft2 greenhouse, an Aquaponics Learning Laboratory (ALL) was created as part of a self sustaining
hands on effort to teach S.T.E.M. (Science Technology Engineering and Math) subjects along with teacher in-services, culinary,
healthy living and small business. The challenge was to build within an approximately 1,300-ft2 space, a facility demonstrating
as many types of aquaponics as possible while meeting the educational goals.
BUILDING THE ACCREDITED AQUAPONICS COURSE AT MESA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

MESA ARIZONA, AGS166
George B. Brooks, Jr.*, and Peter Conden
RighTrac Inc.
4518 W. Sheridan Street, Phoenix, AZ 85035-2234
george@rightracinc.com
The mission of the Mesa Community College Urban Horticulture program is to prepare students for careers in wholesale or
retail nurseries, landscape design, construction companies, or landscape management firms. Increasing in popularity thanks to
drought, health, food security and sustainability, issues is aquaponics, a form of recirculating aquaculture where edible plants
are often used as the biofilter. AGS166 at Mesa Community College is the first college-accredited course in Arizona to address
this opportunity.
A full semester 3 unit class, AGS166 focused on, “The establishment, care, and selection of facilities for commercial production
of animals and plants in a water-based closed system.” The challenge faced however, was creating a pedagogy were ecology
and social economic and environmental sustainability create the understanding of how and why aquaponics works and how it
can be used to serve the needs of humanity. NOTE: Co-author Peter Conden is the Director of the Urban Horticulture program
at Mesa Community College.
77
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF INTENSIVE, POND-BASED CULTURE SYSTEMS FOR

CATFISH PRODUCTION IN MISSISSIPPI: YEAR ONE
Travis W. Brown*, Eugene L. Torrans and Craig S. Tucker
Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center

USDA-ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit
141 Experiment Station Road, P.O. Box 38
Stoneville, MS 38776
travis.brown@ars.usda.gov
Catfish farming is the leading form of aquaculture in the U.S. and has a significant economic impact in the southern states.
Increased feed and energy costs, and competition from foreign imports have recently caused catfish farmers to intensify
production as a means of improving efficiency and profitability. Many intensive systems have recently been constructed on
commercial operations and some believe they are more controllable and efficient at producing catfish than traditional large
ponds. Thus, this study characterized and evaluated the production efficiencies of a number of these new culture systems on
three commercial catfish farms in Mississippi as a joint effort with researchers in Alabama and Arkansas.
In Mississippi, two intensification techniques are most common. The first approach is to stock catfish at high densities in small
commercial ponds (2 to 6 water acres) and install more aeration (5 to 15 hp per acre). Another approach is to modify a catfish
pond into a split-pond aquaculture system and confine fish into a small basin about 15 to 50% of the total pond area which is
intensively managed. All systems utilized 3, 10, or 15-hp electric paddlewheel aerators. Two pumps types, high-speed screw
pumps and slow-rotating paddlewheels (SRPs), are currently being used to circulate water between the fish-culture basin and
waste-treatment lagoon in split-ponds. Conveyance structures for screw pumps are normally circular pipe (steel and/or plastic)
that range in diameter from 2.0-3.0 ft and 40-80 ft long as compared to open concrete channels (10-12 ft wide and 3.0-4.0 ft
deep) used with SRPs. Power input ranged from 0.14-10.28 hp at water flow rates of 6,100-17,800 gal/min with efficiencies of
800-36,500 gal/min/hp for both pump types. The percentage of energy used to pump water compared to total energy used to
produce fish (aeration and pumping) decreased with increased pump efficiency and ranged from 15.4-21.9% for screw pumps
and 2.2-3.4% for SRPs. Year one results for hybrid catfish culture were impressive with net annual production that ranged from
10,600-16,800 lb/acre, survival rate of 61.7-96.3%, and FCR (feed conversion ratio) of 1.8-3.6 for intensively aerated small
acreage ponds. In contrast, split-ponds had net annual production of 14,300-18,100 lb/acre, survival rate of 82.1-91.2%, and
FCR of 1.8-2.4. Direct energy use for dedicated and emergency aeration, and water pumping was 0.336-1.063 kW-h/lb of fish
produced and 0.416-0.630 kW-h/lb of fish produced for intensively aerated small acreage ponds and split-ponds, respectively.
Intensified, pond-based production systems will likely continue to draw the interest of catfish farmers in the future and
conceivably other aquaculture growers. However, definitive recommendations cannot be made without proper understanding
of production efficiencies and thorough economic analysis.
78
CHARACTERIZATION OF INNATE IMMUNE PARAMETERS IN YELLOW PERCH

Perca flavescens FED BIOPROCESSED SOYBEAN MEAL DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH
MINERALS AND POLYSACCHARIDES
Timothy J. Bruce*, Scott C. Sindelar, Dustin A. Schulz, and Michael L. Brown
Department of Natural Resource Management

South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
timothy.bruce@sdstate.edu
The use of bioprocessed plant-based ingredients to replace marine-derived fish protein (MDFM) has gained momentum
with the potential for reducing feed cost and exploitation of wild fish stocks. Bioprocessed plant-based feedstuffs may also
provide immunostimulatory enhancements, producing additional fish health benefits for aquaculture species. Minerals and
polysaccharides have also been added to aquafeeds to both evaluate and augment fish immune parameters such as macrophage
activity, cytokine signaling, and antibody formation.
A 30-day feeding trial with bioprocessed soybean diets supplemented with minerals or polysaccharides was performed with
yellow perch (Perca flavescens) (Table 1). The study was conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system and fish were fed
1% of body weight daily. Juvenile yellow perch (54.03±1.76 g) were stocked in 30-gallon acrylic tanks at a density of 22 fish/
tank. Fish were sampled on Day 7 and Day 25 to collect sera, head kidney macrophages, and spleens. On Day 25, fish were
challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection and sampled for similar immune metrics at 24h and 5d post-injection.
Head kidney macrophages were cultured and assessed for superoxide production with nitro blue tetrazolium reduction and
phagocytosis using flow cytometry. Serum samples were assessed for alternative complement activity (ACH50 titer), lysozyme
content, and IgM levels.
Short-term respiratory burst activity was significantly different at Day 7 (P=0.01), with the low inclusions of b-glucans
(OD620=0.563) and zinc (OD620=0.548) compared to the commercial exopolysaccharide (OD620=0.326). Phagocytic rate was
not found to be significantly different (P=0.11) at Day 7. Preliminary results indicate a variation in short-term innate immune
responses as a result of feeding mineral and polysaccharide supplemented bioprocessed soybean meals.
79
IMMUNOMODULATION IN YELLOW PERCH Perca flavescens FED BIOPROCESSED

SOY-BASED DIETS WITH VARYING INCLUSION LEVELS OF COMMERCIAL
EXOPOLYSACCHARIDE
Timothy J. Bruce*, Scott C. Sindelar, and Michael L. Brown

Brookings, SD 57007
timothy.bruce@sdstate.edu
Plant-based feedstuffs as fish meal (FM) protein replacements have the potential for reducing feed costs and providing
comparable performance in aquaculture stocks. Bioprocessing has become a major component of plant-based ingredient
production and novel microbial conversion processes have allowed for enhanced protein content, elevated protein digestibility
rates, and decreased antinutritional factors (ANFs). Additionally, antigenic coproducts may be present in the ingredients
following these microbial modifications. These innovations may also provide immunostimulatory enhancements, producing
innate and adaptive immunological benefits to fish production.
A 60-day feeding trial with bioprocessed soybean diets supplemented with a microbial exopolysaccharide was performed with
juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens). The study was conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system and bioprocessed
soybean meal (BSBM) diets containing 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 3.0 or 6.0% of the exopolysaccharide were fed twice daily. FM and
BSBM diets were included as dietary controls. Fish were sampled on Day 0, 14, 28, 42, and 60 to collect sera, head kidney
macrophages, and spleens. Pronephros-derived macrophages were cultured and assessed for respiratory burst activity (RBA)
and phagocytic capacity using flow cytometry. Serum samples were assessed for alternative complement activity, lysozyme
content, total protein, and total immunoglobulin levels.
Day 42 RBA was found to be significant among treatment diets (P=0.0). The 0.5% inclusion created intracellular superoxide
levels that were comparable to FM (P=0.55) and the 3% inclusion (OD620=0.732, P=0.83). Day 60 RBAs indicated a significance
difference between dietary treatments (P=0.02), with the 1.5% inclusion diet producing the greatest RBA (OD620=0.730). The
1% inclusion diet was also greater than the BSBM reference (P<0.01) and slightly greater than the FM reference (OD620=0.665).
No significant difference in phagocytic rate was found from Day 14 (P=0.31), Day 28 (P=0.68), and Day 42 (P=0.89). Day 60
rates were found to be significantly different (P=0.01), with the 1.0% inclusion having a greater phagocytic capacity than the
FM reference (P=0.04), the BSBM reference (P<0.01), and the 0.5% Diet (P=0.01). Commercial exopolysaccharides appear
to modulate fish immune parameters at lower inclusion rates. Thus, targeted exopolysaccharide concentrations in bioprocessed
plant-based feedstuff may provide enhanced immune parameters for aquaculture species.
80
OXYGEN AND NITROGEN DYNAMICS IN SPLIT PONDS VS. CONVENTIONAL CATFISH

PRODUCTION PONDS
David E. Brune1, Travis W. Brown2 and Craig S. Tucker2
1
Professor, Bioprocess and Bioenergy Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO., 65211
(bruned@missouri.edu), 2USDA-ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit, P.O. Box 38,
Stoneville, MS 38776.
The Split Pond aquaculture system (SP) has captured the attention of catfish producers across the southern U.S. The SP
represents a lower cost adaptation of Clemson University’s Partitioned Aquaculture System (PAS). The original PAS design
relied on slowly rotating paddlewheels to move water through a channelized pond, promoting accelerated algal growth rate and
removal of ammonia nitrogen from culture water. Target cultured fish (catfish) were confined to high density concrete raceways
containing fountain aerators. Tilapia co-culture in the PAS provided control of algal species dominance and algal density. In
contrast to the PAS, prototype SPs located at the “National Warmwater Aquaculture Center” in Stoneville Mississippi (NWAC),
consist of a ~ 1 acre, 5-6 ft deep earthen fish culture pond (averaging 1.8 million gallons) linked to a ~ 4.6 acre 4-5 ft deep water
treatment pond (averaging 6.7 million gallons) by way of cross-levee canals with one containing a paddlewheel delivering
10,000-12,000 gpm water flow providing 4-6 fish culture zone water exchanges per 12 hrs.
Field experience with culture of hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus x I. furcatus) at NWAC has demonstrated annual catfish
carrying capacity and yields close to PAS maximum of 20,000 lbs/acre-season. However, tilapia co-culture has not been
used in the SPs for control of algal biomass or species composition. From July 7-14, 2014 preliminary water quality data and
operational details of the performance of two prototype SPs were compared to two conventional catfish production ponds (CC)
at NWAC. At the time of observation, SPs were receiving an average 136 lbs/acre-day of 28% protein feed compared to an
average 186 lbs/acre-day to CC ponds. Daily light/dark bottle oxygen observations, ammonia measurements, settling rates and
water velocity determinations, as well as, microscopic examination of pond algal populations and zooplankton enumerations
suggest that the SPs contain three relatively stable volume elements, with approximately 30% of total volume providing a
high rate of photosynthetic ammonia removal in the top 14 inches of the fish culture and treatment zones, averaging 8.6 gm-C/
m2–day. The SP consists of an aerobic zone ~ 65% of total system volume with an anaerobic zone of ~ 35% of system volume,
with a transient anoxic system volume estimated at 15% of volume.
A critical stabilizing feature of the SP includes a nitrogen recycle ratio of ammonia-N from the anaerobic zone supplying
nitrogen at 75% to 125% of fish nitrogen excretion rate. This nitrogen addition insures an uninterrupted high rate of algal
carbon fixation. A second stabilizing feature includes a high population of uniformly sized zooplankton that likely help to
control algal species composition insuring dominance of a small-cell cyanobacteria population. The primary algal removal
mechanism appears to be algal/bacterial co-flocculation, along with zooplankton and fish culture detritus, with sedimentation
and removal to the anaerobic zone. The anaerobic and anoxic zones function to provide ammonification and denitrification of
added nitrogen. The transient aerobic zone appears to provide SP nitrification capacity of ~ 30% of the algal ammonia removal
rate while no nitrification capacity was detected in CC ponds. Preliminary oxygen mass balances suggest algal primary
production is supplying around 50% of fish oxygen demand, this source of oxygen supply stabilized by continuous algal
removal to, and anaerobic degradation in, the deeper treatment zone. Pond total nitrogen mass balances suggest the ultimate
fate of nitrogen addition to the SP is denitrification occurring in the anoxic interface between the aerobic and anaerobic zones.
81
ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION, PROCESSING, AND LOCAL MARKETING OF CATFISH:

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARMERS’ MARKET PRODUCER-VENDORS IN KENTUCKY
Richard Bryant* and Siddhartha Dasgupta
Aquaculture Research Center

Kentucky State University
Frankfort, KY 40601
richard.bryant@kysu.edu
Small-scale aquaculture has always been a challenge in the arena of marketing and profits. Many farmers’ market vendors
are small scale horticulture producers who are skilled in adapting their business plans to meet the needs of local food buyers
while maintaining profitability. These vendors are ideal candidates for small-scale aquaculture because 1) many have existing
ponds that can be renovated for aquaculture and 2) the vendors might be able to sell catfish fillets in farmers’ markets where the
customers are accustomed to paying premium prices for high-value, locally-grown foods. This study investigates the income
potential of horticulture producer-sellers in farmers’ market diversifying into catfish aquaculture.
Secondary data were used to evaluate the cost of catfish production in ponds of sizes varying from 0.1 hectares to 0.4 hectares.
An existing economic model of small-scale hand processing of fish was used to estimate the additional costs of fish processing
into fillets. These data were used in conjunction with primary marketing data obtained by surveying farmers’ market consumers
in Kentucky regarding their willingness to buy fresh, locally-produced catfish fillets.
Results of this project were related to the performance of a catfish aquaculture operation, as an addition to an existing commercial
vegetable operation. The project investigated investment and labor needs, and corresponding returns associated with small-
scale catfish aquaculture that is incorporated into the local food economy of Kentucky.
82
GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF FRESHWATER-REARED GULF KILLIFISH
Wesley Burger*, Shane Ramee, Charlie Culpepper, Christopher Green and Peter J. Allen
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

P.O. Box 9690, Mississippi State, MS 39762
peter.allen@msstate.edu
Gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis), a popular baitfish species which inhabits estuarine systems in the Gulf of Mexico, offers
great potential as an aquaculture species, particularly if it can be produced in freshwater ponds. Because growth and survival
of Gulf killifish in freshwater ponds is not known, two size classes of Gulf killifish were examined over a 16-week period. The
smaller size class represented a brackish water-spawned population and the larger size class represented a freshwater-spawned
population. Initial mean ± SD stocking weights and densities were 0.47± 0.01 g/fish and 1060 fish/pond for the smaller size
class, which were stocked into three 0.04-ha ponds, and 6.12± 0.07 g/fish and 818 fish/pond for the larger size class, which
were stocked into two 0.04-ha ponds. Growth and survival of Gulf killifish were: mean ± SD weight gain of 6.69± 3.18 g/fish
and mean survival of 54.3± 17.3% in the smaller size class, and weight gain of 6.63± 1.64 g/fish and survival of 43.1± 10.7% in
the larger size class. Water quality variables were also monitored in the earthen ponds and may influence growth and survival.
Therefore, this study provides promising results for freshwater grow-out of juvenile Gulf killifish in freshwater ponds.
83
EFFECTS OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ON GROWTH, LIVER, AND AMINO ACID DEPOSITION

IN HYBRID STRIPED BASS Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis, RED DRUM Sciaenops ocellatus,
AND NILE TILAPIA Oreochromis niloticus
Alton F. Burns* and Delbert M. Gatlin III
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

Texas A&M University System
College Station, TX 77843-2258, USA
AltonBurns@tamu.edu
Exercising fish has been shown to increase growth of many salmonid species. Yet, not much research has covered the effects of
exercise on growth of warm-water species such as cichlids and sciaenids. This is likely because sustained swimming is not as
ostensibly a part of the natural activity of these species and no cost-effective way to exercise these species under an aquaculture
setting has been devised.
This study was conducted to evaluate tilapia, red drum, and hybrid striped bass (HSB) exercising in a constant slow current
of approximately one body length/s (1bl/s). Three round fiberglass tanks of 1.22-m diameter were fitted inside three, 1.52-
m diameter round fiberglass tanks. The center of each 1.22-m tank was fitted with a 0.46-m diameter cylinder. Flow was
generated through four evenly spaced outlet pipes attached to a pump inside the fitted cylinder to the outer area of the 1.22-m
tanks. A flow meter measured water speed by taking the average speed at nine points (three horizontal locations and three
depth locations) and salinity was held at 7 ppt. Control fish were held inside three, 1.52-m round tanks and all six tanks were
operated as a closed recirculating system. A trial was conducted with 22 advanced juvenile male tilapia (Wt0 97.9 ± 2.4 g), 38
juvenile red drum (Wt0 74.9 ± 4.4 g) and 18 juvenile HSB (Wt0 78.0 ± 3.2 g). Each fish was pit tagged and randomly assigned
to control or exercised groups. Fish were fed to satiation twice daily a commercial diet (Rangen, Inc.) and individually weighed
every 2 weeks for 7 weeks. Upon conclusion of the trial, fish were anesthetized and individually weighed. Liver, blood and
muscle tissues were collected from six randomly selected fish per species and experimental group for glycogen and amino acid
analysis. Three fish from each group were collected for whole-body proximate composition analysis. Significant differences (P
≤ 0.05) were observed in weight gain of exercised tilapia and red drum vs control treatments (Table 1). Reduced growth was
observed in exercised HSB possibly due to consistently skittish feeding behavior. Liver weight to body weight ratio was lower
in all exercised fish, though not significantly so for tilapia. Significant differences also were detected in liver glycogen in tilapia
and red drum. Amino acid deposition is currently under analysis. Results from this study indicate that continuous exercise
beneficially affected aspects of tilapia and red drum growth and body composition.
84
GROWTH AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF TWO STRAINS OF ARCTIC CHARR

(Salvelinus alpinus) ON DIETS FORMULATED WITH LOW FISH OIL INCLUSION IN A
RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEM
Gary S. Burr1*, William R. Wolters1, and Frederic T. Barrows2
1
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center, 25 Salmon Farm
Road, Franklin, ME USA 04634
2
USDA, Agricultural Research Service Fish Technology Center 4050 Bridger Canyon Rd., Bozeman,
MT USA 59715
Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) is a highly desirable species to culture due to their fast growth, culture conditions and
reputation as a sustainably produced fish due to closed containment culture. A study was conducted to evaluate two Arctic
charr stocks (one commercial stock and one from the USDA) performance and highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) retention
fed one of three diets; one diet containing 11% fish oil and 11% soy/canola(Diet 1, crude lipid 27%), one diet containing 5%
fish oil and 18% canola oil (Diet 2, crude lipid 27%) and one diet containing 5% fish oil and 17 poultry oil (Diet 3, crude lipid
27%). The protein sources did not vary among the diets and the reference diet lipids were similar to commercial grower diets.
Seven hundred sixty-eight Arctic charr (initial weight 314.6 ± 2.5 g S.E.) were stocked into twelve 2-m3 tanks. Brackish water
(2g/L) was supplied to the tanks at 20 lpm with oxygen. Fish in quadruplet tanks were fed one of the three diets. After 250
days, the fish from the USDA stock (1736g) had significantly higher average weight, approximately 510 g greater, compared
to the commercial stock (1226g). Average weight gain was not significantly different among the diets but tended to be higher
in diet 2 (p = 0.09), and the USDA stock (~1409 g gained) had higher average weight gain compared to the commercial strain
(~924 g gained). Specific growth rate (SGR) was significantly different among the diets with diet 2 having the highest growth
rate (0.62 % day-1 compared to 0.59% day-1, 0.58% day-1 ) and the USDA stock having a significantly higher SGR compared to
the commercial strain (0.65% day-1 compared to 0.54% day-1). Fillet yield did not vary among diets or stocks with an average
yield of 67.4% of the gutted weight and 62.2% of the total weight. Fillet color and fillet fatty acid profiles are being evaluated.
85
THE BASICS OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND A SUMMARY OF FEDERAL RESPONSE
Shallin Busch* and Libby Jewett
Ocean Acidification Program and Northwest Fisheries Science Center

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
2725 Montlake Blvd. E
Seattle, WA 98122
Shallin.Busch@noaa.gov
Ocean acidification has arisen as a threat to marine aquaculture and fisheries. The cause of ocean acidification is simple:
accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the oceans. Carbon dioxide
is an acid gas – it forms an acid when mixed with water – so its rise has acidified ocean waters, which we measure as a
decrease in ocean pH. Natural and human activities that cause nutrient run-off into the marine environment in coastal and
estuarine areas can exacerbate acidification in near-shore environments by leading to blooms of bacteria that respire oxygen
into carbon dioxide. Marine organisms from shellfish to fish to seaweed are sensitive to acidification. In general, acidification
harms the growth and survival of shellfish in their early life stages. Some fishes are also negatively affected by acidification,
though research on this group is limited. The effects of ocean acidification on primary producers like phytoplankton and
kelp are mixed, with some species affected positively, some negatively, and others not at all. This talk will be a primer on
ocean and coastal acidification and a brief review of its impacts on cultivated species. Because of the potential impacts of
acidification on food production, marine ecosystems, and human communities, the US federal government has worked to
monitor and understand the progression and consequences of ocean acidification. Federal agencies are coordinating their work
on ocean acidification through an Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification. Federal activities and resources relevant
to aquaculture professionals will be reviewed.
86
EFFECT OF Ca2+ ON BIOFILM FORMATION OF FISH PATHOGENS
Wenlong Cai*, and Cova Arias
School of Fisheries
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
wzc0017@tigermail.auburn.edu
The genera Flavobacterium, Ewardsiella, and Aeromonas contain important fish pathogens that cause great economic losses
in aquaculture species. Eradication of these pathogens is unrealistic as they are ubiquitous in freshwater environments.
Interestingly, many aquatic bacteria are capable of forming biofilm and are more resistant to stressors such as disinfectants.
Previous studies in our laboratory showed that bacteria in biofilm retained virulence and were able to infect channel catfish. We
also showed that the addition of Ca2+ in the medium promoted biofilm formation in F. columnare. We tested biofilm formation
of F. columnare in glass flasks with different Ca2+ concentration (0 to 6.5 mM) and found that high concentrations of Ca2+
consistently enhanced biofilm formation. Without the addition of Ca2+, all F. columnare cells were planktonic while at 6.5 mM
Ca2+ nearly all the cells were in biofilm. More bacterial flocks were observed at 4.5 mM Ca2+ in comparison to those seen at
6.5 mM. To test if the positive effect of Ca2+ in biofilm formation was a general mechanism, we quantified of the production of
biofilm in other fish pathogens at different Ca2+ concentrations. We compared strains of A. hydrophila, E. ictaluri, E. tarda and
E. piscicida using crystal violet and microtiter plates to quantify the biofilm. Preliminary data showed that bacterial response to
Ca2+ was strain specific. High Ca2+ concentration significantly promoted biofilm formation in F. columnare and E. tarda strain
HL 213. On the other hand, an increase of Ca2+ gradually inhibited biofilm formation of E. piscicida while it did not affect their
planktonic growth. The effect of Ca2+ on A. hydrophila and E. ictaluri was negligible, as no significant biofilm was observed
at any concentration. Our data indicate that the response of fish pathogens to Ca2+ was strain specific. However, further studies
utilizing different culture media and growing conditions are required to determine which factors condition biofilm formation
in aquaculture settings.
87
TITLE: OPTIMIZING THE EFFICACY OF A LIVE ATTENUATED Flavobacterium psychrophilum

VACCINE FOR COLDWATER DISEASE
Kenneth D Cain* and Sudheesh Ponnerassery
Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences

and the Aquaculture Research Institute
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Dr MS1136
Moscow, ID 83844-1136 USA
Email: kcain@uidaho.edu
Vaccine optimization studies were carried out for a live attenuated strain
of Flavobacterium psychrophilum (FP-B.17-ILM) as a pre-requisite
for commercialization and licensing of this bacterial coldwater disease
(BCWD) vaccine. Optimization trials included size and delivery
duration experiments where different size groups of rainbow trout (0.5
g, 1.0 g and 2.4 g) and different immersion vaccination durations (1.5,
3, 6, and 30 min) were tested (Figure 1). Additional trials investigated
delivery dose, duration of protection, and booster requirements. For all
experiments, the vaccine was diluted 1:10 in rearing water, and rainbow
trout were immersion vaccinated. Control groups of fish were immersed
in a 1:10 dilution of TYES culture media. All fish were fed a standard
trout diet (Skretting USA) at 1-2% of body weight. Fish were booster
immunized using a similar vaccine dose at two weeks post initial
vaccination and challenged with a virulent strain of F. psychrophilum
(CSF 259-93) at 8 or 12 weeks. Fish from each treatment group were
bled and serum was collected bi-weekly to measure specific immune
response using a standard ELISA method. All vaccinated fish developed
specific anit-F. psychrophilum antibody titers that were significantly
higher than control fish by 2 to 4 weeks post initial vaccination. Results
for the respective trials demonstrate strong efficacy and significant
protection in fish immersed for 3 minutes or greater in the vaccine
solution, and fish as small as 0.5g were protected. The greatest protection
was observed at the highest vaccine dose tested (1.6 x 1010 cfu/ml);
however, even the lowest dose (2.5 x 105 cfu/ml) provided significant
protection when compared to control groups. Duration of protection
studies are ongoing, and thus far, antibody titers and protection for all
vaccinated groups have remained significantly elevated out to 12 weeks
post vaccination. A booster immunization appears to be required to fully
stimulate a protective immune response.
88
ANTI-PREDATOR CONDITIONING AND SOCIAL LEARNING SKILLS OF JUVENILE

COMMON SNOOK Centropomus undecimalis REARED FOR STOCK ENHANCEMENT
Paula Caldentey *, Nathan P. Brennan, Kevan L. Main & Ken M. Leber

Mote Aquaculture Research Park
12300 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34240
mailto:pcaldentey@mote.org
The ability to recognize potential predators and display adaptive anti-predator behavior is critical to the survival of prey
animals. Habitat destruction and a popular fishery place stress on snook stocks and stock enhancement is being considered as a
supplemental management tool. High post-release mortality can be attributed to transport stress, acclimation to the environment,
and predation threat. Successful stock enhancement programs could benefit from pre-release conditioning procedures, including
social learning, an important survival skill.
In this study we investigated the ability of predator-naıve common snook Centropomus undecimalis to learn to recognize an
unknown predator, largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides from a one-time exposure experience. We also examined whether
experienced tutors can transmit appropriate fright responses to naive individuals. After conditioning hatchery-reared juveniles
to recognize largemouth bass scent as a predation threat by exposing them to live predators, intraspecific trials paired predator-
naïve snook with predator-experienced snook and also with predator-naive individuals. All paired groups were exposed to
largemouth bass predator scent stimuli and conspecific chemical alarm cue, and shelter use, activity levels and behavior of
individual fish were quantified from video-recorded data.
Preliminary results showed significant differences of anti-predator behavior and activity levels before and after the stimuli for
different treatments, although differences weren’t significant between the treatments. However, an evident increase of certain
anti-predator behaviors after stimuli (such as cessation of dominant behaviors, or increases in fright responses) might indicate
the influence of experience and cultural transmission on survival. Duration and intensity of predator recognition training
of tutor fish may be necessary improve responses of naive individuals. Overall, pre-release conditioning shows promise to
increase post-release survival and improve stock enhancement viability as a potential management tool.
89
HETEROTROPHIC CULTURE OF FRESHWATER AND MARINE MICROALGAE USING

EFFLUENTS OF A RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEM
Samantha Caraveo* and Manuel Segovia
Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE)

Carretera Ensenada Tijuana No. 3918
Ensenada, Baja California, México
caraveo_08@hotmail.com
Microalgae culture is an integral component of the aquaculture food chain, however high energy and production cost, have
not resulted in efficient large-scale production commercial scale systems. Microalgae production in photobioreactors is
characterized by low densities (1 to 3 g/l) to avoid photoinhibition and large volumes are currently to meet production quotas.
An option to increase biomass production is the heterotrophic production of microalgae. The aim of this study is to identify
which the performance of two marine microalgae Tetraselmis suecica and Pavlova lutheri, and two freshwater microalgae,
Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina sp. under heterotrophic conditions using recirculating aquaculture effluents supplemented
with a carbon source and without a carbon source as the as the primary source of nutrients. The results of the experiment will
be presented at the meeting.
90
STABLE ISOTOPES AS A TOOL FOR ANALYSIS OF BIOFLOCS CONSUMPTION BY

Litopenaeus vannamei POST-LARVAE
Alessandro P. Cardozo*, Sabrina M. Suita, André Braga, Eduardo Ballester, Paulo Cesar Abreu,
Wilson Wasielesky Jr.
Marine Aquaculture Station

Federal University of Rio Grande
Rio Grande/RS – Brazil
ocalessandro@hotmail.com
The contribution of bioflocs on the growth of Litopenaeus vannamei post-larvae from post-larvae 1 to post-larvae 30 was
assessed with use of stable isotopes of C and N. Control treatment, with clear water and water renewal to control ammonium
levels, was compared to Biofloc treatment, with fertilization with organic carbon to control ammonium levels. The animals
were fed with commercial feed and Artemia sp. nauplii.
The experimental units contained 15 liters of sea water, with a stocking density of 83 shrimp/L. Dissolved oxygen, temperature
and ammonia were monitored daily and levels of NO2, NO3 and alkalinity were measured weekly. During the experimental
period total suspended solids were measured and water were collected and fixed to posterior analysis of bioflocs microbiota.
Isotopic signatures of C and N from dietary sources and from shrimp tissues were collected on days 0, 20 and 30 and the
mixtures Bayesian model measured contributions of these sources to shrimp growth. To compare performance of the post-
larvae and water quality parameters, the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied.
Parameters of water quality such as salinity, alkalinity and nitrite significantly differed among treatments, however kept in safe
levels for shrimp production. The results of stable isotopes analysis show that after the stage of post-larvae 1, bioflocos can
contribute up to 46% in the growth of L. vannamei post-larvae.
91
DIGESTIBLE PROTEIN REQUIREMENT AND MUSCULAR GROWTH OF TAMBAQUI,

Colossoma macropomum, JUVENILES
Dalton J. Carneiro, Hellen Buzollo, Lidiane C. G. de Sandre, Ligia M. Neira, Thiago M. T. do Nascimento,
Juliana T. Kojima, Rosangela K. Jomori
UNESP – Univ. Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, 14884-900, Jaboticabal,
SP, Brasil. Email:daltonjc@caunesp.unesp.br
The aim of this study was to determine the digestible protein requirements of for tambaqui juveniles through performance and
nutritional efficiency parameters, and evaluate the effects of experimental diets on morphological characteristics and cellularity
of white muscle fibers.
1750 juveniles (initial weight of 6.53 ± 0.43g) were distributed in 35 tanks of 450 L with initial density of 50 fish.m-2.
The experimental design was completely randomized with seven treatments (14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29 and 32 % DP) and five
replications. The fish were fed ad libitum during 120 days, three times a day. At the end of the experiment, the epaxial white
muscle was sampled and prepared for histological analysis. The smallest diameter of 500 white muscle fibers per animal was
measured. Subsequently, the muscle fibers were divided into diameter classes: class10 (<10 μm), class 20 (≥10 μm, <20 μm),
class 30 (≥20 μm, <30 μm), class 50 (≥30 μm, <50 μm), class 80 (≥50 μm, <80 μm) and class>80 (≥80 μm).Average data of
production performance were subjected to an analysis of segmented regression (broken line model) and data of muscle fibers
were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test at 5% probability.
The increased levels of DP diets until the level of 29% improved significantly the final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), feed
intake (FI) and crude protein gain (CPG) (Table 1), also resulted in changes in fiber diameter. Muscle fibers were distributed
in mosaic pattern, characterized by fibers different diameters. Treatments with 29% and 32 DP provided increased frequencies
of fibers diameter classes (D80 and D ≥ 80μm), characterizing a hypertrophic growth in skeletal muscle during growth phase,
although hyperplasia was also occurring in these treatments. The requirement of DP determined based on the average values
of WG, FI and CPG was 29%, considering this growth phase of tambaqui juveniles in intensive rearing system (with no
zooplankton available).
92
CONTENT OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA DURING CULTURE ON MACROALGAE RAISED

IN INTENSIVE LAND BASED SYSTEMS
Vanessa Carrasco*, Linda Rhodes, John Colt
NW Fisheries Science Center

2725 Montlake Blvd E
Seattle, WA 98112
scarrasco@clarku.edu
Macroalgae has been a food source in Asia for centuries, but has limited presence in North American markets. Macroalgae has
enormous potential in the market due to its health and economic benefits. Although most of the product is harvested from the
wild, intensive land based culture systems have a low energy input and provide more control over the quality and safety of the
product. An experimental growth trial ran from August 2013 until August 2014 using aerated tumble culture in 2000 L fiberglass
tanks at NOAA’s Manchester Field Station in Port Orchard, Washington. With an established candidacy for aquaculture, better
information is needed to provide a safe product for human consumption. Among bacteria associated with human diseases from
seafood, the top concerns are Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia Coli & coliform bacteria.
The Turkish Towel (Chondracanthus exasperatus), Pacific dulse (Palmaria palmata), and Sea lettuce (Ulva rigida)were
surveyed for the presence of detectable bacteria using a suite of culture-based assays adapted from the Bacteriological Analytical
Manual for L. monocytogenes, V. parahaemolyticus, E.coli and coliform bacteria. In addition to surveying the macroalgae,
culture water was analyzed. The water source for this study was discharge from a land-based salmon rearing facility and tanks
were additionally supplemented with nitrogen, phosphorous, and trace metals on a weekly basis. Each algal species was tested
as a fresh sample (within 24 hours of harvest) and after 7 days of storage time at 4⁰C.
Preliminary results for Turkish towel and Pacific dulse revealed no evidence of L. monocytogenes and V. parahaemolyticus.
Although E. coli was present in culture water of Turkish towel, no E. coli was detected Turkish towel or Pacific dulse. However,
coliforms were found with Turkish towel at harvest but not after 7 days of storage. Coliforms were not initially detected in
Pacific dulse at harvest, but were found after 7 days of storage (Table 1).
Although L. monocytogenes and V. parahaemolyticus were not detected, results suggest that further testing for other potential
pathogens in macroalgae is warranted. In addition to known bacterial pathogens and indicators, assessment for other seafood
safety concerns such as micoalgal biotoxins would be important for assuring the safety of cultured macroalgae.
93
EFFECTS OF ORGANIC ACIDS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, DIGESTIVE ENZYME

ACTIVITIES AND GASTROINTESTINAL MICROBIOTA COMPOSITION OF RED DRUM
Sciaenops ocellatus
Sergio Castillo*, Misael Rosales, Camilo Pohlenz and Delbert M. Gatlin III
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.

Texas A&M University. College Station, TX 77843.
srgcastilloalv@gmail.com
In several aquacultured species, organic acids have been shown to trigger beneficial effects on mineral absorption, nutrient
digestibility and growth performance by reducing the pH of the digestive tract, and thereby altering the gastrointestinal tract
function, energy metabolism, availability of nutrients and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. With this in mind, the
objective of this study was to determine the effects of the organic acids calcium lactate (CaL), citric acid (CA) and potassium
diformate (KDF) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities and gastrointestinal microbiota composition of juvenile
red drum. To achieve this, a basal diet was formulated to meet the red drum’s nutritional requirements, with crude protein set
at 40% and provided equally by menhaden fishmeal and dehulled, solvent-extracted soybean meal. Experimental diets were
prepared by supplementing the basal diet with 1.5% or 3.0% CaL, 0.75% or 1.5% CA and 0.75% or 1.5% KDF in place of
cellulose. Red drum juveniles (1.26 ± 0.01 g) were stocked in 110-L glass aquaria (20 fish/aquarium), and diets were fed to fish
in triplicate aquaria at a rate approaching apparent satiation (5% of body weight), twice daily, for 8 weeks. At the end of the
feeding trial, growth performance indicators were obtained and four fish per aquarium were euthanized to measure pH of the
stomach contents, digestive enzyme activities and gastrointestinal tract microbial composition.
Results showed that the pH of the experimental diets was lowered only by the addition of 0.75% and 1.5% CA and 1.5% KDF
(6.15 - basal diet; 5.63 - CA 0.75%; 5.36 - CA 1.5%; 5.79 - KDF 1.5%). Accordingly, the pH of stomach contents in these
treatments was found to be lower at 2 hours after feeding when compared with the basal diet (4.66 - basal diet; 4.48 - CA 0.75%;
4.37 - CA 1.5%; 4.48 - KDF 1.5%). Weight gain (%) values were higher in fish fed the 1.5% CA, 1.5% KDF and 1.5% CaLac,
although only the 1.5% CA treatment was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the basal diet (1357% - basal diet; 1488% - CaLac
1.5%; 1547% - CA 1.5%; 1515% - KDF 1.5%). No significant differences were found in survival, feed efficiency and protein
efficiency ratio among red drum fed the different organic acids and the basal diet; however, values tended to be better for fish
fed acidified diets. Additionally, stomachs at 2 h after feeding and intestines at 6 h after feeding were analyzed to measure
the effect of organic acids on the digestive enzyme activities. Pepsin activity was greater in stomachs from the 1.5% CA and
0.75% and 1.5% KDF treatments. The activities of trypsin, lipase, leucine-aminopeptidase and phosphatases were significantly
higher in intestines from the CA and KDF treatments. Finally, differences among treatments in the gastrointestinal microbiota
composition were observed with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis (Figure 1). Digesta of fish fed the basal
and 0.75% KDF diets had distinctly different microbial composition compared to that of the other dietary treatments. DNA
sequencing to identify the different bacteria populations will be done in the near future. Therefore, based on the results of this
study, all of the evaluated organic acids significantly affected red drum but CA at 1.5% had the most positive effects.
94
TOTAL AROMATIC AMINO ACID REQUIREMENT AND TYROSINE REPLACEMENT

VALUE FOR PHENYLALANINE IN JUVENILE RED DRUM Sciaenops ocellatus
Sergio Castillo*, Shelby Halligan, and Delbert M. Gatlin III

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
srgcastilloalv@gmail.com
An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to quantify the dietary total aromatic amino acid (TAAA) requirement (phenylalanine
[Phe] + tyrosine [Tyr]) of juvenile red drum Sciaenops ocellatus. An isonitrogenous (35% crude protein [CP]) and isocaloric
(3.2 kcal/g diet) basal diet was prepared containing lyophilized red drum muscle (RDM) as intact protein (10% of dietary
protein) and supplemented with crystalline L-amino acids (except for Phe and Tyr) to simulate the pattern found in 35% CP of
RDM. Phe and Tyr contained in RDM in the basal diet was analyzed to contribute 0.54% and 0.41% of dry diet, respectively.
Five experimental diets were supplemented with L-Phe in increments of 0.30% (0.84, 1.14, 1.44, 1.74 and 2.04% dry diet,
with Tyr fixed at 0.41%) and kept isonitrogenous by adjusting the inclusion level of an aspartate/glutamate premix. Red drum
juveniles (1.38 ± 0.02 g) were stocked in 38-L glass aquaria (15 fish/aquarium), and diets were fed to fish in triplicate aquaria
at a rate approaching apparent satiation (5% of body weight), twice daily. At the end of the feeding trial, red drum fed diets
with low levels of Phe did not show any outward deficiency signs, other than significantly reduced weight gain. Final values
of weight gain, feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio significantly improved as Phe level increased from 0.54%
to 1.44%; at higher levels of Phe there were not significant differences among treatments in any of the evaluated responses.
Furthermore, analysis of the percentage weight gain data using a linear broken-line model showed that the TAAA requirement
of juvenile red drum was 2.10% (1.69% Phe + 0.41% Tyr) of dry diet (6.00% of dietary protein) with a 95% confidence interval
of 1.95%-2.25% of dry diet (5.57%-6.43% of dietary protein) (Fig 1).
In addition, a second feeding trial currently is being conducted to determine the Tyr replacement value for Phe. On the basis of
the TAAA requirement for juvenile red drum obtained in the previous feeding trial, a control diet with 1.60% Phe and 0.41%
Tyr (80%:20% Phe:Tyr ratio) was formulated. Moreover, five additional experimental diets were prepared by decreasing the
inclusion level of Phe and increasing the inclusion level of Tyr (70%:30%, 60%:40%, 50%:50%, 40%:60%, 30%:70% Phe:Tyr
ratios) to determine the maximum percentage in which Tyr can replace Phe. As in the previous feeding trial, red drum juveniles
(8.32 ± 0.22 g) were stocked in 38-L glass aquaria (12 fish/aquarium), and diets are being fed to fish in triplicate aquaria at a
rate approaching apparent satiation (5% of body weight), twice daily. After 5 weeks, weight gain data seems rather definitive.
There is a significant decrease in weight gain in the 30:70 Phe:Tyr treatment, while there are no significant differences among
any of the other treatments. It is safe to assume that Tyr can replace up to 60% of Phe without any detrimental effect on red
drum growth performance.
95
NURSERY PERFORMANCE OF THE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP, Litopenaeus vannamei, FED

TWO DIETARY REGIMES IN A ZERO-EXCHANGE, BIOFLOC SYSTEM
Leandro F. Castro*, David I. Prangnell, Thomas R. Zeigler, Craig L. Browdy, Tim A. Markey,
Darrin Honious, and Tzachi M. Samocha
Texas A&M AgriLife Research Mariculture Laboratory at Flour Bluff

Corpus Christi, TX, 78418
Leandro.Castro@ag.tamu.edu
Postlarvae nutrition has a major impact on subsequent shrimp performance. A properly formulated high quality liquid or dry
feed can be more convenient and cost-effective than live Artemia-based diets. However, feeding the shrimp with the correct
feed quality and particle size for their body size is a prerequisite for success. The present study was designed to test the
performance of Litopenaeus vannamei when offered two dietary regimes, with and without EZ-Artemia, in a zero-exchange
biofloc nursery system.
L. vannamei postlarvae (PL5-10) were stocked at 675 PL/m3 into six 40 m3 raceways (RWs) and reared for 62-days. The original
design involved feeding PL in three RWs a combination of EZ-Artemia and dry feed (Zeigler Raceway Plus <400 µm) for
the first 8-days post-stocking, while those in the other three RWs were to be fed only the dry feed. Shrimp size variation at
stocking was high (0.09±0.005 mg) which necessitated abandoning the dry feed only treatment as a large number of the small
PL had empty guts. On days 3-5 after stocking, 42% of the feed in the dry-only treatment was replaced with EZ-Artemia to
stimulate feed intake. Identical feeds were fed to the shrimp after the first 8-days: Zeigler Raceway Plus (<400 µm, 400-600
µm, 600-850 µm) and Zeigler Shrimp 40-9 with V-pakTM (1 mm and 1.5 mm). Feed size and rates were adjusted on an ongoing
basis according to shrimp growth and size variation. Feed was added continuously by belt feeders. A commercial nitrifying
bacteria (KI-Nitrifier™) and sugar were used to stimulate nitrification. A commercial probiotic, ECOPRO (EcoMicrobials™)
was added every third day to daily. Vibrio concentrations were monitored 2/wk using TCBS agar plates. No water exchange
was conducted, except the addition of freshwater to compensate for evaporation. RW water was aerated, circulated, and mixed
with air-lift pumps, air diffusers, a pump driven Venturi injector, and spray nozzles. Each RW had a YSI 5500 in-line dissolved
oxygen monitoring system.
96
RECENT ADVANCES IN MARINE AQUACULTURE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA
Michael Chambers, Hunt Howell and Ray Grizzle
School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering

University of New Hampshire
Jere Chase Ocean Engineering Lab
Durham, NH 03861
Michael.chambers@unh.edu
Marine aquaculture in New Hampshire has increased over the last 3 years. This is largely due to permitting changes, adopted
by the state in 2010, which improved the ability for oyster farmers to gain access to state owned bottom leases for up to 5 years.
This new lease option and high demand for a regional shellfish product has resulted in an industry expansion from 1 to 11 farms.
Total bottom area in production in Great Bay is now 12 hectares, averaging 1-2 ha/farm. At present, over 6 million oysters are
in culture with an estimated harvest value > $ 4 million.
Steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) are being grown
in coastal waters. The University of New Hampshire and NH Sea Grant have been engaging commercial fishermen on small-
scale, multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) as a means to diversify their income. By integrating the production of these three
species on a floating platform, fishermen have been able to grow and sell new sources of seafood. Moreover, since nitrogen
extractions by the mussels and kelp have exceeded the nitrogen input from trout production, aquaculture operations have had a
positive ecosystem effect. In 2013, the fishermen produced over 1100 kg of trout, 600 kg of kelp, collected > 12 million mussel
seed, and have > 4 ton of mussels in growout.
Growth in the NH aquaculture industry has created jobs, provided new sources of sustainable seafood, is helping fishermen
diversify into seafood production, while providing ecosystems services.
97
OPPORTUNITIES FOR BLUE MUSSEL (Mytilus edulis) FARMING IN NEW ENGLAND
Michael Chambers, Scott Lindell and Rich Langan
School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering

Jere Chase Ocean Engineering Lab
Durham, NH 03861
Michael.chambers@unh.edu
The Northeastern US is well positioned for the expansion of offshore mussel farming. Demand for a rope cultured mussel is
high with 95% US consumption being imported from Prince Edward Island, Canada. The blue mussel is one of the most healthy
and environmentally sustainable seafood crops that can be grown in the ocean. Recently, aquaculture permits for submerged
longline culture were granted in federal waters in Massachusetts and in State waters in New Hampshire. These new permits add
to a list of 4 mussel raft farmers in ME and two longline companies in RI and MA. Interviews with regional seafood wholesalers
said they could move 20,000 kg of mussels per week if available. They also made comment that a locally produced mussel
would be preferred to decrease shipping costs and to provide employment opportunities for displaced fishermen. On average,
mussels take between 14-18 months obtain a harvest size of 55-65 mm. At harvest, they are stripped from growout lines, de-
clumped, size sorted, byssal threads removed and then packed into mesh bags ranging from 1-10 kg. Shelf life on ice is 10-12
days. Farm gate prices for a clean, ocean cultured mussel can be > $4.00/kg.
98
PRE-SPAWNING PARENTAL STRESS AFFECTS CHANNEL CATFISH, Ictalurus punctatus

REPRODUCTION AND SUBSEQUENT PROGENY PERFORMANCE
Nagaraj G. Chatakondi, Brian C. Peterson, and Joyce J. Evans
USDA ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit

Stoneville, MS 38776. nagaraj.chatakondi@ars.usda.gov
Routine fish handling procedures associated with seining, selecting, transportation, crowding, weighing, and stripping have
shown to cause negative physiological responses to hatchery performance. In teleosts, cortisol is the main corticosteroid
released during stress, and hence, plasma cortisol concentrations is used as a measure of stress response. Past studies suggest
stressful handling of broodfish prior to spawning has impaired reproduction and the quality of the progeny produced. Hence,
this study was conducted to assess the effects of pre-spawning parental stress of mature channel catfish on reproduction and
progeny performance.
Four–year old, mature channel catfish females were either subjected to standardized low DO stress (S) or no stress (NS)
conditions, prior to hormone-induced spawning (20+80 ug mLHRHa/kg BW). Stripped eggs from an individual female were
fertilized with pooled sperm from channel catfish males that were either stressed to low DO stress (S) or no-stress (NS)
condition to produce 20 families. The average relative fecundity (4598 stripped eggs/kg BW), and hatch (17.9%) of stressed
females were lower (P<0.05) than the average relative fecundity (5934 stripped eggs/Kg BW), and hatch (35.7%), of non-
stressed females. Catfish families were reared in individual 80 L aquaria for 3 months.
The average percent weight increase of the progeny produced by crossing stressed female and stressed male (Table 1) was 2.9,
which was lower (P<0.05) than progeny sired from non-stressed female crossed either with non-stressed male (4.1), or stressed
male (4.0). Results of ESC disease challenge, and low dissolved oxygen stress challenge of the progeny will be presented at the
meeting. Our goal is to develop mitigating strategies to reduce the stressful handling of broodstock in hybrid catfish hatcheries
to improve the efficiency of hatchery production.
99
THE EFFECT OF CARBOHYDRASE AND PHYTASE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND

NUTRIENT RETENTION OF CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus
Sirirat Chatvijitkul*, D. Allen Davis, Karima El Naggar

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849
SZC0045@tigermail.auburn.edu
Numerous plant-derived feedstuffs contain various forms of nutrients that are not readily digested by aquatic animals as they
lack in specific digestive enzymes. Addition of exogenous enzymes to diets can improve the utilization of these nutrients. This
study was designed to determine the effect of carbohydrase and phytase enzymes in diets on growth performance and nutrient
retention of channel catfish. Fish were fed on two commercial diets containing 28% and 32% protein, respectively. Each diet
was divided into three groups (control diet, diet supplemented with carbohydrase (0.2 g kg-1 diet) and diet supplemented with
phytase (2000 FTU kg-1 diet)). A total of 360 fish with an average initial body weight of 100 g were randomly stocked into 24
tanks (15 fish per tank) in a recirculating system. Experiment was carried out with four replications for each of the six dietary
treatments. Fish from each tank were weighed on a monthly basis and were fed the assigned diet equivalent to 2.0-4.5% of
their body weight, twice daily over a 12 week period. At the end of experiment, mean final weight, weight gain, survival, feed
conversion ratio were determined. Protein retention, energy retention and phosphorus retention are currently being evaluated.
Two way analysis of variance indicated a significant effect of protein but not enzyme supplements. The results obtained indicate
significantly better growth performance in terms of weight gain and feed efficiency in fish fed 32% protein diet as compared
to fish fed the 28% protein diet. Supplementing carbohydrase or phytase into diets did not result in significant improvement in
the growth performance of fish.
100
THE EFFECT OF CARBON AND NITROGEN CONTENTS FROM AQUACULTURE FEEDS

ON POLLUTION LOADING
Sirirat Chatvijitkul*, Claude Boyd, D. Allen Davis

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849
szc0045@tigermail.auburn.edu
One of the most important concerns about aquaculture wastes is the biochemical oxygen demand imposed by feed. This
variable is important for establishing aeration rates in culture systems as well as affecting the quality of effluents. The feed
oxygen demand may be calculated as follows:
BODf = [Cf – (FCE × Cc)]6.27 + [Nf – (FCE × Nc)]4.57
where BODf = biological oxygen demand of feed (kg O2/kg feed); Cf, Cc, Nf, Nc = decimal fractions of carbon and nitrogen in
feed and live weight of the culture species, respectively;
FCE = feed conversion efficiency.
The percentage of nitrogen in feeds can be estimated from the crude protein concentration (% crude protein ÷ 6.25 = % nitrogen)
usually provided by manufacturers. However, there are few data in feed carbon concentration, and this study was conducted to
obtain the percentage carbon in a wide variety of aquaculture feeds. A total of 180 feed samples for different animals (channel
catfish, tilapia, salmon, trout, carp, pangasius, snakehead, Pacific white shrimp and black tiger shrimp) were collected from the
United States, Canada, Brazil, Vietnam, Thailand, Guatemala and Ghana. All feed samples were analyzed for their carbon and
nitrogen contents using a LECO® Truspec CN analyzer. All data were analyzed statistically
using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (p=0.05). The results indicated that the average carbon content in feed was
39.99±3.87%. The highest level of carbon content was obtained for salmonid feed (44.60%) while marine feed had the lowest
carbon content (38.27%). In terms of nitrogen content, salmonid feeds contained the highest level of nitrogen while freshwater
fish feed had the lowest nitrogen level – 8.09% and 6.48%, respectively. The estimates of nitrogen concentration in feed from
crude protein concentration reported by manufacturers were correlated with measured nitrogen concentrations (p<0.05), but
they only accounted for slightly over 50% of the variation. Examples of feed BOD calculations for several feeds will be
presented
101
METHODS OF GROWTH EVALUATION OF JUVENILES OF CENTROPOMUS UNDECIMALIS

IN EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION
XAVIER CHIAPPA, EDUARDO PACHECO Y GABRIELA GAXIOLA
UMDI- Sisal, fac. de Ciencias, UNAM, México
Dietary requirement studies for fish culture often consider broken-line analysis or analysis of variance to estimate nutrient
requirements in dose - response data. Lack of replication and temporal pseudoreplication (sensu Hurlbert, 1984) are two
commonly found caveats to interpret data from experimental designs dealing with fish growth since experimental units
are consecutively used over time in the analysis, reducing the independence assumptions. Furthermore, research resources
often limit the number of experimental units (in these cases “a tank of fish”) and hypothesis on the origin of the differences
cannot be tests since random effects cannot be statistically eliminated by testing over the variance of experimental units.
This is particularly true when sample size is limited and it is difficult to identify individual fish and their removal from each
experimental unit, after measurements have being taken, is impossible. The purpose of this work is to present the results of a
regression approach to assess dose-response analysis considering an experimental design to evaluate the growth of juvenile
Snook, Centropomus undecimalis, reared with isoenergetic diets formulated with different levels of protein. Our computational
approach requires sampling without replacement of growth data in order to obtain sample descriptors that are nearly independent
in two consecutive times; hence assuring that the covariance between the two is minimum. This simplifies computations and
interpretation of results ensuring that simple random samples are considered. Furthermore, this approach allow to deal with the
fact that samples at the beginning of the temporal series usually have different variability values from those obtained at the end
of the experiment due to processes related with the individual chronology of feeding which leads to the fact that few individuals
growth faster than the rest, making unrealistic the assumption that variances within groups are equal. Resampling techniques
allow the use of the regression model by using random subsets that fulfill the statistical assumptions.
Hurlbert, S.H. (1984) Pseudoreplication and the design of ecological field experiments. Ecological Monographs 54(2): 187–
211.
102
IMPROVING DISEASE RESISTANCE FOR SHRIMP THROUGH APPLICATION OF

PROBIOTICS IN FEED
Moonyoung Choi, Ann M. Stevens, Dan Taylor, David Drahos, Stephen A. Smith, David Kuhn
Departments of Food Science and Technology

Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
davekuhn@vt.edu
Diseases affecting shrimp contribute to billions of dollars of economic loss yearly to the global aquaculture industry. Recently,
one of the primary causative agents of disease has been Vibrio parahaemolyticus, an emerging CDC reportable pathogen
associated with human foodborne gastroenteritis. Certain V. parahaemolyticus strains are also harmful to marine organisms; in
2009, a new strain causing Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) or acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in shrimp emerged.
Probiotics have become a popular method of pathogen control in shrimp. Probiotics act as natural immune enhancers and
promote disease resistance in shrimp, while hindering pathogenic bacteria through competition of nutrients. Shrimp losses
attributed to disease can be greatly reduced through disease prevention. The overall project goal is to improve intensive shrimp
production through direct application of probiotics in aquaculture feeds. It is hypothesized that direct-fed probiotics will
colonize in the shrimp gut, enhance nutrient utilization, and provide increased disease resistance against pathogenic bacteria.
The value of probiotics for the shrimp industry was evaluated by (1) confirmation of the germination of direct-fed probiotic
Bacillus spores in shrimp gut, (2) confirmation and evaluation of V. parahaemolyticus disease in shrimp (L. vannamei), and
(3) evaluation of the effectiveness of probiotics for improving disease resistance. The ability of Bacillus spores to germinate
within the shrimp gut was confirmed by qPCR. Copy numbers were determined based on extrapolation against a standard
curve. The pathogenicity of several Vibrio strains was examined and it was concluded the V. parahaemolyticus strain identified
as the causative agent of EMS was the most lethal in a kill assay; EMS-infected shrimp exhibited 100% acute mortality within
24 hours of inoculation through feed. Shrimp were fed 3% their body weight during a four-day toxicity experiment with an
application of 18 hour grown bacterial culture equal in volume to the feed weight. The number of bacterial cells added to the
feed directly correlated with pathogenicity and only cells, not spent culture supernatant, was capable of causing death. Light
microscopy of samples collected of shrimp killed by EMS revealed that there was a lack of central hepatopancreatic B-cells
and massive sloughing of central tubule epithelial cells compared to histology of shrimp not exposed to EMS. These results
strongly suggests a degenerative pathology. Studies are underway to evaluate the benefits of direct-fed probiotics to prevent or
minimize Vibrio disease. This research will provide the shrimp farming industry with information vital to developing the means
for reducing economic loss from Vibrio-infected shrimp.
103
EVALUATING THE STRESS RESPONSE OF CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus TO

CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND HARVEST STRESSORS AND ITS EFFECTS ON
FILLET QUALITY
Michael A. Ciaramella*, Peter J. Allen and M. Wes Schilling
Mississippi State University, Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion & Wildlife,
Fisheries and Aquaculture
PO Box 9805 Mississippi State, MS 39762
mac816@msstate.edu
Cultured channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) represents an important aquaculture crop in the Southern United States. During
grow-out and harvest, fish experience significant stress through environmental conditions, socking and transport. The cumulative
effects of such stress events elicit physiological changes. In meat products, pre-mortem physiological changes often result in
alterations in quality. Fillet color and pH represent important quality attributes that play a primary role in consumer acceptance
and protein function, respectively.
The effects of cumulative stress events were assessed to identify

culture stressors that elicit a physiological response triggering
changes in quality. Temperature (i.e., 25°C or 33°C) and dissolved
oxygen (DO, i.e., ~2mg/L or ~4mg/L) were manipulated followed by
socking (S) and transport (T) at high densities. Stress was quantified
through chemical analysis of blood plasma and quality was evaluated
through the use of instrumental testing of pH and color.
Plasma cortisol indicated a significant increase in stress with

accumulation of the stress events and suppression of the stress
response under low DO conditions (Figure 1). Implicating pre-
harvest environmental conditions as mediators in the stress response.
A significant decrease in redness (a*) and no significant change in
brightness (L*) with stress accumulation in all treatments except the
moderate heat stress (33°C, ~4mg/L, Table 1), indicate that moderate
heat stress may be a potential starting point in the formation of red
fillets. This correlates well with the significant increase in hematocrit.
Fillet pH increased significantly in this treatment causing further
alterations in quality and identifying these environmental conditions
as key factors affecting quality attributes in catfish fillets. Avoiding
harvest and transport under such conditions could limit economic
losses due to off color and texture in cultured channel catfish.
104
BOTTOM WEIGHT EFFECT OVER THE DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF A SPM CAGE UNDER
WAVES AND CURRENTS
Cristian Cifuentes *, M.H.Kim
Ocean Engineering Program

Department of Civil Engineering
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas, USA
ingeniero@tamu.edu
The dynamic response of a SPM cage with added ballast on its bottom collar under a combination of waves and current has
been investigated. Four different cases using a range between 0.25 ton. and 1.0 ton. distributed mass were analyzed. The target
system is a 30 m. diameter, 10.5 m draft circular cage using a net with a solidity ratio (Sn) of 14 %. The cage has been modeled
using the widely used software Orcaflex, which has been proven to be suitable for the modeling of net structures in our previous
research. The net is modeled using a simple array of cylinders which retains the same geometrical and structural properties
as the original net. The system is studied considering two high energy sea conditions modeled by a 10 and a 100 year return
period storms at Gulf of Mexico. The sea states are described by the use of a unidirectional Jonswap spectrum combined with a
collinear current profile. The results show that ballast has a significant influence over the tension on the mooring components.
As a consequence, the displacements of the cage are also affected by the ballast applied. Based on the numerical simulations,
it can be concluded that as the ballast increases, the tension and surge of the cage decreases.
For the numerical model of the net structure a combination of lines, six and three degree of freedom buoys have been used.
Lines represent the net and collar components of the system as well as the mooring lines keeping the cage in place. Buoys are
used to connect the lines and generate a model that reacts to the environment loads as a single unit. Mechanical and geometrical
properties are match between numerical model and prototype cage in order to properly describe the response of the system.
Of primary relevance on the determination of drag forces in nets is the selection of drag coefficient for each cylinder in the
numerical model. This is achieved by the use of a formulation that updates Cd at each time step using the normal relative velocity
between each line element and the fluid field. The drag force is then determined by using Morrison’s equation considering the
mass and inertia properties of each element.
105
THE NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FEDERALAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, SPECIFIC

GOAL #4: IMPROVE PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY AND WELL-BEING
Beth M. Cleveland
National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture

USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Kearneysville, WV 25430
beth.cleveland@ars.usda.gov
The 2014-2019 National Strategic Plan for Federal Aquaculture Research identifies a series of specific goals that identify
research priorities for Federal agency and interagency research programs. Collectively, these priorities define research activities
with the broad outcome of supporting aquaculture development in the United States. Specific goal #4 indicates the need to
improve production efficiency and well-being, supporting research across multiple disciplines including establishing species-
appropriate production systems, identifying and minimizing stressors, and understanding the physiology of economically
important traits.
Improving production efficiency, whether fish or shellfish, in-land or off-shore systems, ponds or raceways, requires properly
matching species to appropriate production environments and market demands. Research will address the expansion of
commercially viable species and practices that enable production of target sizes in changing markets. These efforts will
contribute to the establishment of models that integrate market opportunities with production capacity. The outcome will
be sustainable and profitable production coming from proper matching of animal genotypes to the production system and
consumer requirements.

Exposure to stressors negatively affects fish well-being and reduces fillet quality. Previous and ongoing research has identified
social, nutritional, and environmental stressors, characterized how different species respond to these stressors, and identified
the physiological and genomic mechanisms involved in the stress response. Future research will emphasize the development
of novel tools that define and reduce stressors in production systems and minimize their effect on fish well-being, thereby
improving growth, production efficiency, and product quality.
Previous research efforts have defined physiological mechanisms that regulate growth performance, nutrient retention, and
reproductive processes, and identified biological factors that regulate those mechanisms. These research efforts will continue
and emphasize the integration of these findings into production methods that improve economically important traits, lower input
costs, and reduce nutrient output. Genomic approaches will investigate genetic variation in these mechanisms and contribute
to identification of novel genomic markers for selective breeding and genetic improvement of desirable traits. Specific goals
include increasing fillet yield and reducing visceral waste products, increased nutrient retention with an emphasis on protein
retention, and improved product quality.
106
CREATING BETTER EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS FOR EXTENSION AND OUTREACH
David Cline
Extension Aquaculturist
203 Swingle Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849
clinedj@auburn.edu
Welcome to the video age. The spread of high speed internet access and simple video editing software makes the creation
and delivery of online educational videos easier than ever. YouTube videos provide an excellent mechanism for Extension
specialists to share information and reach a large potential audience. Putting a Power Point presentation in video format does
not make the most of this medium. The creation of good video content requires careful planning and practice. The average
attention span of most adults is 15 minutes and students approximately 7-10 minutes. Most lecture presentations, however, last
30 minutes to an hour. How can you get your point across as quickly as possible? We must learn to provide entertainment in
addition to education. YouTube suggests that the first 15 seconds of a video are critical for engagement and retention of the
audience.
A central figure or “hero” and a story with a beginning, middle and end will go a long way towards retaining the attention of the
audience. Join us for a discussion these and other simple tips and techniques that can improve your ability to create watchable
or perhaps even enjoyable educational Extension videos.
107
ANIMAL WELFARE ETHICS IN AQUACULTURE AND RECREATIONAL FISHING:

PROTECT YOUR MARKETS
Fred S Conte*
Department of Animal Science

University of California Davis
Davis, CA 95616
fsconte@ucdavis.edu
Aquaculture and recreational fishing have economic links, and both face substantial challenges relative to the public’s ethical
standards and perception of animal welfare. In general, consumers and many in the aquatic industries are not knowledgeable
regarding the distinction between different animal care philosophies. The ability to distinguish between three major animal care
philosophies of Animal Welfare, Animal Liberation and Animal Rights can better prepare producers and fishing practitioners
for animal care debates, and help protect aquaculture and recreational fishing markets. Animal Welfare is the key philosophy
that should be adopted by practitioners of all animal production industries. It also has application in recreational fishing.
Animal Liberation and Animal Rights oppose the use of animals by humans, whether it is for medical research, food, or
recreation. Understanding the principles of each philosophy better equips animal use practitioners for influencing potential
welfare legislation and can lead to greater confidence among consumers in making choices for both food and recreation.
In the past decade, the U.S. commercial aquaculture industry has made substantial progress in recognizing that the public’s
perception of aquatic animal welfare is important and will affect aquaculture markets. Greater progress is being made in animal
care practices, training workers how to work professionally, especially in the digital age of hidden cameras, and in methods
of humane slaughter of aquatic species. Although improved technology in animal production systems and humane slaughter
technology for additional species is needed, the public’s reaction to progress made in areas of aquatic animal welfare is a matter
of record.
There are also significant international challenges to the recreational fishing industry. Germany possesses the most stringent
recreational fishing “welfare” laws, and this restrictive trend is spreading internationally. To address this debate, in 2008 FAO
initiated the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission (EIFAC) Code of practice for recreational fisheries. In 2012,
the Fisheries published an analysis of the EIFAC code titled, Benefits and risks of adopting the global code of practices for
recreational fisheries. Although the aquatic industries still debate all aspects of Animal Welfare, future U.S. markets will be
determined by ethical positions held by the consuming public, and the response to these ethical positions by the U.S. aquatic
industries. Knowledge of Animal Welfare practices serves to protect aquaculture and recreational fishing markets.
108
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF JUVENILE MEXICAN SNOOKS Centropomus poeyi USING

PRACTICAL DIETS
María J. Contreras-García*, Wilfrido M. Contreras-Sánchez, Jenny Vázquez-Gómez,

Alejandro Mcdonal-Vera, Leonardo Cruz-Rosado, Raquel Hernández-Jiménez, Ulises Hernández-Vidal,
Carlos A. Álvarez-González and Rafael Martínez-García
Laboratorio de Acuicultura Tropical, DACBiol, UJAT

*contrer_mar@hotmail.com
In Mexico, snooks are among the species of fish with high commercial importance. In the Atlantic coast the Mexican snook
Centropomus poeyi locally known as “robalo prieto” o machín” is a very valuable fishing resource. It is also valued as
recreational fishery and locally, the market peaked high values during the last years. In our laboratory, we have particular
interest in this species, but little information is available regarding the biology or ecology of this species. Our efforts are
concentrated in reproduction in captivity, larval culture and appropriate diets. In this study, we evaluated growth of juvenile
Mexican snooks produced in captivity, comparing a commercial diet for trout El Pedregal® with two practical diets design to
meet Mexican snook requirements; one using poultry meal and one using pork meal. Juvenile Mexican snooks weighing in
average 5.97±1.94 g and 9.68±0.96 cm in total length were assigned to 70 L circular tanks in a complete randomized design.
Fish were fed to satiation and evaluated for 60 days. At the end of the trial, statistically significant differences were found
among treatments for weight and length (ANOVA, p<0.001). Fish fed with the diet that incorporated pork meal had the highest
growth (12.47±3.54g and 11.83±1.18cm). The lowest growth was observed in the treatment with poultry meal (8.88±3.06 g
and 10.70±1.09 cm (Fig. 1).
109
INDUCED REPRODUCTION AND LARVAL CULTURE OF THE FAT SNOOK Centropomus

parallelus
María J. Contreras-García, Wilfrido M. Contreras-Sánchez, Alejandro Mcdonal-Vera,

Ulises Hernández-Vidal, Leonardo Cruz-Rosado y Raquel Hernández-Jiménez

*contrer_mar@hotmail.com
The fat snook Centropomus parallelus is an important commercial resource in the costs of Tamaulipas, Veracruz and Tabasco,
Mexico. In our laboratory, we have been inducing reproduction in captivity of this species in order to generate an aquaculture
protocol. In different experiments, we evaluated the quality of reproductive events when GnRH-a implants were used. We
used a complete randomized design with three treatments and four pseudo-replicates (0 μg/female; 100μg/ female; and 200
μg/ female) when GnRH-a was applied to females, males received implants with 100 μg/fish). Spawning events occurred in
average 30 hours post-implant only in fish that received GnRH-a, and larvae hatched in average 20 hours post fertilization.
An ANCOVA using pseudo replication as co-variable indicated no hormone dose effects (p>0.05). Approximately 10,000 and
9,640 eggs were produced by females receiving 100 or 200 μg of GnRH-a, respectively. Fertilization rate varied between 85
and 99 %; and hatching between 89 and 97%. In another study, we evaluated conditions for larval culture. For this, one female
(36.2 g in weight and 34.7 cm in length) and two males (280 and 314 g in weight and 29.5 and 32.1 g in length) were implanted
with 200 and 100 µg of GnRH-a/fish, respectively. Spawning occurred at 30 UPS, 26.5 ºC, pH 8.58 and 5.64 mg/L of dissolved
oxygen. Larvae were transported to the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory located in Villahermosa, Tabasco. Larvae were placed
in 500-L fiberglass tanks for 45 days. Feeding included rotifers Brachionus rotundiformis and B. plicatilis, Artemia nauplii and
metanauplii and artificial feed Orange®. Temperature was kept around 29 °C.
In a separate study, we evaluated sperm quality in 29 males used as broodstock, before and after spawning events. Fluidity,
motility, percent active cells and amount of spermatozoa were measured. Results indicate no significant effects of different
hormone dose used in males, but the highest number of spermatozoa was observed in fish implanted with 100 µg/fish. These
results indicate that the quality of the sperm produced by fat snook males in captivity is comparable to values reported for other
species.
110
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF WILD COMMON SNOOK Centropomus undecimalis

JUVENILES IN CAPTIVITY
Wilfrido Miguel Contreras-Sánchez*, María J. Contreras-García, Alejandro Mcdonal-Vera,

Ulises Hernández-Vidal, María A. Cárdenas-García, Felipe Ramón-Zapata y Gabriel Márquez-Couturier
Laboratorio de Acuicultura Tropical, DACBiol. UJAT

*contrerw@hotmail.com
This study contributes to the incorporation of Centropomus undecimalis into aquacultural practices, providing information
on growth of wild juveniles and the formation of a stock of breeders. Aquaculture can be an alternative for this species since
wild populations might be overexploited due to fishing. This study was conducted in the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory at
the Biological Sciences Academic Division in UJAT. Wild fish were captured in different sites of the Mecoacán Lagoon and
maintained in marine water for a week. All fish were separated by size and four groups were formed as follows: 40 fish with
19.73 ± 3.14cm in length (large); 25 fish averaging 16.09 ± 0.96cm (medium); 35 fish with 12.08 ± 1.48cm (small) and 25 fish
with an average of 8.66 ± 0.66cm (very small). Every group was kept in a separate 1.5m diameter tank and slowly transferred
into fresh water. Growth was evaluated for 12 months. At the end of this experiment, we obtained a batch of 126 young adults
to be used as broodstock measuring in average 26.92cm in length and weighing 136.81g (Fig.1). Larger fish duplicated and,
in some cases triplicated the growth rate of smaller fish. In separate experiments, we also evaluated growth under different
salinities (0, 15 y 20 UPS; 25) and densities (4, 8 y 12 fish/m3). In these experiments, we used juveniles weighing between 8.5
and 12g. Both experiments lasted 30 days. The results indicate in both cases that there are no statistically significant differences
(ANOVA, P=0.06 and 0.28, respectively). Growth under different salinities indicate that common snook juveniles can grow
slightly better at 15 UPS. While higher densities can result in better growth (8 and 12 fish/m3) than using only 4 fish/m3
(26.8±10.0; 27.1±8.9 and 22.0±5.9, respectively).
111
INDUCED REPRODUCTION AND LARVAL CULTURE OF THE MEXICAN SNOOK

Centropomus poeyi
Wilfrido M. Contreras-Sánchez *, María J. Contreras-García, Alejandro Mcdonal-Vera,

Ulises Hernández-Vidal, Leonardo Cruz-Rosado, and Raquel Hernández-Jiménez
Laboratorio de Acuicultura Tropical, DACBiol. UJAT

In Tabasco, Mexico, several species of snooks (Centropomus) are present in rivers, lagoons and marine environments. Among
them, the Mexican snook (Centropomus Poeyi) locally known as “robalo prieto” o machín” this species is endemic to the
occidental part of the Gulf of Mexico and its distribution includes the states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz and Tabasco. This
Catadromous fish spends most of his live in fresh water environments, but reaches the coastal zone to spawn. Larvae hatch in
marine waters and early migrate into brackish environments.
We conducted studies to evaluate the response to induced reproduction in captivity, using GnRH-a implants. All adults were
identified with PIT tags. Three trials were conducted; each experimental unit consisted of one female and two males. Females
were implanted with 200 µg GnRH-a, and males with 100 µg of GnRH-a.
From the three females implanted, one responded to the implant. (4.46 Kg in weight and 77.00 cm in length). The two males
that fertilized the eggs had 4.13 and 4.36 kg and 76.00 and 81.69 cm. Implants were placed at 10:35 AM, and all fish were
placed in a circular 4-m diameter tank. Spawning activity was observed 27-30 hours after implantation. Around 3 million
larvae were obtained in the tank, from which 126,000 were transported to the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory located in
Villahermosa in 40x60 cm polyethylene bags. Larvae were placed in fiberglass tanks (500 L capacity) at two different densities:
200 and 100 larvae/L. Larvae were fed using Brachionus rotundiformis and B. plicatilis, at a density of 20/mL. Rotifers were
fed using microalgae paste (Nannochloropsis oculata). The feeding regime was adjusted as fish grew, Artemia nauplii were
added to the feeding protocol at day 11 and artificial diets at day 26 (Orange™). At day 18, fish showed intense swimming
activity circling constantly around the tank. This was considered a migratory behavior; therefore, salinity was brought down at
a rate of 5 UPS every 24 hours, starting on day 19, until 15 UPS was achieved. At the age of 45 days, fish were moved out of
the larval culture system into a 1m diameter tank with fresh water; once again salinity was lowered at a rate of 5 UPS/day. At
day 60, two thousand fish were donated to the farm “El Pucté del Usumacinta” to conduct grow-out trials, while 1000 fish were
kept in our laboratory for determination of culture conditions such as diets, density and salinity.
112
EVALUATION OF PRACTICAL DIETS FOR FISH MEAL REPLACEMENT IN THE TROPICAL

GAR Atractosteus tropicus
Wilfrido M. Contreras-Sánchez*, Leonardo Serafín-Rodríguez, María J. Contreras-García,

Alejandro Mcdonal-Vera and Ulises Hernández-Vidal
Laboratorio de Acuicultura Tropical, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas

Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco
Km. 0.5 Carretera Vhsa-Cárdenas, entronque a Bosques de Saloya
86039 Villahermosa, Tab.
Gars are excellent candidates for aquaculture as they exhibit rapid growth to large sizes, are highly resistant to diseases, can
be maintained at high densities, and readily adapt to artificial feed at early life stages. We conducted a complete randomized
experiment with five treatments in triplicates to determine the efficacy of replacing fishmeal by beef meal. Experimental units
consisted of 50L plastic tanks connected to a recirculating system; each tank containing 10 fish. Treatment 1 (Control diet:
100% fish meal (FM)); Treatment 2 (75% FM + 25% beef meal (BM); diet 3 (50% FM + 50% BM; treatment 4 (25% FM + 75%
BM and treatment 5 (100% BM). This experiment started using fish with an average of 14.40g in weight and 15.79cm in length.
The analysis of variance indicated that after 105 days of experiment, there were no significant differences among treatments for
weigh or length (p>0.05). The highest values were found in the diet with 100% FM replacement (59.28± while the lowest was
observed in diet with 25% FM replacement (52.39±12.15g) (Fig.1). Similar results were found for Total length.
113
EFFECTS OF SALINITY AND WATER QUALITY ON JUVENILE TROPICAL GAR Atractosteus

tropicus GROW-OUT AND SURVIVAL
Wilfrido M. Contreras-Sánchez, Felipe N. Hernández-Hernández, María J. Contreras-García,

Alejandro Mcdonal-Vera, Ulises Hernández-Vidal and Leonardo Cruz-Rosado
Laboratorio de Acuicultura Tropical, DACBiol, UJAT.

The tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) is a freshwater species with an important biological and ecological role in wetlands,
lagoons and rivers. As a top predator in the food chain, it regulates other populations of fish, amphibians and crustaceans. In
southeaster Mexico, the tropical gar represents also an economic resource, since it is appreciated in the local cuisine as an exotic
dish. Several researchers have warned about the loss of habitat for spawning and hatcheries and the fishing pressure generated
by the demand is eliminating the valuable stock of good quality breeders. This situation pushed our laboratory to stablish basis
for aquacultural management of the tropical gar generating the technological package for breeding, larval culture and grow-
out. To date, our goal is to refine methods, contribute to better practices for the culture of this important fish in the region, and
incorporate alternatives to include new farmers from the coast of Tabasco.
We evaluated the growth and survival of tropical gar juveniles under different salinities (0, 5, 10 and 15 UPS) in a couple of
trials and different filtration methods and densities to maintain water quality. In the salinity trials, we used complete randomized
designs with 1000L plastic tanks as experimental units. Twenty-five gars were used in each tank; all fish were fed to satiation
two times a day. After 30 days of experimentation, the results indicate that salinity affected significantly weight (p=0.02), but
not length (p=0.11). Fish kept in fresh water had best growth 162.87g (±31.35). As salinity increased, growth decreased, fish at
10 or 15 UPS grew less (149.80g ± 34.59).
In a separate experiment, we evaluated the impact of density under traditional external filtration. There is a general belief
that gars can tolerate very bad water quality conditions including high levels of nitrogen compounds (nitrates, nitrites, and
ammonia). The control group consisted of tanks with the highest density connected to a recirculation system, while the other
treatments had only an external aquarium cascade system ECOPET® with 3, 5, and 7 fish/tank. All fish were fed to satiation
two times a day. After 30 days of experimentation, the results indicated that water quality had a significant impact on growth
and survival (p<0.05). The control group had the best growth (128.62g ± 16.62) and fish under lower filtration and highest
density had the lowest growth (105.8g ± 21.08). Similar results were observed for length (30.24 cm ± 1.34 and 28.64cm ± 1.37;
respectively). Survival in the control group was 100% while in the other treatments decreased severely (77.8, 53.3 and 42.8%;
respectively). In the treatments with slow filtration levels of nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia were significantly higher. In some
cases, values triplicated those in the control group. In conclusion, we recommend inclusion of tropical gar culture in salinities
up to 10 UPS and the use of good recirculation systems to keep water quality at maximum.
114
CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH PERMITTING NEW MARINE FARMS IN THE US
Alan Cook
4019 – 21st Avenue West

Seattle, WA 98199
alanc@icicleseafoods.com
My presentation will be delivered by power point. I will speak for approximately 12 minutes on the experiences our company
has had in trying to permit new farms and obtain expansions to existing farms.
115
BUTYRATE AND PROPIONATE IMPROVE THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF WHITELEG

SHRIMP
Bruno Corrêa da Silva*, Felipe do Nascimento Vieira, José Luiz Pedreira Mouriño, Norha Bolivar
and Walter Q. Seiffert
Development Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries

Santa Catarina State Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Agency
Admar Gonzaga 1347, 88034901. Florianópolis-SC, Brazil
brunosilva@epagri.sc.gov.br
Organic salts can improve the animal performance, increasing the efficiency of nutrient utilization and modifying the intestinal
microbiota. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium butyrate and sodium propionate dietary inclusions at
different levels in the growth performance of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).
Seven diets were evaluated: a control diet (without supplementation) and three diets from each sodium salt, propionate and
butyrate, in concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 2%. We used 21 fiberglass tanks of 12.5 m² (6.000 L) with constant aeration and
heaters of 3.000 W controlled by a thermostat (29 ± 0.4 °C). Each tank were stocked with 150 shrimps (2.53 ± 0.03 g). The
water exchange rate was 50% per day. After 47 days, the shrimp performance was evaluated (final weight, weekly weight gain,
yield, feed efficiency, and survival).
Temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, total ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite nitrogen had low variation during cultivation,
with average values of 28.8 ºC (27.5 ºC–29.4 ºC); 4.9 mg.L-1 (4.4–5.8 mg.L-1); 35 ppt (34–37 ppt); 7.9 (7.6–8.1); 0.6 mg
N-NH4.L-1 (0.1–1.4 mg N-NH4.L-1), 0.1 mg N-NO2.L-1 (0.0–0.3 mg N-NO2.L-1), respectively. The shrimps fed with diets
supplemented with propionate and butyrate, in all concentrations used in the present research (0.5%, 1%, and 2%), experienced
an increase in their final weight and weekly weight gain. The feed efficiency and survival of shrimps fed with the diet containing
2% butyrate and the yield of the supplemented with 2% propionate, 0.5% and 2% butyrate also showed higher values than the
shrimps fed the control diet.
116
NURSERY CULTURE OF Litopenaeus vannamei AT REDUCED SALINITY
Gregory Cottingham*, Addison Lawrence, Jack Crockett, Wendy Baxter
*
Texas A&M University AgriLife Research Mariculture Laboratory at Port Aransas
Port Aransas, TX 78373
gcottingham@islander.tamucc.edu
Litopenaeus vannamei is the most widely aquacultured shrimp species in the western hemisphere. As industry attempts to
move away from expensive coastal and estuarine land, culture of L. vannamei in salinities less than natural seawater would
reduce cost and increase the viability of production. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of reduced salinity
(8ppt) versus traditional salinity (28 ppt) on water quality, biofloc, and production of juvenile L. vannamei reared in minimal
exchange, shallow water (30 cm) nursery systems.
Two 14-day experiments were conducted using two simulated raceways at each salinity (two raceways per treatment). Raceways
were filled with filtered seawater and municipal freshwater treated by reversed osmosis. Water temperature in both experiments
was 27.0±1°C. For the first experiment ~0.047g juvenile L. vannamei were stocked at an average density of 6000 animals/per
tank (2,666/m2 or 8,889/m3). For the second experiment juvenile shrimp (~0.5g) were stocked at an average density of 2750
animals/per tank (1,222/m2 or 4074/m3).
At the end of the first trail survival was 61% at traditional salinity and 78% at reduced salinity. Growth was 0.13±0.03g/week
at traditional salinity and 0.10±0.02g/week at reduced salinity. Some differences in water quality parameters were seen. Biofloc
performed similarly between treatments. Results of the second experiment showed similar survival between the two treatments
(98% at traditional salinity and 94% at reduced salinity). Growth was 0.24±0.04 g/week at traditional salinity and 0.27±0.02
g/week at reduced salinity. Mean levels of nitrite-nitrogen were higher at traditional salinity. Decreased carbohydrate (scFOS)
supplementation was required at reduced salinity (Table 1). All parameters remained within acceptable levels during the fourteen
days (Table 1). These results suggest that reduced salinity culture may be a future option for the shrimp mariculture industry.
117
MATRIX-ASSISTED LASER DESORPTION/IONIZATION TIME-OF-FLIGHT MASS

SPECTROMETRY (MALDI-TOF MS) AS A NEWLY AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY FOR
RAPID MICROBIAL IDENTIFICATION IN A LABORATORY PROVIDING DIAGNOSTIC
MICROBIOLOGY FOR AQUATIC SPECIES
Marcus J. Crim*, Earl K. Steffen, Beth L. Talken, David C. Eckhoff, Lela K. Riley
IDEXX BioResearch
4011 Discovery Drive
Columbia, MO 65201-8250
Identification of bacteria and fungi has traditionally relied on a combination of

morphology, motility, staining characteristics, and metabolic biochemical tests.
However, some microbial species are difficult to discriminate even with a battery of
tests, morphology can vary according to media and culture conditions, and isolates
that are atypical for a species can be misidentified by biochemical tests. Microbial
identification by PCR and DNA sequencing methods, such as multilocus sequence
typing, can overcome these challenges, but are expensive. Matrix-assisted laser
desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a
state-of-the-art proteomic technology that provides excellent discrimination for
microbial identification, but is also rapid and cost-effective.
MALDI-TOF MS uses an automated series of laser shots to ionize and desorb

the proteins in a microbial sample, which migrate to a charged detector in an
electric field. The time-of-flight (TOF) of the microbial proteins to the detector is
a function of the mass/charge ratio (m/z) of each protein. For each isolate, up to
or more than 100 peaks are detected between 2-20 kDa, comprising a molecular
fingerprint representing the most abundant proteins in the sample (Figure 1). To
obtain genus- and species-level identification, automated software compares the
spectra for each isolate to an integrated reference database of microbial spectra.
MALDI-TOF MS is increasingly important for biomedical research and human

medical diagnostic applications, and spectra are now available for a number of
aquatic pathogens, notably those that are also human pathogens or important in
seafood spoilage. In our laboratory, we have found MALDI-TOF MS to be a
robust, powerful tool for identification of fish isolates from the ornamental fish
trade, research colonies, public aquaria, zoos, as well as water and biofilm samples.
118
FACILITATING DIFFUSION AND ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE COASTAL

DEVELOPMENT INNOVATIONS: SYNERGISTIC INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT FOR
DISTRIBUTED AQUACULTURE ENTERPRISES
Holly T. Cronin*
Department of Geography
McGill University
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
holly.cronin@gmail.com
Several well-documented projects have demonstrated the viability of aquaculture as an avenue for economic diversification in
coastal areas traditionally reliant on wild fisheries. With favorable market dynamics, readily accessible technology, and low
startup costs, seaweed farming represents an entry-level opportunity for members of fishing communities to engage in smaller-
scale seafood production. Yet, commercial cultivation of seaweeds has proven slow to gain traction beyond Asia. Literature on
the subject calls for better understanding of the institutional and cultural factors which impede or enhance such development.
As the technological and managerial aspects of seaweed aquaculture can be readily worked out for a given location, successful
diffusion is central to industry expansion. In areas where knowledge of innovations related to seaweed aquaculture has
successfully diffused, however, contextual factors have played a significant role in determining whether or not that diffusion
sparks adoption of new behavior. Establishment of institutions designed to facilitate and sustain integration of innovations may
catalyze growth and channel development of the seaweed sector.
This institutional case study of the emerging industry in the US state of Maine explores the process of establishing small-
scale seaweed aquaculture enterprises as well as associated socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Maine’s policy, legal,
training, business, and extension services are outlined. A distinct approach characterized by collaboration, transparency, and
interconnectedness is highlighted as central to fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
Drawing on recorded oral histories and study of the system dynamics of a fishing community across the border from Maine in
the Canadian province of New Brunswick, avenues are proposed to recontextualize Maine’s successes in a different commercial
and political environment within the same bioregion. The early results of implementation research conducted in New Brunswick
identify key challenges and opportunities in translating and reapplying place-specific industry lessons.
Selected land-based approaches to food production - notably the US soybean industry and India’s Amul-model dairy cooperatives
- are outlined to illustrate diverse and successful agribusiness strategies. This project contributes new insights on generalizable
core institutional elements that facilitate engagement of fishing communities to establish thriving aquaculture enterprises.
119
WHITE CRAPPIE Pomoxis annularis INDUCED SPAWNING IN TANK AQUACULTURE

SYSTEMS
Charlie M. Culpepper III and Peter J. Allen

Box 9690, Mississippi State, MS 39762
cculpepper@cfr.msstate.edu
In order to develop crappie (Pomoxis spp.) reproduction methods in tank aquaculture systems, we evaluated the viability
of three commonly utilized spawning induction hormones: luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa),
human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and salmonid gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa), to induce gonadal
maturation and spawning in white crappie (P. annularis). Prespawn adult white crappie (mean ± SE total length: 341±1 mm;
weight: 662.2 ±16.4 g) were collected from Enid and Grenada Reservoirs, in northern Mississippi, and transported to the
North Mississippi Fish Hatchery, Enid, MS. Fish were acclimated to tank conditions for a one-month period, prior to induced
spawning experiments.
For the first spawning experiment, crappie (12-male:12-female/treatment) were stocked into flow-through rectangular tanks,
with divided sections to keep male and females separate. Fish were injected with LHRHa, HCG or not injected as a control.
LHRHa female crappie received a 10% priming dose followed by a 90% resolving dose 12-hr later. Males received a single
dose at 50% of the female dose. HCG crappie received a 10% priming dose followed by a 90% resolving dose 12-hr later,
regardless of sex. When released eggs were observed on the tank bottom, fish were strip spawned, eggs were fertilized and
placed into McDonald hatching jars for incubation and hatching. Spawning success was defined as the number of male:female
pairs spawned / male:female pairs total. Fertilization success was determined based upon percent (%) fertilization for each
spawning pair at 12 and 24-hr post-fertilization. A second experiment was conducted to examine the effectiveness of GnRHa
and LHRHa. Fish were stocked into similar tanks and dosage rates and inoculation timing for the LHRHa treatment remained
the same as Experiment 1. GnRHa fish were injected with a 10% priming dose and a 90% resolving dose for females 24-hr post
priming dose, and a single 100% dose for males at the same time as the female resolving dose.
Spawning occurred in all three-hormone treatments (spawning success: LHRHa = 65%; GnRHa = 50%; HCG = 25%), but none
of the control crappie spawned. GnRHa produced the highest fertilization rates at 24-hr post-spawn (68.33 ± 8.78%), while
LHRHa had the lowest fertilization rates at 24-hr post-spawn (12.36 ± 4.79%). The HCG treatment caused high mortalities
prior to spawning during Experiment 1 (54.17%), and highly variable mean fertilization rates (28.64 ±12.06%) from the three-
crappie pairs that did spawn. These results indicate that crappie can be held and spawned in tank systems, and that GnRHa is
the preferred spawning hormone to induce spawning in crappie.
120
EVALUATION OF JUVENILE LARGEMOUTH BASS Micropterus salmoides FED PRACTICAL

PLANT PROTEIN DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH VARIOUS LIPID OIL SOURCES WITH
OR WITHOUT A COMMERCIAL ALGAE MEAL ON GROWTH, SURVIVAL, AND FATTY
ACID FILLET COMPOSITION
Zachary. A. Kupchinsky*, Kenneth R. Thompson, Leigh Anne Bright, Shawn D. Coyle, James H. Tidwell,
Keith Filer, and Vaun C. Cummins

103 Athletic Drive Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601, USA
zachary.kupchinsky@kysu.edu
Recent studies conducted on largemouth bass (LMB; Micropterus salmoides) nutrition demonstrate the potential of replacing
most, if not all, of the expensive fishmeal (FM) component in the diet with less-expensive plant and animal protein sources. To
date, no research has evaluated feeding LMB entirely on plant protein ingredients or the impact it may have on their fatty acid
requirements when using different lipid sources and was therefore, the objective of this study.
Four diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (40% protein as fed basis) and isoenergetic. A control diet (CTL) was formulated
similar to a commercial LMB diet containing 30% FM, while the other three diets contained no FM and were replaced with
soybean meal (SBM) and soy protein concentrate (SPC) as the primary plant protein sources. Three substitution diets relied
on lipids from either fish oil (FO), flaxseed oil (FLX), or sunflower oil (SFO) in combination with a whole cell algae (ALG;
Schizochytrium sp.). Juvenile LMB (mean individual weight of 19.5 g) were stocked at 15 fish/tank into sixteen 110-L glass
aquaria in a closed recirculating system. Fish were fed to apparent satiation twice daily one of the four experimental diets. There
were four replicate tanks per dietary treatment.
After 81 days, LMB fed the ALG/SFO diet were not significantly different (P > 0.05) in mean final weight (g) and percent
weight gain compared to juveniles fed the FO diet, but were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared to fish fed the CTL diet.
Notably, LMB fed the FO diet did not differ to the CTL for these variables. LMB fed the ALG/SFO did not differ in feed
conversion ratio or percent survival compared to fish fed the FO or CTL diets. Fish fed the FLX diet had the poorest growth
performance and was significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared to all other treatments fed for these variables. Fatty acid analysis
in LMB fillets are reported in Table 1. In summary, these data suggest that juvenile LMB can utilize plant protein sources when
no animal protein sources are added. It should be noted that more data analysis is forthcoming.
121
GROWTH, SURVIVAL, AND SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF NEWLY-HATCHED AUSTRALIAN

RED CLAW CRAYFISH Cherax quadricarinatus GROWN AT THREE DIFFERENT STOCKING
DENSITIES
Grant Curran*, Siddharta Dasgupta, and Kenneth R. Thompson

103 Athletic Road
Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
grant.curran@kysu.edu
Australian red claw have been grown in earthen ponds, outdoor tanks, or indoor tank systems. However, a short growing season
in temperate climates accompanied by increasing regulation imposed on the outdoor culture of red claw has increased the
demand for crayfish production in indoor tank systems. Currently, the challenge of using indoor tank systems for nursery grow-
out is the lack of a protocol for appropriate stocking densities. Furthermore, the large variance between crayfish size presents
challenges for the producer in determining optimal density for the best growth performance and largest amount of market ready
crayfish.
This study addressed some of those challenges by investigating the effects of stocking density on growth, survival, and size
distribution of juvenile crayfish grown in an indoor recirculating tank system during an eight-week period. Juveniles were size
graded at .26 ±.08 grams for initial stocking weight. Newly-hatched red claw were stocked into three different treatment groups
of 200, 400, and 600 m2 with 3 replicate randomly selected tanks (tank size = 0.3 m2) per treatment or 9 tanks total. Substrate
occupied roughly 54% of the area within each tank. Water quality parameters were checked twice weekly. Red claw were fed
at 6% body weight for each tank using a high protein commercial shrimp diet for the first 39 days then dropped to 3% to avoid
water quality concerns. Excess feed in tanks were siphoned on a weekly basis to maintain optimal water quality conditions.
At harvest, crayfish were individually weighed and measured for total lengths. After 8 weeks, red claw grown at 200, 400, or
600 per square meter had a final mean weight (g) for the low, medium, and high stocking densities of 7.19g, 5.37g, and 3.95g;
further, the survival percentage averaged 69.44%, 68.61%, and 64.63%, among the three stocking densities. More data analysis
is forthcoming.
122
SOME COMPARATIVE ASPECTS OF PENEIDS NUTRITIONAL PHYSIOLOGY AND

DOMESTICATION: A MARINE PROTEIN FOR THE FUTURE
Gaxiola, G. and Cuzon, G.
UNAM UMDI/Sisal, Ifremer COP/Tahiti
The present study presents some aspects of shrimp nutritional physiology taking into account some aspects such as phylogeny,
ontogeny, and life history of shrimp culture, its evolution from years 70’up to known without forgetting environmental aspects
and variation in culture practices. The interest is to show the various aspects from a comparative view point because it helps
understand whether the concept of shrimp model can be applicable today. After so many studies on so many species, one
could consider P.vannamei then L.vannamei as the best example and the question is debated to see up to which level the actual
knowledge on this species can serve for the benefit of other species, in the course of introduction of research effort on native
species? All those considerations mentioned above will tend to state on the fact that industry could develop an all-species feed
fitting to so many rearing conditions and recurrence of “floc” tend to minimize its role aside from natural productivity of various
systems. Shrimp grower feed will probably go easily to simple formulation at the difference of maturation feed or larval feed,
not only for an application of the concept zero-fishmeal but for economic considerations and sustainability of the production.
123
SURVIVAL, CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF WALLEYE EMBRYO AND

LARVAE FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO DEWATERING AND STORAGE ON ICE
Konrad Dabrowski, Michal Wojno, MacKenzie Miller, Karolina Kwasek

Ohio State University
Columbus, OH 43210, U.S.A.
(Dabrowski.1@osu.edu)
The tolerance of walleye (Sander vitreus) eyed stage embryos to cooling on ice and subsequent hatching and rearing to advanced
juveniles was examined. Embryos (70% viable; 8 days after fertilization) were refrigerated in insolated transportation boxes at
1.4oC for the duration of 25, 48, 72h, or 5 days and then acclimated in aquaria for hatching and rearing.
Hatching of embryos and their ability to continue development (swim bladder inflation), food acceptance (live brine shrimp
nauplii) and growth were monitored for 14 days. The initial weight of walleye larvae was 3.0+0.5 mg. The duration of exposure
to transportation stress resulted in significant differences in fish survival at the end of rearing/feeding period, 46.8+ 8, 38.8+8.4,
41+4.8, and 36.9+12.4%. However, swim bladder inflation was the highest in fish that were stored on ice as embryos for 5
days, 61+18, 54+8, 64+3.8 and 90.5+8%, respectively. Fish weight was not significantly different among treatments, 10.2+1.7,
11.1+0.1, 11.0+0.6, and 11.2+0.6 mg for individuals with “inflated” swim bladder, and significantly lower for fish with
“uninflated” swim bladder, 7.7+1.9, 7.6+0.6, 7.5+0.2 and 6.8+1.2 mg, respectively. This experiment provides significant new
data to fish culturists regarding storage of walleye embryos prior to hatching and possibility of delayed stocking of larvae into
prepared nursing ponds or intensive rearing in tanks.
124
MARKETING OF ADULT RED CLAW CRAYFISH, Cherax quadricarinatus, IN FARMERS’

MARKETS
SIDDHARTHA DASGUPTA*, GRANT CURRAN, RICHARD BRYANT

103 Athletic Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Siddhartha.dasgupta@kysu.edu
Adult Australian red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, is a large tropical crustacean with the appearance of a small lobster
to the untrained eye, has strong potential as a food species in the United States. This project elicits perceptions and willingness
to pay that farmers’ market patrons have towards this product.
Consumers at farmers’ markets in the United States typically expect high quality, high value, and healthful food products that
are locally-grown and less available or unavailable in grocery stores. Locally-produced Australian red claws with average
weights from 70 grams to 90 grams should satisfy the expectations of these consumers with respect to quality, value, freshness,
and uniqueness.
A Kentucky grower of Australian red claws was a cooperator on this study and provided products that were taken to multiple
farmers’ markets in the state. At each market, the crayfish were sold using an experimental auction methodology called a
Becker-deGroot-Marschak auction. This technique is a highly suitable method of evaluating the willingness to pay at a grocery
store or farmers’ market. Interested patrons were asked to bid on a pound (454 grams) of crayfish. Simultaneously, a computer
selected a random bid. If the consumer won the bidding game, he/she was allowed to purchase crayfish at the lower bid price.
Prior to data collection, consumers were educated in the simple bidding game. After the bidding was completed, they were
surveyed regarding their seafood purchase and consumption habits, willingness to support local aquaculture farms, perceptions
of red claw crayfish, and demographics.
The results showed that consumers overwhelmingly liked the product and were willing to bid high enough for small-scale
producers to be profitable at farmers’ markets. Other results showed that larger red claw crayfish were preferred over medium-
size or small crayfish. Additional results showed that consumers were willing to purchase cooked crayfish at higher prices
which should be important for small-scale producers who can offer ready-to-eat dishes at significant margins.
125
PRIMITIVE FISHES AND ROADSIDE DITCHES: SPAWNING MIGRATIONS OF BOWFIN

(AMIA CALVA) AND SHORTNOSE GAR (Lepisosteus platostomus) IN GREAT LAKES
RESTORATION WETLANDS
David, S.R.*, Cottrell, A., Hendricks, D., Van Dam, R.M., and Forsythe, P.S.
3550 N. Lake Shore Dr. #219

Chicago, IL 60657
sdavid@sheddaquarium.org
Investigating the effects of habitat restoration activities on Great Lakes tributaries can inform management decisions and
conservation efforts as to how rapidly Great Lakes migratory fishes and community diversity are impacted. Restoration efforts
by local, state, and non-governmental institutions have attempted to improve and enhance degraded wetlands and interconnected
waterways (i.e., agricultural ditches) throughout the western shore of Green Bay (Wisconsin, USA). The primary goal of
restoration was to improve spawning habitat for migratory fishes and other wetland-dependent wildlife. However, recent
research indicates that restored wetland locations may function as ecological “traps,” attracting fish from more suitable spawning
areas (i.e. true tributaries) to sites that may limit their recruitment success. Because of these uncertainties, the Bay of Green Bay
and surrounding aquatic landscape features present a valuable opportunity to study Great Lakes migratory species after habitat
modification in a comprehensive way. The focal species for this study was migratory Northern Pike Esox lucius, although
we investigated spawning migration patterns of lesser-known Great Lakes species, Shortnose Gar Lepisosteus platostomus
and Bowfin Amia calva as well. The specific objectives of our study included: 1) determining how fish species composition,
abundance, and habitat use change after habitat restoration, 2) estimating migratory species recruitment after restoration, 3)
evaluating and comparing recruitment success between tributary and restored habitats that encompass agricultural ditches and
wetlands. We used fyke nets to collect and floy-tag incoming and outgoing migratory adult Bowfin from a restoration wetland
on the western shore of Green Bay during spring/summer 2013-2014. We also used screened box traps in restoration sites to
estimate juvenile recruitment of out-migrating Bowfin and Shortnose Gar. Preliminary results indicated successful recruitment
of both species from restoration wetlands, and similar growth rates in comparison to natural tributaries. Habitat created by
restoration efforts was shown to be used by focal game species as well as other native apex predatory fishes.
126
COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF FEEDING A FISHMEAL-FREE VS. A FISHMEAL-BASED

DIET ON ATLANTIC SALMON Salmo salar PERFORMANCE, WATER QUALITY, AND WASTE
PRODUCTION RATES IN LOW EXCHANGE RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS
John Davidson*, Frederic Barrows, Christopher Good, and Steven Summerfelt
The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute

Shepherdstown, WV 25443
j.davidson@freshwaterinstitute.org
In recent years, the percentage of fishmeal used in Atlantic salmon diets has declined steadily; however, most commercial
salmon diets still utilize some fishmeal. More work is needed to develop alternative, fishmeal-free diets that are effective
for Atlantic salmon culture. Ideally, newly developed diets could be effectively fed to Atlantic salmon raised in land-based
recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), as these culture systems are being used more often for the production of larger smolt
(up to 1 kg) and, in some cases, for harvest-size salmon (4-6 kg).
Therefore, a 6-month study was conducted to compare the effects of feeding a fishmeal-free (FMF) versus a traditional
fishmeal-based diet (FM) on Atlantic salmon performance, health, and welfare; as well as water quality and waste production
rates within replicated recirculating aquaculture systems. Six identical RAS were stocked with 220 post-smolt Atlantic salmon
(281 ± 5 g). The FMF diet was fed to salmon in 3 RAS, while the FM diet was fed to salmon in the other 3 RAS. The primary
replacement proteins provided in the FMF diet were mixed nut meal and poultry meal. Fish oil was equalized in both diets to
provide the same concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. Both diets utilized an approximate protein/fat ratio of 42/27. Feed was
delivered via automated feeders during 24 events, equally-spaced around-the-clock. A 24-h photoperiod was utilized. Each
experimental RAS was operated with relatively low water exchange, replacing enough water to maintain mean nitrate-nitrogen
concentrations <75 mg/L. System hydraulic retention times averaged 13 days.
Atlantic salmon growth performance, survival, and feed conversion ratios (FCR) were statistically similar between diets. Mean
Atlantic salmon weights in RAS fed the FMF and FM diets were 1718 ± 74 and 1720 ± 65 g, respectively at study’s end.
Cumulative survival was nearly 100% for salmon fed each diet. Average FCR for the FMF and FM diets was 0.90 ± 0.06 and
0.87 ± 0.03, respectively. Histopathology, blood chemistry, fillet quality attributes (fillet yield, color, texture, fatty acid content,
and proximate composition) were collected and will be made available at the conference.
Many water quality parameters were assessed. Key parameters such as dissolved oxygen (10.0 mg/L) and water temperature
(15.2 oC) were controlled amongst all RAS. The most notable difference between diets was for total phosphorous which was
more than 4 times greater in the culture water of RAS associated with the FMF diet, 4.26 ± 0.13 mg/L, compared to 0.85 ±
0.02 mg/L for the FM diet. Elevated phosphorous could be problematic depending on waste discharge requirements, but could
also be perceived as advantageous for aquaponics applications. Detailed mass balance and waste production data will also be
presented.
127
THE EFFECT OF NATIVE FRESHWATER SNAILS Physa gyrina ON BIOFILM GROWTH

AND OFF-FLAVOR COMPOUNDS (GEOSMIN AND 2-METHLYISOBORNEOL) IN
EXPERIMENTAL REUSE SYSTEMS CULTURING RAINBOW TROUT Oncorhynchus mykiss
John Davidson*, Eric Ruan, Clayton Raines, Carol Plautz, Christopher Good, Niels Jørgensen,
Jennifer Aalhus, and Steven Summerfelt

Shepherdstown, WV 25443
j.davidson@freshwaterinstitute.org
During a past trial culturing Atlantic salmon in a 150 m3 semi-commercial scale recirculating aquaculture system (RAS),
native freshwater snails, Physa gyrina, inadvertently populated the water recycle loop, likely entering the system as larvae
via the makeup water supply. While snails were present, market-size Atlantic salmon (4-5 kg) were found to have low to non-
detectable off-flavor in the fillets.
To further evaluate this phenomenon and to determine if snails are capable of mitigating off-flavor in RAS, a controlled,
3-month study was designed using 8 experimental reuse systems (0.5 m3). Two treatments (4 systems/ treatment) were evaluated
while culturing rainbow trout: 1) systems stocked with snails and 2) systems without snails. The reuse systems were simple in
design, consisting of a circular culture tank, a pump to circulate the water, and a water aeration sump in which water trickled
through a spray bar to provide gas exchange. Prior to stocking trout and snails, each culture system was brushed, cleaned, and
disinfected using 250 mg/L hydrogen peroxide which was recirculated for 1 hr without dilution. Thereafter, 30 juvenile rainbow
trout (111 ± 1 g to begin) were stocked in each culture tank. Snails were stocked several days later within the water aeration
sumps, but were excluded from the fish tanks. Fish culture tanks were brushed twice weekly to simulate a typical protocol at a
trout farm; however, other parts of the replicated reuse systems (in particular the water aeration tanks with and without snails)
were not brushed or cleaned throughout the study. Average makeup water flow rates of 3.4 L/min were maintained amongst all
experimental reuse systems resulting in equal flushing rates and system hydraulic retention times of approximately 2.5 hours.
Water quality was equal amongst treatments for most tested parameters, with the exception of mean heterotrophic bacteria
counts, i.e. 311 vs. 1502 cfu/mL for systems with and without snails respectively. Visually, a dramatic difference in biofilm was
evident in the water aeration sumps with and without snails. Sumps containing snails had little to no biofilm resulting from snail
grazing; while the submerged surfaces of sumps without snails were coated with biofilm. To quantify this difference, biofilm
was scraped from the inside of a template held over several common areas of each sump, totaling 233 cm2. Total solids per cm2
resulting from the biofilm scraping was 0.03 ± 0.02 and 1.16 ± 0.16 mg/cm2 for systems with and without snails, respectively.
Replicated samples of water and rainbow trout fillets were collected from each experimental system monthly and analyzed
for the off-flavor compounds, geosmin and MIB. Off-flavor results will be made available at the conference. Data on bacterial
densities and bacteria species present will also be presented.
128
DIET STUDY ON ALTERNATIVE AQUACULTURE FEEDS USING MICROBIAL

BIOTECHNOLOGY
Avery Davis*, Mathew Muscara, Bradford Bourque, Larry Feinberg, Joseph Szczebak, and Andrew Rhyne
Center for Economic and Environmental Development

Roger Williams University
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809
adavis521@g.rwu.edu
A diet study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of KnipBio KBM, a commercially scalable single cell protein product
containing proteins, amino acids, and low-cost carotenoids, as an alternative for fishmeal in aquaculture feed. Smallmouth
grunts, Haemulon chrysargyreum, were fed four diets containing various amounts of KBM. Diet 1 (control 1) was a fishmeal-
based diet. Diet 2 (control 2) was identical to diet 1 but with pigment added (80 ppm astaxanthin). Diet 3 consisted of 95%
control 1 diet and 5% KBM. Diet 4 consisted of 75% control 1 diet and 25% KBM. The effect of each diet on fish growth, feed
conversion, and survival was determined.
Smallmouth grunts eggs were acquired from Fish Eye Aquaculture and were hatched and raised at the Roger Williams University
Marine Lab. Juvenile fish (1.37±0.03 g) were transferred into twelve 110 L tanks at 10 fish per tank. The tanks were part of a
recirculating system that was monitored for temperature (28±0.5˚C) and salinity (31±1.5 ppt), ammonia (≤0.25 ppm), nitrite
(≤0.25 ppm), and nitrate (≤80 ppm). Feed containers for each treatment were weighed each day before the initial and after the
final feed. Each tank was fed to satiation four times daily. After 41 days, fish total length (mm) and weight (g) were measured
and each fish was photographed with an HD digital camera.
Fish growth rate ranged from 0.11-0.13 g/d and there was no significant difference between either growth rate or survival and
diet (ANOVA test followed by post hoc analysis). The feed conversion ratio for each diet ranged from 1.09-1.24, depending on
diet. These preliminary results suggest KnipBio KBM may be an adequate partial fishmeal replacement for aquaculture feed.
129
THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE DEVELOPMENT RATE OF THE COPEPODS

Parvocalanus crassirostris AND Acartia tonsa: IMPLICATIONS FOR THEIR CULTURE AND
USE AS LARVAL FISH FOOD
Adam Daw*, Brie Sarkisian-Dieterich, and Reginald Blaylock
Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center

The University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Adam.daw@eagles.usm.edu
Copepods as a first food item have been instrumental in the successful larviculture of several marine fish species including
red snapper, giant grouper, and flame angelfish because of their small size and high natural nutritional content. However, the
inability to mass culture most copepod species relevant to marine aquaculture has inhibited the commercial production of many
snapper, grouper, and marine ornamental species.
The copepods Parvocalanus crassirostris and Acartia tonsa are currently used as a first food item for some difficult to rear
marine fish species on a small scale. Bridging the gap between small-scale production and consistent large-scale production
has been difficult as a result of limited information on growth characteristics of the copepods. In particular, the timing of
progression through the developmental stages (N1-C6) as it relates to temperature needs to be well understood to develop
culture protocols that result in consistent, predictable maturation that will allow appropriate matching of size between fish
larvae and prey.
We conducted a series of experiments to assess the growth and development rates of two commonly used copepod species
in relation to temperature. We cultured a Hawaiian isolate of P. crassirostris and a Gulf of Mexico isolate of A. tonsa at five
temperatures (20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30°C) from egg to reproductive adult. The experiment was conducted in replicated small-scale
(1.5L) containers with copepods maintained at a density of 1.0 individual/ml and fed a diet of T-Tisochrysis lutea (previously
T-Isochrysis galbana). We determined the time it takes each copepod species to develop through each stage (N1-C6) along with
size of each stage. Then, we compared the length of time it takes recently hatched nauplii of each species to reach a width of
80μm (maximum prey size for red snapper larvae at first feeding) at each temperature.
The eggs of P. crassirostris had a mean diameter of 62.5 ±1.6µm compared to 78.7μm ±5.7µm for A. tonsa. P. crassirostris
was always the smaller of the two species at a given stage of development. Increasing the culture temperature decreased
development time in both species. Because P. crassirostris hatches at a smaller size than A. tonsa, P. crassirostris remains under
80μm wide longer than A. tonsa.
130
A COMPARISON OF Parvocalanus crassirostris AND Acartia tonsa NAUPLII AS INITIAL PREYS

FOR INTENSIVELY CULTURED RED SNAPPER Lutjanus campechanus LARVAE
Adam Daw*, Angelos Apeitos, Reginald B. Blaylock, and Eric A. Saillant

Adam.daw@eagles.usm.edu
Red Snapper is one of the most important recreational and commercial fishes in the Gulf of Mexico. Overfishing of wild stocks
has led to the implementation of highly restrictive harvest regulations despite of the high demand for this fish. As a result,
efforts to develop aquaculture for stock enhancement are ongoing. Research on larval culture at the Gulf Coast Research
Laboratory has revealed that the rearing of red snapper larvae is particularly challenging due to the small size of the larvae and
their requirement of copepod nauplii as an initial feed. Early attempts used wild harvested zooplankton in which Acartia tonsa
was the dominant species. Since then, GCRL has developed methods to mass culture A. tonsa in a controlled environment to
achieve a reliable and predictable source of live feeds. However, within a few hours post hatch, A. tonsa nauplii reach the N3
and N4 stages, which are too large for the feeding of early stage red snapper larvae. In contrast, Parvocalanus crassirostris,
a paracalanoid copepod, remains in a size range (<80μm) compatible with ingestion by young red snapper larvae for a longer
period of time. In this work, P. crassirostris was evaluated for use as an initial feed during larviculture of the red snapper.
Four 1,000-L tanks (25o-26o C and 30 -31 PSU) were stocked with approximately 15-hour post-fertilization (PF) red snapper
eggs at a density of 75 eggs/L. Beginning at 60 hours post- hatch (PH), snapper larvae in 2 tanks were offered A. tonsa nauplii
(N1-N2, < 80 μm wide) at an initial density of 1 nauplius/mL and 2 tanks were offered P. crassirostris (N1-N5 , < 80 µm wide)
at the same initial density. Starting at 9 days PH all tanks were fed the same diet of A. tonsa followed by rotifers (Brachionus
rotundiformis) and Artemia salina nauplii. Tanks were on a 16:8 L:D photoperiod and larvae were offered copepods at the
beginning of the light (L) cycle and 12 hours later. Larvae were measured at days 5 and 9 PH for notochord length and
myotome height, days 12, 18, 25 PH for total length (TL), and day 35 PH for TL and body weight (BW). Preliminary results
at day 35 PH suggest that larvae offered A. tonsa as first feed grew slower than larvae offered P. crassirostris (mean TL ± SD:
22.9 mm, ± 6.7 mm for A. tonsa versus 28.8 mm ± 4.1 mm for P. crassirostris; mean BW ± SD: 0.25g, ± 0.37g versus 0.37g,
± 0.15g). These results suggest that P. crassirostris may be a more suitable first feed prey item for red snapper larvae than A.
tonsa. Further investigation is warranted.
131
INTERACTION EFFECTS OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF HEAT-KILLED Lactobacillus

plantarum (HK-LP) AND β-GLUCAN (BG) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, DIGESTIBILITY
AND HEALTH STATUS OF RED SEA BREAM, Pagrus major
Mahmoud A. O. DAWOOD*, Shunsuke KOSHIO, Manabu ISHIKAWA, and Saichiro YOKOYAMA
The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto,
Kagoshima 890-8580, Japan.
Omdawood_eg@yahoo.com
Recently, red sea bream aquaculture has developed rapidly and widely in China, Japan and Korea. As intensive aquaculture
expanded and culture density increased, diseases occurred more frequently. Moreover, the application of antibiotics to control
these diseases caused many other problems such as the spread of drug resistant pathogens and suppression of aquatic animal’s
immune system. Works on finding out the alternatives for the antibiotics are of most urgently important. Nowadays, the use of
natural origin stimulants offers a wide range of attractive methods to enhance the fish immune system and to promote the growth
of cultured organisms. Among these additives, bacteria with probiotic properties elicit positive effects when supplemented in
either a viable or nonviable form. β-glucans, on the other hand, has been widely studied as immunostimulant in several cultured
species.
Hence, the present study was conducted to determine the interaction effects of dietary supplementation of HK-LP and BG on
the growth, digestibility and health status of red sea bream, Pagrus major.
Triplicate groups of fish (initial weight of 3.42±0.02g) were fed with diets containing two levels of BG (0 and 0.1% of diet)
crossed with three levels of HK-LP (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1% of diet, as a 2 × 3 experimental design) and the control diet for
56 days. No interactive effect is shown in the selected parameters except for body weight, serum bactericidal activity and
serum peroxidase of red sea bream in this study. Further, significant interaction was also found on dry matter, protein and
lipid digestibility of red sea bream fed with test diets. The growth parameters, feed utilization and immune response were
significantly affected by either HK-LP or BG. However, the fish whole body proximate compositions, somatic index and blood
parameters were not altered by the various diets. Interestingly, fish fed diets 2, 4, 5 and 7 showed higher oxidant resistance (Fig.
1). Under the experimental conditions, dietary HK-LP and BG had a significant interaction on enhancing the performance of
juvenile red sea bream.
132
RETAIL FISH MARKETS AT AGARTALA (NORTH-EAST INDIA) – AN EXPLORATORY

RESEARCH STUDY
Piyashi DebRoy*, A. D. Upadhyay, M. Krishnan, and K. Criddle
Central Institute of Fisheries Education

Mumbai – 400061, India
piyashi_debroy@yahoo.com
Agartala, the capital city of the state of Tripura in the north-eastern region of India, is the hub of economic, political, and
cultural activities in the state. It is estimated that more than 95 per cent of the population in Agartala are fish-eaters. There has
been a consistently high demand for fish at Agartala in comparison to the supply. The shortfall was met through transportation
of fish from other Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, and also through imports from Bangladesh. It was
in 2012 that Tripura achieved self-sufficiency in fish production. An exploratory research study was undertaken in three major
retail fish markets at Agartala, namely Maharajganj Bazar, Battala Market and Lake Chowmohani Market. The objectives
were to document the fish species dealt in and the sources of fish arrival in the markets, and to study the infrastructural
facilities in the markets. Personal observation and interviews were conducted with 61 fish sellers in the three markets who
were selected through random sampling method. All the markets under study are regulated by the state government. The local
fish species offered for sale in Maharajganj Bazar are rohu (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla), mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala),
tilapia (Oreochromis mossambica), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), magur
(Clarius batrachus), gonius (Labeo gonia), puntius (Puntius japonicas), kiya (Xenetodon cancila), chitala (Notopterus chitala),
moka (Amblypharyngodon mola), and lati (Channa striatus). In spite of reports of self-sufficiency in fish production in the
state, fish is still imported illegally from Bangladesh, which include mostly hilsa (Hilsa ilisha), pabda (Ompok bimaculatus),
freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and pecu (Colossoma brachypomum) besides other carps being transported
from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. The market space is covered with a roof made of tin, and has cemented flooring. The
only available source of water in the market is a hand pump which is also used as a source of drinking water. Icing is done to
preserve the fish in the market. However, there are inadequate drainage facilities. The fish offered in Battala Market are less in
variety than that in Maharajganj Bazar. The local sources of fish in the markets are Melaghar, Teliamura and Udaipur besides
imports from Bangladesh. The infrastructural facilities in Battala Market are the same as observed in Maharajganj Bazar. In
Lake Chowmohani Market, the fish offered for sale are catla, rohu, mrigala, common carp, tengra, pabda, bata and pangasius
(Pangasius sp.). The infrastructural facilities are again the same as found in both Maharajganj Bazar and Battala Market. It
was observed that substantial quantities of fish in all the markets are spoiled because of lack of organized storage, hygienic
conditions, and packaging facilities at the markets.
133
INVESTIGATION OF CULTURE TECHNIQUES OF THE MILLETSEED BUTTERFLYFISH,

Chaetodon miliaris, AND AN EVALUATION OF FIRST FEEDING PARAMETERS
Jon-Michael Degidio*, Eric Cassiano, Kevin Barden, Cortney Ohs, Craig Watson, and Roy Yanong
Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory

Ruskin, FL 33570
jdegidio2012@ufl.edu
As the marine ornamental industry grows and wild collection is further pressured by regulation and closure, there will be an
increased demand for cultured marine ornamental species. Consequently, aquaculture production of marine species can be
used to supplement natural collection, reduce harvesting pressure on wild populations, and support a growing aquaculture
commodity. As part of the Rising Tide Conservation effort to advance marine ornamental aquaculture the milletseed butterfly,
Chaetodon miliaris, was chosen as a candidate species for the development of butterflyfish aquaculture methodologies.
Broodstock of the milletseed butterflyfish, Chaetodon miliaris, were held at University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture
Laboratory in Ruskin, FL and spawned regularly from January 1, 2014- July 2, 2014. C. miliaris produced small, pelagic,
transparent, and spherical fertilized eggs measuring 0.68-0.73 mm in diameter. Preliminary culture trials revealed that larvae
hatched after approximately 28 hours at ~1.22 mm notochord length, were capable of feeding at 4 dph (~2.41 mm notochord
length), and survived to 44 dph (~8.17 mm total length) (Figure 1-1). Additionally, first feeding performance (proportion and
intensity) was examined in 2 first feeding parameters. The calanoid copepod Parvocalanus crassirostris significantly enhanced
feeding performance of C. miliaris larvae over Brachionus plicatilis in algal induced turbidity greater than ~190,000 cells mL-1.
134
UNIQUE BENEFITS OF LED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY TO INDOOR AQUACULTURE
Juliette Delabbio
ONCE Innovations Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota

jdelabbio@onceinnovations.com
The four essential inputs of indoor aquaculture are water, air, feed and lighting. Much research effort and expense has been
directed towards qualifying and quantifying the first three inputs to achieve optimum fish performance, but the fourth input,
lighting, has not been given much attention, even though it is widely recognized that environmental light affects all fish
species, and each stage of a fish’s development.

With the advancement and refinement of LED (Light-Emitting Diode) technology, the aquaculture community now has a much
greater opportunity to use lighting as an effective and energy- efficient tool to enhance fish production. The basics of lighting in
aquaculture will be discussed and the different characteristics of lighting types will be examined.
135
SPONTANEOUS GYNOGENESIS AND ANDROGENESIS IN SECOND GENERATION KOI X

GOLDFISH HYBRIDS
Thomas A. Delomas* and Boris Gomelsky

Frankfort, KY 40601
thomas.delomas@kysu.edu
Previous studies have shown that F1 hybrid females between koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) and goldfish (Carrasius auratus
auratus) produce diploid eggs due to a transformation of meiosis. Studies on microsatellite DNA marker variability have
also demonstrated that diploid eggs have genomes identical to the genome of the female which produced them. Hybrid F1
males are typically sterile, but one fertile male was found and spermatozoa produced by this male were diploid based on flow
cytometry analysis. This hybrid male was crossed with hybrid females; given that both male and female F1 hybrids produce
diploid gametes, tetraploid progeny would be expected. However, F2 hybrid progenies consisted of tetraploids, aneuploids and
diploids. The percentage of diploids in larvae varied from 4% to 28%; however, because of the low viability of tetraploids and
aneuploids, the percentage of diploids increased to 94-99% among F2 juveniles.
The present study was aimed to investigate the origin of diploids in F2 progenies. Microsatellite variability was investigated in
juveniles from three progenies obtained by crossing a fertile F1 male (M1) with three fertile F1 females (F1, F2 and F3). The data
given in Table 1 show that diploid juveniles have either the maternal or paternal genotype at all three microsatellite loci; no fish
with microsatellite alleles inherited from both the female and the male were found. Based on these data it can be suggested that
fish with maternal genotype arose by spontaneous gynogenesis (or spontaneous inactivation of the male pronucleus) while fish
with paternal genotype arose by spontaneous androgenesis (or spontaneous inactivation of the female pronucleus).
Data on sex ratios in progenies support the hypothesis on occurrence of spontaneous gynogenesis or androgenesis. All juveniles
which inherited the maternal genotype were females (XX) while all juveniles which inherited the paternal genotype were males
(XY). In Crosses 2 and 3 all fish were males with paternal genotype and no females with maternal genotype were found. This
suggests that in these progenies only spontaneous androgenesis occurred.
136
GROWTH AND SURVIVAL RATE OF HATCHERY-BRED RABBITFISH Siganus lineatus

(Valenciennes, 1835) JUVENILES IN CONCRETE TANKS FED WITH HIGH PROTEIN
ARTIFICIAL FEED AND FILAMENTOUS GREEN ALGAE (Enteromorpha spp.)
Miguel A. Delos Santos*, Thomas Taro, Leilani Rechelluul and Lyndon Masami
Cooperative Research and Extension

Palau Community College
P.O. Box 9, Koror, Palau
E-mail: mdelo923@gmail.com
Recent larval rearing trials for Rabbitfish Siganus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1835) in Palau have been successful and juveniles
became available for grow-out trials to support the gaining interest in farming this species for local and export market. However,
information about the growth performance when S. lineatus is reared in tanks and cages is not yet available. Furthermore, one
of the limiting factors that affect the development of nursery and grow-out techniques for this species is the unavailability of
appropriate feeds. It is, therefore, important to initiate nursery and grow-out studies to determine the growth performance of
rabbitfish when fed with natural and artificial feeds that are currently available on island. The purpose of this study was to
evaluate the growth and survival rate of hatchery produced rabbitfish juveniles when fed with high protein artificial feed and
filamentous green algae (Enteromorpha spp.)
Four 6-tons capacity concrete rectangular tanks were stocked with 250 pieces hatchery produced rabbitfish juveniles (average
body weight = 0.98 ± 0.56g and total length = 3.68±0.55 cm). Juveniles in the first two tanks were fed to satiation at least 3
times daily with high protein artificial powdered feeds while those in other two tanks were given tank grown live filamentous
green algae. All tanks were provided with aeration, flow-through and mechanically filtered seawater. The bottom of each tanks
were cleaned every three days by means of a siphon to prevent the accumulation of faeces and uneaten feeds. After 30 days of
culture, the rabbitfish juveniles in each tank were counted and measured to determine the growth and survival rates. Results of
this experiment revealed that the growth rate of juveniles fed with high protein artificial feed was significantly higher (P<0.05)
than those fed with the live filamentous green algae. However, there was no significant difference on survival rate between
the two treatments. These suggest that rabbitfish Siganus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1835) can be grown utilizing high protein
artificial feeds and natural food such as live filamentous green algae, however, faster growth rate is expected when the rabbitfish
are fed with high artificial diet.
137
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MARINE FISH STOCK ENHANCEMENT
Michael R. Denson* and Tanya L. Darden

217 Ft. Johnson Rd.
densonm@dnr.sc.gov
Aquaculture production and stocking of recreationally and commercially important fish species has occurred throughout the
United States since the 1800s, with marine stock enhancement beginning to be used as a management tool in the United States
following significant declines in wild stocks as early as the 1860’s. The original purpose of federal stocking programs was
to provide additional domestic food fish to replace declining native fish populations. The first two decades saw significant
production of common Northeastern groundfish species such as cod, haddock, and flounder as well as mackerel, tautog, and
shad. Additional species were added over time including striped bass, shortnose sturgeon, Atlantic sturgeon, and six species
of anadromous salmon. The developing premise was to produce fish to replace those lost from natural (drought, flood, habitat
destruction) or human (overfishing, pollution, habitat loss due to development or dam construction) influences to meet specific
management needs and provide new opportunities for recreational fisherman. A significant limitation of these initial efforts was
the lack of identified success criteria. For all of the billions of fish released, no obvious increase in fish populations in either
commercial or recreational harvests was realized and no rigorous programs were in place to evaluate the fate of released fish or
whether a stocking program was economically feasible.
With the advancement of fisheries research in the 1950s-1970s and a better understanding of fish population dynamics, ecology,
and behavior, it became clear that stock enhancement was not as simple as producing huge numbers of larvae and dumping
them in the ocean. In the literature, many arguments against stock enhancement revolve around the management decisions of
whether or not to stock fish, and the absence of follow-up to determine the biological and cost effectiveness of enhancement. In
essence, the concern becomes is it responsible to stock fish into the wild just because the production technology exists? Many
researchers have uncovered unintended problems associated with past enhancement programs; some of which are considered
irreversible such as hybrid swarms, genetic depression, disease introduction, and localized stock extinction. In most cases,
there simply was not enough known about the existing wild populations to make responsible choices in terms of deciding if and
how to use stocking as an appropriate management tool.
Stock enhancement researchers in the last 20 years have addressed many of these concerns and developed protocols that ensure
a “responsible approach” to stocking hatchery produced fish into the wild. Through symposia, review articles, and workshops,
guidelines have been produced that identify both fisheries and aquaculture questions that researchers must answer and criteria
that stocking programs must meet in order to ensure the ethical responsibility of using hatchery-produced fishes to augment
wild populations.
138
PRACTICAL HATCHERY METHODS FOR RIVER HERRING CULTURE
Mathew A. DiMaggio and David L. Berlinsky

Durham, NH 03824
mdimaggi@ufl.edu
Aquaculture methods requisite for captive culture of river herring species (Alewives, Alosa pseudoharengus and Blueback
Herring, A. aestivalis) have not been well defined. Precipitous declines in wild populations of these important forage species
have led to increased interest in stock enhancement efforts. Additionally, their popularity as a baitfish among recreational anglers
has generated interest in commercial production of these species for marine baitfish markets. As detailed hatchery procedures
have not been established the current studies were undertaken to increase our understanding of conditions conducive for captive
spawning, larviculture and juvenile growth of river herring species. Studies were also conducted to determine larval and
juvenile tolerance to salinity changes, such as those that might be experienced by baitfish during acclimation, transport, and use
Wild Alewives and Blueback Herring, captured during their annual spawning migration, tank spawned with and without
exogenous hormone administration, respectively. Larvae of both species were successfully raised through metamorphosis using
a feeding regime comprised of enriched rotifers followed by Artemia nauplii and a commercially available diet. Survival of
early larvae (25 – 28 days post hatch; DPH) acclimated to salinities ranging from 5 – 15 g/L was high for both species (> 94.0%)
while that for older larvae (40 – 48 DPH) acclimated to 15, 20, and 30 g/L ranged from 64.7 – 95.3%. Juveniles raised at varying
salinities (0 – 30 g/L) exhibited high survival (95.6 – 100.0%) and excellent feed conversion ratios (≤1.31) in all treatments
(Table 1). In acute salinity transfer experiments, high survival was observed when fish of both species (233 – 275 DPH) were
transferred from low to high salinities, but low survival (10 and 3.3%) was observed in Alewives transferred from 15 or 30 g/L
to freshwater (0 g/L). A nodular fibrotic growth was found on 3.7% and 10.1% of the cultured Alewives and Blueback Herring
(≥231 DPH), respectively, that likely followed tissue trauma and ulceration. Results of these studies provide a framework for
river herring culture in recirculating systems.
139
INTENSIVE HATCHERY PRODUCTION OF WHITE LEG SHRIMP IN BIOFLOC SYSTEM
Felipe do Nascimento Vieira, Rodrigo Schveitzer, Efrayn Wilker de Souza Candia, Keterin Tiscoki,
José Luiz Pedreira Mouriño, Marco Antônio Lorenzo, Walter Quadros Seiffert
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

Laboratório de Camarões Marinhos
Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil CEP: 88061-600
felipe.vieira@ufsc.br
The objective of this work was to assess the hatchery performance of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), between
mysis1 and post-larval 5 stages, using a zero exchange biofloc system. It was evaluated two sources of organic carbon source
(molasses and dextrose) and the conventional autotrophic system (daily water exchange and Chaetoceros sp. addiction) as
control. It was used semi-cylindrical plastic tanks (92x68x25cm) with volume of 60 L equipped with linear aeration (O2>5
mg L-1) and heaters (29,5±0,5 °C) in quadruplicate. Each tank was stocked with 12,000 mysis 1 (200 larvae L-1). Sources of
organic carbon were added in the bioflocs treatment tanks to maintain the levels of ammonia up to 1 mg L-1, assuming that 20g
of carbohydrate are required to convert 1g of ammonia nitrogen into bacterial biomass. Fertilization with molasses and dextrose
kept the ammonia concentration in the water below the toxic levels for shrimp larvae (Table 1). There was no difference in
the nitrate and nitrite concentration in the water between treatments (Table 1). It was no difference between the experimental
groups for survival, length and dry weight of the post-larvae (Table 1). Nevertheless, the biofloc treatments (dextrose and
molasses) provided water savings of approximately 99.88% in comparison to the control (Table 1). Thus, the use of a biofloc
system without water exchange, using dextrose and molasses as the carbon source, maintains the production rates in the L.
vannamei hatchery and decrease water use.
140
HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF THE CHANNEL

CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus f X BLUE CATFISH I. furcatus m HYBRID
Rex A. Dunham*

Auburn University, Alabama, USA 36849
dunhara@auburn.edu
Research on the hybrid catfish between channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus females and blue catfish I. furcatus males was
initiated in the mid-1960s. This fish was not widely applied in the catfish industry until 40 years later, partially due to problems
in producing commercial quantities of hybrid catfish embryos. Approximately, 50% of the catfish industry now uses hybrid
catfish. The history of the development and application of hybrid catfish is reviewed along with predictions for future use.
141
GENOTYPE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS FOR GROWTH, SURVIVAL, SEXUAL

DIMORPHISM AND SEINABILITY FOR DIFFERENT GENETIC TYPES OF CHANNEL
CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus f X BLUE CATFISH I. furcatus m CULTURED IN THREE
ENVIRONMENTS
Rex A. Dunham*, Nonkonzo Makhubu, Baofeng Su, Ahmed Alsaqufi and Eric Peatman

Auburn University, Alabama, USA 36849
dunhara@auburn.edu
Eight genetic types of channel catfish (Ictarulus punctatus) female x blue catfish (I. furcatus) male hybrids were fed to satiation
for a period of five months in three environments, a low density pond, a high density pond and an in-pond raceway. MR X DB,
KS X DB, KR X RG and KS X RG ranked in the top group in all three environments for adjusted body weight (P<0.05). 103KS
X RG ranked in the top group for the pond environments, but had the lowest adjusted body weight in the in-pond raceway.
Genotype X environment, sex X environment and genotype X sex X environment interactions were observed (P<0.05). Fish
in the low density pond and the in-pond raceway were of similar size, yet the sexual dimorphism was different in these two
environments.
There were genotype- environment interactions observed for survival (P<0.05). 103 KS X RG had higher survival rates than
the other genetic types in the low density environment and in-pond raceway while KR X RG had the highest value for the high
density pond with a survival of 88.7%. MS X RG and MR X DB performed poorly for survival in all the environments.
Significant genotype-environment interactions existed, therefore suggesting that multiple breeding programs are needed for the
multiple culture systems to genetically design hybrids specific for each one. However there was a high probability that selecting
the top performer in one environment would result in selecting a genetic type that would perform well in other environments.
The results obtained also suggest that in many cases general combining ability exists in channel catfish dams and selection
for general combining ability for growth in channel catfish can increase hybrid catfish performance in multiple environments.
142
STUDY ON EFFECTS OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF MICROALGAE WITH A HIGH

POLY UNSATURATED FATTY ACID LIPID EMULSION ON GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF
Pinctada margaritifera D-SHAPED AND UMBO LARVAE
Fariborz Ehteshami*1, Annie Christaneus1, Hossein Rameshi2
1-Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor,
Malaysia
2- Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, Sarve Azad Avenue, Peykan Shahr, Tehran, Iran
* Corresponding author: Fariborz Ehteshami

Telephone number: +60-3-89474919
E-mail: ehteshamei@yahoo.com
A 10 day experiment was performed to examine different mono, binary and ternary microalgae combinations on the survival
and growth of D-shaped and umbo Pinctada margaritifera larvae. The three tropical microalgae species were the flagellate
Isochrysis galbana clone T. Iso (CS-177) and diatoms Caetoceros calcitrans (CS-178) and Caetoceros. muelleri (CS-176)
which were fed to D-shaped and umbo larvae at 7,000 and 14,000 cells mL-1, respectively. A second experiment was performed
to investigate the feasibility of replacing T. Iso with a lipid emulsion to both D-shaped and umbo larvae for 10 and 12 days,
respectively. The treatments included only T. Iso, unfed, and lipid emulsion to substitute T. Iso at 10% (LIP10), 30% (LIP30)
and 100% (LIP100). In the first experiment, results showed that a monospecific diet of T. Iso led to significantly higher (P
< 0.05) survival and growth to D-shaped larvae than all the other treatments. Meanwhile, D-shaped larval survival was
significantly lower when only fed C. calcitrans as well as growth for those fed C. calcitrans or in combination with C. muelleri.
However, for umbo larvae, survival and growth was significantly higher when fed a binary combination of T. Iso and C.
muelleri or the ternary combination of T. Iso, C. muelleri and C. calcitrans compared to all other treatments. For the second
experiment, results showed that with increasing lipid emulsion supplementations, survival of both D-shaped and umbo larvae
significantly decreased (P < 0.05), however, the LIP100 treatment was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the unfed
treatment. For D-shaped larval growth, no significant growth difference was detected (P > 0.05) between the T. Iso and LIP10
treatments while for umbo larval growth, the T. Iso, LIP10 and LIP30 were not significantly different (P > 005). These results
indicate that microalgae combinations appear more necessary for later staged P. margaritifera larvae. In addition, the use of a
lipid emulsion appeared to provide some nutrition to the larvae, which may reduce feeding costs during the larviculture of P.
margaritifera.
143
GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION AND POPULATION STRUCTURE OF A HALOPHILIC BRINE

SHRIMP Artemia franciscana KELLOGG, 1906 (CRUSTACEA: ANOSTRACA), IN THE GREAT
SALT LAKE, U.S.A.
Amin Eimanifar1 ● Brad Marden2 ● Markus Santhosh Braun1 ● Michael Wink1
1
Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364,
69120 Heidelberg, Germany
e-mail: amineimanifar@yahoo.com
Tel: +49 6221− 544880
Fax: +49 6221− 544884
2
Parliament Fisheries, Inc. 2432 Taylor Avenue, Ogden, UT 84401, U.S.A.
The genetic structure of the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana, an extremophile halophilic microcrustacean, from the Great
Salt Lake, Utah (U.S.A.), was investigated by analysis of nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase
subunit I (COI), genomic fingerprinting by ISSR-PCR (inter-simple sequence repeats) and biometry. Samples from six different
geographical localities of Great Salt Lake revealed 10 distinct haplotypes with a mean high level of haplotype diversity (HD =
0.6). Phylogenetic and genetic fingerprinting analyses supported the null hypothesis, that the brine shrimps of this lake form a
panmictic gene pool with a low level of genetic differentiation index (FST = 0.05) and a high rate of gene flow (Nm = 2.8) between
geographical areas. Moreover, morphological parameters revealed no population structure among all examined populations.
Neutrality tests and mismatch distribution revealed that A. franciscana has undergone a recent population expansion. In spite of
hypersaline conditions in the Northern (Gunnison Bay) regions of the GSL, the genetic population structures of different areas
of the lake are not linked to ecological or limnological conditions. Therefore, A. franciscana from the Great Salt Lake should
be considered as a single management unit for conservation.
144
ASSESSMENT OF BREVETOXINS IN EASTERN OYSTER (Crassostrea virginica) COLLECTED

DURING A HISTORICAL Karenia brevis BLOOM THAT OCCURRED IN NORTH CAROLINA
IN 1987-1988
Kathleen R. El Said*, Ann Abraham, Edward Jester, Sherwood Hall, and Steven Plakas
FDA, Division of Seafood
Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) is a disease caused by the consumption of brevetoxin-contaminated shellfish. Brevetoxins
are a suite of cyclic polyether compounds found in blooms (red tides) of the marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (K. brevis)
and are potent neurotoxins. Brevetoxins are grouped A- or B-type based on the backbone structure. Brevetoxin-1 (A-type)
and brevetoxin-2 (B-type) are considered the parent algal toxins, with brevetoxin-2 being the most abundant. Brevetoxins are
accumulated and extensively metabolized in filter-feeding molluscan shellfish when exposed to K. brevis blooms. K. brevis
blooms can pose a threat to the public health and shellfish aquaculture industry. Mouse bioassay (MBA) has traditionally been
used for assessing shellfish toxicity.
The largest reported outbreak of NSP in the U.S., which involved 48 individuals, occurred in North Carolina in 1987-1988
following the consumption of oysters exposed to K. brevis blooms. Samples of oysters that caused illness and those harvested
from the same area were examined for toxicity by using the MBA. It was reported that oyster samples tested positive by
MBA at 35-170 MU/100 g (FDA guidance level: 20 MU/100 g) during this outbreak. The toxins present in the oysters were
not confirmed at the time as the bioassay is not specific. Currently, in vitro methods that are highly sensitive and specific for
brevetoxins, such as enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
are available. We examined oyster samples by ELISA and LC-MS that had been collected during the 1987-1988 North Carolina
K. brevis bloom and stored in a freezer. We used a commercially available ELISA kit (Abraxis LLC, Warminister, PA) with
antibody specificity for the B-type brevetoxin backbone structure. Oyster homogenates were extracted with 90% methanol, and
extracts were analyzed using brevetoxin-3 as a standard. Brevetoxins were readily detected in the samples by using the ELISA
kit, and structurally confirmed by using LC-MS. We found that even after 26 years of storage in the freezer, brevetoxins as
measured by ELISA and LC-MS were at levels comparable to those known to cause NSP, as the MBA had indicated at that time.
145
GENERATION OF TICAM 1 KNOCKOUT CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus TO

ENHANCE DISEASE RESISTANCE AGAINST ENTERIC SEPTICEMIA OF CATFISH
Ahmed Elaswad*, Eric Peatman, Zhenkui Qin and Rex Dunham

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849
*
Corresponding author email: ahe0001@auburn.edu
TIR (Toll / interlukin 1 receptor) domain-containing adapter molecule (TICAM 1) is involved in the signaling pathway initiated
by toll-like receptor (TLR) 3. Upon infection, TLR 3 recruits and binds its adaptor molecule, TICAM 1. TICAM 1 was found
to have different expression levels in channel (Ictalurus punctatus) and blue (Ictalurus furcatus) catfish after infection with
Edwardsiella ictaluri. In blue catfish, which were more resistant to E. ictaluri infection than channel catfish, TICAM 1 was
dramatically down regulated in kidney and spleen.
The goal of this study was to better understand the role of TICAM 1 and its influence on other immune related genes. We used
transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) to knock out TICAM 1 gene.
In the present study, TALENs were used to induce double stranded break in the TICAM 1 gene which will then be repaired
with non-homologus end joining (NHEJ). If the ends don’t have perfectly complementary overhangs, imprecise repair would
be possible resulting in mutation and knocking out the gene. TALENs were programmed to induce double strand break in the
TICAM 1 gene (Fig. 1).
TALEN plasmids were transferred to channel catfish eggs using electroporation. The embryos were incubated in Holtsfreter’s
solution till hatch then reared in aquaria. They were then tissue sampled for CEL-I assay using the surveyor® mutation detection
kit. Genomic DNA was extracted and specific primers were used to amplify the part of the gene flanking the expected mutation
site. Hi fidelity Taq polymerase was used in the PCR reaction. The PCR product was then hybridized to produce heteroduplexes
(one strand is wild type and the other is mutant). Surveyor nucleases were then used to cut the PCR product at the point where
mismatches occur. Gel electrophoresis was used to reveal the presence / absence of the mutation as in Fig. 2. By analysis of
21 samples, the mutation rate was 28.6%. PCR products will be TA cloned, sequenced and mutations will be further identified.
146
IDENTIFICATION AND MOLECULAR DISSECTION OF AN INITIATOR CASPASE

COUNTERPART FROM BLACK ROCKFISH (Sebastes schlegelii) INVESTIGATING ITS
EXPRESSION PROFILE UNDER PHYSIOLOGICAL OR PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Don Anushka Sandaruwan Elvitigala, Minyoung Oh and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University,
Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
elvitigaladas@yahoo.com, anushka@jejunu.ac.kr
Caspases are cysteine aspartate specific proteinases; predominantly involve in cellular apoptotic cascades. Nearly thirteen
caspases have been identified from mammals to date and categorized into two main groups, namely ‘inflammatory caspases’
(caspase 1,4,5,11,12 and 14) and ‘apoptotic caspases’, Apoptotic caspases can be further divided into two classes; initiator
caspases (caspase 8, 9, 10) and effector, also known as executioner caspases (caspase 3, 6 or 7). At the upstream of death
cascades, initiator caspases can activate the zymogens of effector caspases to function at the downstream, eliciting apoptosis of
the cell. Among the initiators caspase 10 involves in death cascades of death receptor mediated apoptotic signaling. Herein, we
identified and molecularly characterized a novel homolog of caspase 10 from black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) and designated
as RfCasp10. The complete coding region of RfCasp10 was consisted of 1659 bps which encodes a 553 amino acid protein
with a predicted molecular mass of 61.7 kD. The characteristic caspase family domain architecture along with death effecter
domain (DED) signatures was clearly identified from RfCasp10. Moreover, genomic gene of RfCasp10 was found to split
into 13 exons by 12 introns. Our pairwise sequence alignment confirmed the prominent sequence compatibility of RfCasp10
with its fish counterparts and phylogenetic reconstruction affirmed its homology and substantial evolutionary relationship with
known caspase 10 counterparts, preciously with those of teleosts. As detected by qPCR, RfCasp10 was markedly expressed in
blood tissues under physiological conditions, whereas its basal expression was found to positively modulate under pathogenic
stress mounted by Streptococcus iniae and Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid in blood, liver and spleen tissues. Collectively, these
expressional evidences suggest the potential elicitation of RfCasp10 mediated apoptosis in immune relevant tissues of black
rockfish as a host immune response to a bacterial or viral infection.
147
ESTABLISHING THE OPTIMALSALINITY FOR GROWTH OF SALMON IN RECIRCULATING

AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS
Joshua D. Emerman*, Jeffrey G. Richards, Colin J. Brauner
University of British Columbia

#4200-6270 University Blvd.
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada V6T 1Z4
emerman@zoology.ubc.ca
Aquaculture of salmon worldwide is a 15.3 billion dollar industry, and the majority of fish are produced in net-pen systems
in coastal waters. Recently producers have begun investigating the feasibility of moving salmon production on land into
recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). This has the potential to increase fish production in close proximity to any market
around the globe. The major downsides to RAS are the startup and operational costs; however the ability to optimize many
environmental variables, something impossible to do in net-pen systems, may help defray these otherwise prohibitive costs.
Salinity may be the most important of these variables due to the metabolic cost of osmoregulation, which has been estimated
to account for up to 30% of routine metabolic rate. It is hypothesized that the metabolic costs of osmoregulation will be lowest
at salinities that are isomosotic with blood plasma, which could result in a greater allocation of energy to growth, thus
shortening production times.
To establish an optimal salinity for growth in salmon, five

replicate, 15,000 liter RAS were constructed at the University
of British Columbia’s InSEAS research facility. These
RAS were designed to precisely control all environmental
parameters. Each system consists of two tanks and an array
of filtration and life support systems.
We conducted a preliminary study to validate that each tank

in each system could grow salmon reliably and consistently.
Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were grown for five
months in ten tanks under identical freshwater conditions.
The data from each of these tanks (Table 1) shows no
statistical differences with the exception of tank A2B, which
had a higher growth rate possibly due to compensatory
growth following a large mortality event early in the trial.
We are conducting salinity trials with Atlantic (Salmo salar)

and coho salmon. Fish are being grown in five salinities
ranging from freshwater to seawater (0, 5, 10, 20, 32‰)
for 12-15 months up to a market size of ~4 kg. Growth and
feed conversion ratios (FCR) will be measured monthly
throughout the trial. We expect that a salinity which is of
the same osmolality as the blood will see the fastest rate of
growth and lowest FCR (Fig. 1). Preliminary results of this
trial will be presented.
148
DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL MARKETING STRATEGY IN TODAY’S CHANGING

MARKETS
Carole R. Engle
Aquaculture/Fisheries Center
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
cengle8523@gmail.com
Food markets and consumer preferences in the U.S. continue to change rapidly, reflecting the changing nature of society and
the perspectives of consumers. An added challenge of marketing farm products today is that consumers have become more
divorced from food production and understand less about its nature than ever before.
The number of U.S. farms has declined since about the 1940s. Few people today know farmers personally and even fewer
have grown up on farms. The urbanized lifestyles of consumers today have led to distrust of farming even though consumers
tend to view farmers favorably. U.S. society has become increasingly fragmented, exemplified by differences such as “red”
and “blue” states and gaps between “rich” and “poor”. Social media has resulted in what some describe as “digital tribes,” in
which individuals form virtual networks based on specific interests or values.
What can a U.S. aquaculture grower do in the midst of such change and fragmentation? The answer lies in strategic market
planning. The plan must address fundamental marketing questions such as: 1) who will buy your product; 2) at what price; 3)
in what volume; and 4) will it be profitable? An aquaculture product must meet the customer’s needs. Why should someone
buy your trout, your sportfish, or your catfish? Is it because it is the freshest, the highest quality, or because it’s grown locally?
It is not possible to market effectively to everyone, and not everyone will want your product. You need to know your customers
and understand in a detailed way how your business can address their needs effectively. The product that you sell must deliver
the value that your customers are looking for in the unique product that you are offering to meet their needs.
While the process of developing a strategic marketing plan may seem daunting, there are some interesting trends in the U.S.
market that may drive new opportunities for U.S. aquaculture growers. The millennial generation, larger than Gen X and even
than the Baby Boomers, is not yet well understood. However, some studies have begun to show that the millennials place high
value on quality and balance in terms of work and lifestyle. The growth in local food markets, the proliferation of farmers’
markets, and community-supported agriculture farms may reflect some early influences of the millennial generation.
Other research has shown that consumers across the U.S. value variety and differentiated products. A “one-size-fits-all”
approach to marketing is no longer a successful strategy. There are multiple markets, and consumers demand multiple types of
products. The key is to develop marketing strategies that are sufficiently agile to adapt products to match changing conditions.
149
STRATEGIC MARKETING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR PROFITABLE

AQUACULTURE BUSINESSES: A WORKSHOP
Carole R. Engle and Madan Dey
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601
Cengle8523@gmail.com
This two-hour workshop will provide opportunities for hands-on analysis and strategic thinking related to key aspects of
financial management and marketing for aquaculture businesses. Many aquaculture business owners enjoy raising fish and
other aquatic crops, but all too often do not spend the time necessary to analyze their farm from a business perspective. Annual
scrutiny of financial, biological, marketing, and personnel performance are essential for success in today’s business climate.
This workshop will focus on analysis of several different aquaculture business scenarios. Participants will practice their
business analytical skills by working through various alternative solutions for hypothetical aquaculture businesses, based on
sets of “records” presented. The emphasis will be on hands-on engagement of participants to increase their ability to analyze
business performance each year and make strategic marketing decisions for improvement.
150
ECONOMIC COSTS OF REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Carole R. Engle
cengle8523@uaex.edu
A number of studies have pointed towards increasing costs of aquaculture businesses in the U.S. due to the growth in number
and complexity of regulations that sometimes are redundant and overlapping. Complying with various regulations can result
in a variety of effects that result in increased costs on farms and hatcheries.
The direct compliance costs are the simplest to measure. The cost of a required permit or license or a required fish health test
are examples of direct costs. The rule-making processes of most regulatory agencies typically require the agency to consider
such direct costs in their deliberations.
However, indirect costs associated with regulatory compliance are likely to compose a much greater proportion of the total cost
of complying with regulations. For example, some farms have reported hiring an individual who works full-time on regulatory
compliance. Such an expense may not be required by any particular regulation, but the total set of regulations faced by farmers
may require the attention of a full-time employee to ensure complete compliance.
In some cases, a regulation may require a change in a production practice or modification of facilities that forces the farm to
operate at a less efficient level. For example, if a farmer does not have access to additional land to construct the specific type
of facility required by the law, he/she will be forced to take units out of production. Economies of scale that are strong in
aquaculture would result in increased costs per pound of production in such a case.
Still other forms of indirect costs are those associated with the time that farm owners could have spent in development of new,
innovative markets or production improvements rather than spending it on filling out paperwork or delivering samples for
testing. Such examples are heard frequently from aquaculture growers and managers of state and federal hatcheries. Research
is needed to measure these specific types of costs. Extension personnel and aquaculturists must engage with regulatory agencies
in public comment periods and throughout the rule-making process to attempt to develop rules that meet society’s needs but
with the least adverse effect on U.S. aquaculture businesses.
151
ONE WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE ON GENDER IN AQUACULTURE
Carole R. Engle
cengle8523@gmail.com
Women historically have not been well represented in many fields that are based primarily on science, technology, and mathematics.
In a field such as aquaculture, however, women have participated for centuries, although much of their participation has been in
the role of processing and curing fish, selling fish, or caring for ponds used to supply fish for household consumption. In today’s
world of science-based aquaculture, women rarely compose 50% of the upper echelons of aquaculture businesses, government,
or academia. Yet there is no question that there are growing numbers of women involved in aquaculture at the highest levels.
On the Board of the World Aquaculture Society, for example, 50% of its current members are women. There has been a woman
president and the president-elect is a woman. Moreover, there are many women across the U.S. aquaculture industry who work
side-by-side with their husbands to make the business successful.
From the perspective of one person, many of the historic barriers to entry for women in aquaculture no longer exist, at least in
most developed countries. However, pools of applicants for graduate student assistantships and for scientist-level positions
in aquaculture typically are composed of more men than women. Issues faced by dual-career couples and the demands of
balancing work with raising a family can be challenging. In addition, there are countries, mostly in the developing world, in
which serious legal and cultural issues exist that limit the ability of women to access education and to engage in aquaculture
on a professional level.
152
PERFORMANCE OF SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei POSTLARVAE IN NURSERY TANKS AT

HIGH STOCKING DENSITY WITH BIOFLOC TECHNOLOGY (BFT) SYSTEM
Héctor M. Esparza-Leala*, Wilson Wasielesky, Jr.b, Alessandro Pereira Cardozob
a
Departamento de Acuacultura, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-CIIDIR Unidad Sinaloa, Boulevard Juan de
Dios Bátiz Paredes # 250, Guasave, Sinaloa 81101, Mexico. *hesparza@ipn.mx
b
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Instituto de Oceanografia, Laboratório de Carcinocultura,
Rua do Hotel, 02, Praia do Cassino, Rio Grande, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, CEP 96210-030
Different studies in some species of penaeid confirm that the use of nurseries with the Biofloc Technology (BFT) systems
contributes to the rapid growth of the cultured organisms. Although, the excessive increase in stocking density in nursery may
decrease the growth and survival of the shrimp. Therefore, the present work aimed at investigating the performance of shrimp
Litopenaesu vannamei postlarvae reared in indoor nursery tanks at four stocking density (1,500, 3,000, 6,000, and 9,000 orgs/
m3) in BFT system. Each of the eight treatments was carried out in triplicate. The study lasted 42 days. At the study end,
low alkalinity values were presented (around 69.98±14.48 mg CaCO3/L). The final shrimp growth fluctuated from 0.62±0.3,
0.44±0.2, 0.35±0.2 to 0.34±0.2 g in stocking densities of 1,500, 3,000, 6,000, and 9,000 orgs/m3, respectively. Shrimp survival
range of 80.6 to 98.4%. The survival was not affected by stocking density. It showed a tendency to increase in productivity
with increasing density, 0.9±0.1, 1.2±0.1, 1.8±0.1, and 2.5±0.4 kg/m3 in stocking densities of 1,500, 3,000, 6,000, and 9,000
orgs/m3, respectively. The FCR values ranged 1.4 to 16. The SGR values ranged 10.1±0.4, 9.2±0.3, 8.7±0.4 to 8.6±0.1 %/day
in stocking densities of 1,500, 3,000, 6,000, and 9,000 orgs/m3, respectively. Our results indicate that in this system is possible
to obtain good production results in nursery with the shrimp postlarvae intensive culture.
153
CULTURE OF SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei POSTLARVAE IN NURSERY TANKS AT HIGH

STOCKING DENSITY IN CLEAR-WATER RECIRCULATION
Héctor M. Esparza-Leala*, Wilson Wasielesky, Jr.b, Alessandro Pereira Cardozob
a
Departamento de Acuacultura, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-CIIDIR Unidad Sinaloa, Boulevard Juan de
Dios Bátiz Paredes # 250, Guasave, Sinaloa 81101, Mexico. *hesparza@ipn.mx
b
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Instituto de Oceanografia, Laboratório de Carcinocultura,
Rua do Hotel, 02, Praia do Cassino, Rio Grande, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, CEP 96210-030
The super-intensive shrimp production is gaining increased attention worldwide; although, the excessive increase in stocking
density in nursery may decrease the growth and survival of the shrimp. The aim of this study was to evaluate a clear water-
Recirculation system (CW-recirculation) on performance of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae (mean initial weight =
0.009±0.002 g) reared in indoor nursery tanks at four stocking densities (1,500, 3,000, 6,000, and 9,000 orgs/m3). Each of the
eight treatments was carried out in triplicate. The study lasted 42 days. At the study end, low alkalinity values were presented
(around 69.98±14.48 mg CaCO3/L). The final shrimp growth fluctuated between 0.51 and 1.26 g, with a survival range of 75.0-
91.8 % in stocking densities of 1,500 to 9,000 orgs/m3. The survival was not affected by stocking density. It showed a tendency
to increase in productivity with increasing density, 1.3±0.1, 2.3±0.3, 3.5±0.1, and 4.1±0.5 kg/m3 in stocking densities of 1,500,
3,000, 6,000, and 9,000 orgs/m3, respectively. The FCR values ranged 0.9 to 1.2. The SGR values ranged 11.8±0.4, 10.8±0.6,
10.2±0.2 to 9.7±0.1 %/day in stocking densities of 1,500, 3,000, 6,000, and 9,000 orgs/m3, respectively. Our results indicate
that in CW-recirculation system it is possible to obtain good production results in nursery with the shrimp postlarvae intensive
culture. But, further studies to the postlarvae quality evaluation are required.
154
ASSIMILATION STRATEGY FOR NITROGEN REMOVAL FROM FRESHWATER

ORNAMENTAL FISH HATCHERIES
Fatemehsadat Fahandezhsadi*, Ronald Malone

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-6405
ffahan2@tigers.lsu.edu
Freshwater ornamental fish production is a major component of aquaculture in the southeastern United States. Closed recirculating
aquaculture systems (RASs) allow freshwater ornamental fish hatcheries to mimic native water quality conditions for sensitive
species. Total ammonia-N (TAN) removal is the major concern for closed RASs. Biological nitrification/denitrification is the
common method to control TAN. However, nitrification process might be impair in acidic water condition with pH<7. Another
issue of using nitrification process for TAN removal is that the nitrification TAN removal is not sufficient to compensate the
amount of ammonia released in the larval production systems.
To address these issues, this study suggests an aerobic assimilation strategy in which heterotrophic bacteria directly convert
TAN into microbial biomass. The heterotrophic bacteria needs an external carbon source. This study employs a solid insoluble
bioplastic, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), as a carbon source in the acerbic assimilation process to avoid releasing carbon to
the system. In order to understand the applicability of assimilation process instead of nitrification, this study compare the
ammonia-N removal rate by aerobic assimilation biofilters operating @ pH 8 and 6.5 in a batch system. The study also quantifies
the performance of aerobic assimilation strategy under different continuous nitrogen loading regimes. This investigation can
be used to establish the biofilter air pulsing frequency, which is the optimized air pulsing frequency that avoids clogging in
the system. The results show that there is no apparent release of carbon in the water tank. Assimilation strategy TAN removal
is not significantly different in PH’s of 8 and 6.5. The average consumption rate of the PHB was found as 21.93± 0.43 grams
of PHB consumed per gram of TAN. The results from the continuous system, at continuous feeding rate of 350 mg-N/d,
suggest that the optimum air pulsing frequency is about 6-hour. In general, the study found that the aerobic assimilation using
polyhydroxyhbutyrate (PHB) as a carbon source is an applicable method for ammonia-N removal particularly for freshwater
ornamental fish production systems. The drawback against this approach is that the PHB beads are expensive. However, our
investigations show that the average cost of the PHB beads have been decreased dramatically during the last few years. This
might indicate that the assimilation using PHB beads can be a reasonable choice for ammonia-N removal particularly for
freshwater ornamental fish production systems.
155
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO STARVATION IN Acipenser baerii (Brandt, 1869): EFFECTS

ON HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS
Bahram Falahatkar*, Sakineh Shirvan
Fisheries Department, Faculty of Natural Resources

University of Guilan
Sowmeh Sara, Guilan, Iran
falahatkar@guilan.ac.ir
In controlled aquaculture operations, factors such as stressors, turbidity, pathogens, water quality and temperature fluctuations
affect food availability (Falahatkar, 2012). Because of this, farmers as a management strategy may create feeding restriction
or starvation to improve water quality and stress reduction (Davis and Gaylord, 2011). Survival during these periods depends
on mobilization endogenous stores to maintain vital functions (Furné et al., 2012). Sturgeon occasionally may face fasting as a
result of natural factors during the culture or releasing in stock rehabilitation (Falahatkar, 2012). Therefore, this paper evaluate
the changes in physiological and biochemical indices of Siberian sturgeon in response to a period of fasting and restricted
feeding.
An 8-week study was applied on Siberian sturgeon with weight of 54 ± 0.27 (mean ± SE). Three feeding strategies were
considered: i) fed to satiation (F), ii) restricted feeding at a rate of 1% body weight daily (R) and iii) starvation (S). Thirty fish
per tank were stocked into 9 circular fiberglass tanks, with water supplied from river mixed with well water. Water flow rate was
maintained at 14.4 ± 0.2 l min-1. Water temperature was retained at 18 ± 0.4 °C, dissolved oxygen 7.1 ± 0.2 mg l-1 and pH 7.7,
under natural photoperiod. Blood samples were randomly collected from each replicate at the beginning, after 4 and 8 weeks
for evaluation of biochemical parameters including glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and total protein, and hematological
parameters including numbers of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb),
mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration
(MCHC). Data were subjected to general linear model (GLM) and multivariate model in SPSS software (SPSS. 16.0, Chicago,
IL). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were separated with Duncan’s range test.
After 56 days, most hematological and biochemical indices of Siberian sturgeon affected by starvation, while less changes
were observed in restricted feeding. It is possible that changes in hematology during the starvation are influenced by changes
in total body water content (McCue, 2010) or erythropoietic depression (Weinberg et al., 1973). Nevertheless, it seems that
Siberian sturgeon adjusts metabolic rate in short-term (4 weeks) limited-fed period with using depleted stores to reduce its basal
metabolism and because of this, short-period applying of this strategy recommend to optimum nutritional management for this
species in this age to field cost-saving during unfavoirite conditions. Therefore, it can be expressed that this strategy is advisable
as management tool in short period to be used in Siberian sturgeon production when fish exposed to unsuitable condition.
156
INSIGHTS INTO MOVEMENT AND HYBRIDIZATION PATTERNS OF STRIPED BASS Morone

saxatilis IN NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA VIA USE OF GENETIC TAGGING IN STOCK
ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS
Daniel J. Farrae*, Forrest Sessions, Scott Lamprecht, Jim Bulak, Kevin Dockendorf, Tanya L. Darden

farraed@dnr.sc.gov
Genetic tags are unique permanent marks used in stock enhancement programs to detect wild or stocked fish. Striped bass
Morone saxatilis stock enhancement has been evaluated using microsatellite markers in South Carolina since 2006 and North
Carolina since 2010. The long-term genetic evaluation of striped bass field samples has allowed for further insight into
population aspects that would otherwise not be feasible. As a surrogate to documenting movements of striped bass between
North and South Carolina, we analyzed all 2006-2011 SC broodstock and field collections (Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie),
2010-2011 NC broodstock (Roanoke River source), and one Lake Wylie (border of NC/SC) sample to estimate genetic signatures
of the populations. Assignment testing indicated that there are definite aspects of Roanoke ancestry within the Santee Cooper
System striped bass population in multiple year classes, which suggests low levels of ongoing ‘migration’. The Lake Wylie
sample was a pure Roanoke strain fish, indicating that downstream movement of fish from North Carolina reservoirs into the
Santee system in South Carolina does occur, though coastal movements between systems remains a possibility.
Additionally, genetic evaluation of field samples from NC resulted in the identification of a number of hybrid striped bass
samples in recent collections (3.6% of 2012-2013 samples). These hybrids may be the product of intentional NC stocked
groups, escapement from hybrid striped bass production facilities, or natural hybridization occurring in the wild. Genetic
parentage analyses will allow us to determine the source of hybrid occurrence, which will provide important information for
management of striped bass populations.
These findings will help guide further management of striped bass across state lines. The ‘migration’ of striped bass between
North and South Carolina indicates that stocking programs could affect each state’s populations and the states should work
together to stock fish appropriate for the strain within those drainages. Both states should consider these potential interactions
as part of a responsible approach to their future stock enhancement programs.
157
AQUACULTURE POTENTIAL AND GENETICS OF ‘WESAFU’: AN ENDEMIC CICHLID

OF EPE LAGOON, LAGOS, NIGERIA
Hakeem Fashina-Bombata*1, P. Jayasankar2, Iwalewa Megbowon3, and Mutalib Hammed1
1
Department of Fisheries, College of Agriculture, Lagos State University, Epe, Nigeria
2
Division of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA)
Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar - 751 002, Orissa, India
3
Biotechnology section, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Victoria Island,
P.M.B 12729 Lagos, Nigeria.
Correspondence: bombatta2002@gmail.com
Tilapia has become increasingly important in aquaculture in tropical and subtropical countries, such as the Philippines, Taiwan,
Israel, some Sub-Saharan African countries like Cote D’Ivoire, Malawi, Benin Republic, etc. It is much appreciated by
consumers, being a good and affordable source of protein. It has been cultured intensively for more than four decades; however
its genetic resources have been poorly managed. Problems in fish management still arise in tilapia production because of its
prolific breeding. There exists in Epe lagoon, Nigeria, an ecotype cichlid commonly called ‘wesafu’ that is different from all the
known tilapias and unique in many ways for culture and as a genetic material for study. The tilapia “Wesafu” is believed to be
endemic to Epe lagoon, Lagos, and grows to 1500g in the wild, appears to be an excellent candidate for genetic improvement
of commercial species for the growing aquaculture industry in Nigeria. ‘Wesafu’ has been a subject of investigations in Nigeria
and a number of studies have been conducted on meristic and morphometrics, nutrient utilization, food and feeding habit,
amino acid profile and recently, breeding characterization including DNA analysis. Studies on the biology, performance as well
as nutrient compositions of this tilapia have been reported. Although the breeding characterization once identified ‘wesafu’ as
a maternal mouth brooder, suggesting it belongs to the genus Oreochromis, but recent breeding effort indoor using single pair
mating found both sexes could bear hatchlings. DNA analysis and sequence could not find a match in validated database and
classified ‘Wesafu’ as Unknown. This is suggesting that Wesafu could be a new species or hybridized strain.
158
THE USE OF A NOVEL SINGLE CELL PROTEIN FOR ALTERNATIVE FEEDS IN

AQUACULTURE
Dr Larry Feinberg*
KnipBio
Harvard MA 01451
lfeinberg@knipbio.com
Dr Andrew Rhyne
Bristol RI 02809
arhyne@rwu.edu
Dr Michael Tlusty
New England Aquarium
Boston MA 02110
mtlusty@neaq.org
Dr Christopher Marx
University of Idaho; KnipBio
Moscow, ID 83844-3051
cmarx@knipbio.com
To meet the expanding needs of a growing global population, innovative technologies that can lead to production efficiencies,
reduce stresses to wild fisheries and increase overall animal welfare are in high demand. As well documented, aquaculture is
the fastest growing animal protein sector worldwide. In part, productivity in aquaculture may continue to enjoy the current rate
of growth only if environmentally & economically sustainable production technologies can be developed to enable profitable
operations.
Feed represents the single largest continuous operating expense to farmers and a principal component of aquafeeds is fish
meal. The reliance on fish meal will continue as the industry grows, despite wild fisheries for the reduction to fish meal not
able to support additional demand. Tightening supplies of feeder species for fish meal is failing to keep up with the industry’s
expansion as demonstrated by the 4-fold price increase over the last 10 years and quota limitations in many jurisdictions.
In this presentation, we will describe the efficacy of using a proprietary single cell protein (SCP) as a suitable alternative.
Specially formulated diets were developed seeking to optimize growth, feed conversion and nutrition for important ornamental
and commercial species. The outcomes of this applied research effort are consistent with the goals of the National Strategic Plan
for Federal Aquaculture Research 5-year plan recently announced by the White House and represent an economically viable
solution as the industry continues to grow.
159
COMBINED EFFECTS OF UVR AND TEMPERATURE ON THE SURVIVAL OF Artemesia

longinaris AND Pleoticus muelleri FROM SOUTH AMERICA COASTAL WATERS: THE ROLE
OF UV ABSORBING COMPOUNDS
Jorge L. Fenucci *, María. A. Marcoval, Ana C. Díaz , María S. Velurtas, Laura Espino
Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Consejo Nacional de
Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Mar del Plata, Argentina
jlfenucci@mdp.edu.ar
The shrimps Pleoticus muelleri and Artemesia longinaris are two important target species for aquaculture in the region of
the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, from Southern Brazil to Patagonia (23-50 ºS). High latitudes in the S. Hemisphere have
experienced an increase of ultraviolet radiation due to ozone depletion, and in temperature for the release of greenhouse gases,
these are two of the most important anthropogenic climatic changes. Under culture conditions individuals of these species are
kept in ponds at less than 2 meters deep, so they are exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to
assess the combined impact of UVR (280–400 nm) and temperature on survival of both species after being feeding with a diet
plus an extract of macroalgae having UV absorbing compounds (UVaCs).
Shrimp (~ 3g) came from the University Mar del Plata’s hatchery and were incubated at 5 ind. in 24-L tanks under controlled
conditions of pH and salinity. Previous to the trail animals were fed for 30 days with a standard diet supplemented with extract
of Undaria pinnatifida 3g/100g diet. Shrimps were exposed during 7 days to two radiation treatments: a) UVR: received the
total radiation spectrum (UVR 280-400nm + PAR 400-700nm); b) PAR: radiation source covered with Ultraphan film (50%
transmission at 395 nm) to receive only PAR. Additionally, two temperature treatments were considered: 20 and 25°C. Survival
and concentrations of both UVaCs and carotenoids in tissues were evaluated. Trails were run by triplicate.
There was no mortality due to PAR, all the observed mortality was found with the UVR treatment. P. muelleri was more
sensitive to UVR than A. longinaris. For both species, mortality was significantly lower at 25 °C than at 20 °C. Both species
are rich in carotenoid. Under UVR-stressed scenario, the induction of the synthesis of UV-absorbing compounds in the tissues
was detected. Higher concentration of UVaCs in A.longinaris, were observed than in P.muelleri.
These results, suggested that UVR-stressed animals metabolize from carotenoids to UV absorbing compounds, when UVaCs
are available through the diet, and this fact might have contributed to a more effective photo protection against UVR. Most of
the resistance to UVR observed with the increase in temperature might be due to an increment in metabolic activity caused by
a repair mechanism mediated by enzymes.
160
EFFECTS OF THE INCLUSION OF POLYSACCHARIDES FROM SEAWEED Macrocystis

pyrifera IN THE DIET OF SHRIMP Artemesia longinaris
Jorge L. Fenuccia, Natalia Arzoza, María Laura Espinoa,b, Susana M. Velurtasa, Ana C. Díaza,b
a
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (UNMdP, CONICET), Mar del Plata
b
Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas Pcia. Buenos Aires; Argentina
Culture of penaeid shrimp it is important due to the value of these species at international markets. One of the challenges
of aquaculture is to maximize the benefits of production through the development of adequate feeds to meet nutritional
requirements of the cultured species. Food represents up to 50% of operating costs in the semi-intensive and intensive shrimp
farms. Artemesia longinaris has a distribution along the South American coastal waters from 23° S to 43° S and is one of the
most valuable species in the Argentine markets. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of addition of polysaccharide
extracts from the seaweed Macrocystis pyrifera in the diet of Artemesia longinaris.
An experiment was conducted for 25 days; with animals of aprox. 6 g, all the individuals were placed in glass aquaria with
continuous aeration. Every day shrimps were fed with 10% of the biomass, monitoring and removing molts, feces and dead
animals. Three isoproteic and isolipidic diets were tested (45% proteins, 7% lipids). The mean protein sources were fish and
soybean meals; manioc starch was used as binder. Basis on a standard feed (C1), two other diets were designed by supplementing
with 1g (D2) and 2g (D3) of polysaccharides seaweed extract. Formulated feeds were tested in four replicated groups of six
prawns randomly chosen. Upon completion of the experiment survival, growth and plasma metabolites were determined.
Individuals fed with diets D2 and D3 showed greater increase in weight and daily weight gain than individuals fed with the
control diet C1. Regarding the determination of metabolites in plasma and survival, no significant differences among treatments
were found (P <0.05) (Table 1). In a previous work, it has been demonstrated that efficient digestibility of vegetable proteins
in A. longinaris is influenced by the levels of polysaccharides in diets. The results of this study agrees with previous research
in which no differences were observed in survival among treatments, but greater weight gain was determined in animals fed
with diets supplemented with seaweed meal. Addition of extract of M. pyrifera polysaccharides had a positive effect on growth
in A. longinaris.
161
ACUTE TOXICITY OF NITRITE ON Pleoticus muelleri AT DIFFERENT SALINITY LEVELS,

AND THEIR EFFECTS ON TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY
Jorge L. Fenuccia, María Laura Espinoa,b, Ana Cristina Díaza,b, Susana M. Velurtasa
a
Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, (UNMdP, CONICET), Mar del Plata
b
Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas Pcia. Buenos Aires; Argentina
The red shrimp Pleoticus muelleri is a commercially important species in Argentina and presents a great potential for aquaculture,
so it is important to determine optimal culture conditions in order to have healthy individuals. In culture systems, nitrite is the
most important pollutant; and it may be accumulated as a result of imbalances in the activity of nitrifying bacteria. Salinity is
a key environmental factor, its variations affects nitrite toxicity and health of shrimps. Both stressors are considered disruptors
of multiple physiological functions in aquatic animals, including production of reactive oxygen species; so the measurement of
total antioxidant capacity (AT) can be used to estimate their effects. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the salinity
influence on the acute toxicity of nitrite; and its effects on AT on the shrimp P. muelleri.
Shrimp (8.64±0.17g) were acclimated for 48hs at 33;

30 and 25ups of salinity. Short-term LC50 (median
lethal concentration) toxicity tests were carried out at 0;
50; 100 and 200mg/l of nitrite. At the end of the trial,
hepatopancreas were isolated for analysis of AT, which
was estimated on the basis of the scavenging activity
on the stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl
(DPPH).
Table 1 shows the values of LC50 at different salinities

and times. LC50 decreases with decreasing salinity and
increase exposure time, except to 30ups where LC50 to
96hs (67.86) was higher. Fig. 1 shows the AT to 6`, at
different salinities and nitrite concentrations. The AT was
not affected by exposure to nitrite in shrimps maintained
at 33ups. However, AT increased significantly in animals
acclimated to 30 and 25ups, due to presence of nitrite in
the water; with the exception of those exposed to 100mg/l
of nitrite and 30ups, which recorded a higher percentage
of DPPH remaining respect to control (74 and 59,
respectively).
In conclusion, P. muelleri is more susceptible to nitrite

at hypo-osmotic conditions, and the measurement of AT
only can be used as a biomarker of pollution by nitrites
under this conditions.
162
RESPONSE OF THE ARGENTINE PRAWN Artemesia longinaris BATE (DECAPODA,

PENAEIDAE) TO DIETS SUPLEMENTED WITH IMMUNOSTIMULANTS
Jorge L. Fenucci*, Victoria Bouchet and, Nora S. Haran
Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de

Mar del Plata / CONICET
Funes 3350. 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
jfenucci@mdp.edu.ar
The prawn Artemesia longinaris is an abundant penaeid species in the Argentine coastal waters. As the availability of this species
undergoes yearly fluctuations, it is important to establish the feasibility of its culture. A 50 days trial was conducted to study
the effect of different immunostimulants on growth and immune response on Artemesia longinaris. Individuals fed a complete
feed, four semipurified diets containing probiotic (Saccharomyces boulardii), prebiotic (fructooligosaccharide, short chains),
nutraceutic (Allium sativum, Drosera, Belladona and Pyrogenium) and a control diet were tested by triplicate in100laquaria
at a density of 25 individuals/m2 .Immunological parameters, such as total haemocyte amount, protein concentration, and
peroxidase and phenoloxidase activity in the plasma were determined for wild shrimp and individuals under culture conditions.
Results of variables were linked with histological studies of the midgut gland.
According to the data analysis (ANOVA) results indicated that percentage in weight gain of shrimp fed the diet containing
probiotic are lower than those fed the control or complete diets(p<0.05). Individuals provided with complete diet showed
largest haemocyte amount, lower enzymatic activity and similar concentration of plasma proteins than wild animals. These
parameters were similar between shrimp under complete and control treatments.
Analyses among shrimp treated with the probiotic diet and other purified diets revealed that organisms fed ration containing
probiotic had lower protein concentration, higher phenoloxidase and similar peroxidase activity in plasma than the others.
The histological study showed that midgut gland tubules in control animals were normal; they exhibited different types of cells
and star-shaped lumen. Hepatopancreas morphology of prawns fed semi purified diets showed changes respect to those treated
with the complete diet.
Alterations such as dismissing of cellular height, loss of the star-shaped lumen and numerous haemocytic infiltrations were
found surrounding the tubules, in individuals fed diets containing probiotic and nutraceutic.
Since A. longinaris fed the complete diet showed a normal histology of the midgut gland ,better growth and higher number
of haemocytes, which are responsible for discharge enzymes when an imbalance occurs; under culture conditions it would be
more advisable the use of a complete diet instead of those having substances that maintain continuously activated the immune
system.
163
COMPETITION ACROSS TROPICAL FARMED FISH IN THE EU
José Fernandez Polanco, PhD
Ignacio Llorente, PhD

Ladislao Luna, PhD
Tropical freshwater fish has become one of the most important aquaculture commodities in the first decade of the century.
Production has significantly grown in developing countries, resulting in a surplus targeting soon the markets in developed
countries in the search of higher prices and profits. The real figures of this trade were difficult, if not impossible, to estimate
as they were recorded aggregated into more generic commodities. However, since 2010, new items have been introduced in
the list of tariff codes and several farmed species, including the most relevant tropical, are now differentiated allowing the
study at the species level. It is still soon for a long run analysis, but the evolution in these three years points to an interesting
competitive scenario. Three main species of tropical fish are marketed in significant volumes in the EU; being frozen fillets the
most common presentation. Pangasius, Nile perch and tilapia rank in this order of relevance according to the volumes imported
in 2013. Imported volumes of pangasius and Nile perch declined by 30% in the last three years, while those of tilapia remained
stable in quantities around 20,000 tones and even increased 1%.
Competition is tested using price integration. This analysis tests relationships across prices of different commodities. Nile perch
producers do not appear to be directly competing, since causality across the prices of imports coming from Uganda, Tanzania
and Kenya can be rejected. However, this is not the case for tilapia imports, where prices for the fish from China, Indonesia
and Thailand have been found to be correlated. With tilapia, China’s prices are not affected by any competitor, and the country
exerts the role of price leader. The prices of tilapia imported from Indonesia are caused by the prices for tilapia from Thailand.
And Thailand is affected both by China and Indonesia. Considering the case of Pangasius competing with tilapia, the best
combination is given when China, Thailand and Vietnam are put together in the same model. In this case, Thailand and China
are exporting tilapia, while Vietnam exports primarily Pangasius. The relations observed for tilapia exporters are confirmed,
with the variation of low causality from Thailand on China as a result of the inclusion of the prices of Vietnamese Pangasius.
The prices of Pangasius cause the prices of tilapia exports from China and Thailand, but none of these exerts any influence on
the Vietnamese prices.
164
IMPACT OF EARLY MATURATION OF COASTAL ALLIGATOR GAR POPULATIONS ON

FEASIBILITY OF COMMERCIAL AQUACULTURE
Allyse Ferrara*, Michelle Felterman, Justin Duke and Quenton Fontenot

114 Gouaux Hall
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA 70310
allyse.ferrara@nicholls.edu
Commercially caught alligator gar Atractosteus spatula are commonly found in south Louisiana seafood markets but cultured
alligator gar are not commercially available. Throughout most of the species’ historical range, alligator gar populations
have declined or have been extirpated and harvest is not allowed or is highly regulated. Because of the decline of alligator
gar populations, primarily due to habitat loss and modification, production has focused on population restoration rather
than commercial aquaculture. The relatively late, as compared to many commercially available species, age of maturation,
approximately 11 to 14 years for females and 6 to 8 years for males, of alligator gar requires lengthy broodstock production or
capture of wild broodstock.
Recent studies found earlier than expected maturation of alligator gar in coastal populations from south Louisiana. During a 19
month study we collected 570 alligator gar from two coastal Louisiana populations and determined age using ground sagittal
otoliths, fecundity, and age at maturity using gross inspection of gonads and histological analyses. Age at maturity was defined
as the age when at least half of the members of an age class were mature. Sixty-six percent of females were mature and 96%
of males were mature. Mean fecundity (±SE) was 143,608±9,690 eggs. Females in coastal populations matured earlier (4 to
6 years) and at slightly smaller sizes (1,100 to 1,400 mm total length) than females from inland/riverine populations (11 to 14
years and 1,500 mm total length). Males in coastal and inland/riverine populations matured at similar sizes (1,000 mm total
length), but coastal males matured at an earlier age (3 years). Unlike previous studies, we did not find a correlation between
the number of eggs per gram of body weight and total length or weight. However, total length and weight were positively
correlated to fecundity. Therefore the faster maturing coastal populations may not produce larger eggs with increased body
size. Given the relatively high fecundity and young ages of maturity, rearing captive broodstock from coastal populations may
be feasible for future commercial production.
165
TILAPIA: 2014 GLOBAL PRODUCTION AND MARKET REPORT
Fitzsimmons, K.* and Cerozi, Brunno
Environmental Research Laboratory, University of Arizona

2601 E. Airport Drive
Tucson, Arizona, 85756
kevfitz@ag.arizona.edu
Tilapia continued its rapid increase in global production through 2014. New hot spots of production include Haiti, Myanmar
(Burma) and Pakistan. FAO statistics from over 100 countries for production of tilapia in 2012 increased to 4,507,002 mt. In
2013 we saw additional expansion with more farms and more productivity in many countries, but especially in Bangladesh,
Mexico, Indonesia, Egypt, and Brasil. Our estimate for 2013 is 4,677,613 mt and for 2014 rising to 4,850,000 mt. China
continued its position as the single largest producer (1,553,000 mt in 2012 increasing slightly to 1,600,000 in 2013). China’s
exports to the US slowed in 2013, but increased significantly to sub-Saharan Africa and to the Middle Eastern Gulf States.
The recent ban of American and European seafoods into Russia, may cause a rapid increase of exports of tilapia from China
to Russia. Egypt continues as the second biggest producer at 800,000 mt. Indonesia continues as the third biggest producer
of tilapia in the world (600,000 mt). Indonesia is a significant exporter, while VietNam, Myanmar, and the Philippines
consumed virtually all the tilapia grown in their countries. VietNam increased its production significantly, mostly based on
either polyculture systems with marine shrimp to reduce virulence of the Early Mortality Syndrome. Bangladesh has increased
its production at a tremendous rate in recent years. In 2002 the production was under 10,000 mt and by 2012 it had surpassed
136,000 mt and 140,000 in 2013. 2014 estimates are for more than 150,000 mt in Bangladesh. Ecuador is the only country
expecting production decreases as some tilapia farms have been converted to shrimp to take advantage of the increased shrimp
prices. The United States continued to be a minor producer but an important driver of demand as consumption remained strong
in 2013. Tilapia continued as the fourth most popular seafood in the US, after shrimp, tuna and salmon.
166
CREATE A SKILLED WORKFORCE AND ENHANCE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Gary Fornshell
University of Idaho
630 Addison Avenue West, Suite 1600
Twin Falls, ID 83301
gafornsh@uidaho.edu
The vision statement of the National Strategic Plan for Federal Aquaculture Research (2014-2019) proposes for the future of
U.S. aquaculture: “A globally competitive, technologically appropriate, and diverse aquaculture sector in the United States
that meets increasing demand for seafood and products that are affordable and meet high standards for safety, quality, and
environmental stewardship, with maximum opportunity for profitability and economic growth.”
To advance and expand, U.S. aquaculture will require progressive science and technological innovations to create jobs,
compete globally in the market place, meet environmental requirements, and meet changing societal expectations. Building
human capacity in diverse scientific disciplines to find solutions to overcome the critical challenges (scientific, economic, and
social) facing U.S. aquaculture development and the creation of a scientifically literate population through public education
and comprehension of aquaculture science that leads to sound policy making will be necessary for the future development of
aquaculture.
This plan includes 9 critical strategic goals that will support aquaculture development in the U.S. Creation of a skilled
workforce and enhanced technology transfer are critical components to ensure long-term development and sustainability of
U.S. aquaculture through the training of scientists and technicians; connecting science, industry, and society; and employing
innovations in education and technology transfer.
The intended outcomes of this strategic goal are:

• New teaching tools and technologies that enhance and stimulate aquaculture education and training
• Technology transfer through integrated research, demonstration projects, and extension and education programs
• Effective communication strategies to disseminate best-available, science-based knowledge, tools, and technologies to
reach target stakeholders including farmers
• Assessment of the trends and needs in domestic post-secondary education and training specific to aquaculture
167
CHARACTERIZATION OF SUGAR MILL EFFLUENTS FOR CULTIVATION OF LOUISIANA

MICROALGAE/CYANOBACTERIA Chlorella vulgaris/Leptolyngbya sp.
Jacob Foy*, M. Teresa Gutierrez-Wing
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department

jfoy3@tigers.lsu.edu
Microalgae have a variety of applications including biofuels, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, natural dyes, and animal feed. A
commercially viable production plan for microalgae is still heavily debated, but Louisiana sugar mills have significant potential
in supplying nutrient-rich algal culture medium via milling effluents. The objective of this work is to determine the suitability
of sugar mill effluents from a Louisiana sugar mill for biomass production of Louisiana native co-culture (Chlorella vulgaris/
Leptolyngbya sp.). The effect of the effluents on pigment, lipid and biomass productivity will be presented.
A study was conducted at Alma sugar mill in Lakeland, LA to determine the contents of the wastewater generated from its
milling process. Samples were taken in duplicate on a monthly basis and analyzed for organic content, nitrogen, and phosphorus
as well as a number of water quality characteristics illustrated in Table 1. The sugar cane milling season is approximately 3
months in duration (October-December), during which an estimated 3 billion gallons of wastewater is discharged. The high
volume and low quality of these wastewaters presents an opportunity to utilize microalgae to clean the water as well as produce
valuable by-products.
There are two distinctions of wastewater, each having unique characteristics. The evaporator water, which is a product of the
boiling process, is discharged at a rate of 23 mgd. The wash water, which is used to wash incoming sugar cane, is flowed into a
series of 8 retention ponds at an estimated rate of 12.5 mgd, where it is held for several months before being discharged. Different
ratios of wash water and evaporator water were used as a culture medium for a Louisiana co-culture of Chlorella vulgaris/
Leptolyngbya sp., which displayed similar growth rates and nutrient uptake rates when compared to Bold’s basal medium.
The organic carbon and high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the effluent waters supports the growth of microalgae and
cyanobacteria.
168
INTERSTATE FISH TRANSPORT WITH REGARDS TO THE LACEY ACT
Mike Freeze
Keo Fish Farm, Inc.

P. O. Box 166
Keo, AR 72083
For aquaculture facilities that ship live product nationally, our number one federal regulatory issue is the Lacey Act. Written
in 1900 and amended numerous times, including in the 2008 Farm Bill, the Lacey Act prohibits the international and interstate
trafficking of illegally obtained wildlife and fish or parts as designated by federal, state, tribal or foreign governments. When
the Lacey Act was written, it was specifically designed to regulate only “wild animals” and aquaculture was practically non-
existent. The 1981 amendments to the Lacey Act included a provision that broadened its application to all “wild” animals,
including those having been “bred, hatched, or born in captivity” (16 USC 3371(a)). The USFWS has used this broadened
definition to regulate domestic ally produced aquaculture species but not other domesticated species. USDA, however, has
defined wild members of the plant kingdom and excluded common cultivars and food crops (except planted trees). Hence,
today our domesticated fish are regulated as if they were taken from the wild.
Recently Congress looked at modifying the Lacey Act via H.R. 3105, the Aquaculture Risk Reduction Act that addressed
one of industry’s most egregious concerns with the Lacey Act: the prosecution of farmers for the accidental inclusion of an
unintended species in the interstate shipment of aquatic species produced in commercial aquaculture for human consumption
or for recreational or ornamental purposes. Prior to 1969, any accidental violation of the Lacey Act could not be prosecuted as
the Lacey Act contained language stating that any person that “willfully” violated the law was subject to penalty. Unfortunately,
the 1969 amendments changed the “willfully” requirement to a “knowingly” requirement.
Finally, of particular concern to our industry, is that the Lacey Act elevates the violation of even misdemeanor state regulations
to federal felonies simply because $350 of domesticated product has entered interstate commerce. Penalties for a Lacey Act
felony violation begin at $100,000 ($200,000 for organizations) and mandatory incarceration.
169
FATE OF THE PARASITE Cryptocaryon irritans IN A MARINE RECIRCULATING

AQUACULTURE SYSTEM
Sophie Fridman*, Dominic Standing, Tali Brunner, Tal Aruety, Amit Gross and Dina Zilberg
French Associates’ Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands,

Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Sde Boqer Campus, 84990, Israel.
*sfridman@post.bgu.ac.il
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are making significant in-roads in mitigating the environmental impacts of
aquaculture operations. However possible proliferation of disease-causing organisms within these systems remains an issue
that urgently requires addressing. A zero discharge RAS system has been developed, which includes a solid filter, nitrification/
denitrification unit and a methane-producing, up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB). Since there is no water exchange
within the system, which operates under a range of environmental conditions, it has the potential to become a propagator for
disease-causing agents which could result in their transfer throughout the aquaculture operation. Due to the low redox potential
in the UASB, together with the presence of methane and sulfide gases, our assumption is that pathogens cannot survive in this
filter. To test this hypothesis, a non-host specific protozoan parasite, Cryptocaryon irritans, ubiquitously found within marine
aquaculture systems, was used as a model. Its life cycle includes a feeding or trophont stage, which matures and leaves the
host fish, forming cysts from which a large number of free-living, infectious theronts hatch and actively seek out a new host.
The present study aimed to develop a reliable and repeatable PCR-based method for the detection of C. irritans in the effluent
sludge and to map the fate of the parasite within the anaerobic treatment unit.
Parasite genomic DNA was successfully extracted from sludge effluent using the QIAamp DNA Stool Mini Kit (Qiagen) and
amplified using a C. irritans specific primer set by PCR (Taniguchi et al. 2011). Detection sensitivity using PCR assay of the
various stages of the parasite was determined to be 50 cysts, 5 theronts, and 5 trophonts (Fig. 1). In addition, PCR failed to
detect the presence of hatched C. irritans theronts both in the anaerobic UASB sludge and water that had been spiked with
cysts, whereas the parasite was detected in aerobic water, suggesting a suppression of hatchability under anaerobic conditions
(Fig.2).
170
TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIPS FOR GROW-OUT OF PIGFISH, Orthopristis chrysoptera
Lee A. Fuiman*, Erik W. Oberg, and Cynthia K. Faulk
Fisheries and Mariculture Laboratory

University of Texas Marine Science Institute
Port Aransas, Texas 78373
lee.fuiman@utexas.edu
Pigfish are a candidate for aquaculture and commercial production could increase supply of marine baitfish and reduce pressure
on wild baitfish populations. Research on optimal grow-out conditions for juvenile pigfish is needed for production to be
feasible. We investigated the relationships between temperature and growth of pigfish by measuring growth of juvenile pigfish
at five constant temperatures.
Captive broodstock provided eggs for three runs of the

experiment. Larvae were reared to 1.5 cm (30 mg) and
weaned. Then, 750 fish were distributed equally into five 250-L
circular recirculating aquaculture systems, each at a different
temperature. Fish were fed to excess over 12 h daily. Salinity
and photoperiod were 34.5 ± 0.2 ppt and 12:12 h (L:D). Length
and wet weight were measured weekly for 6 weeks.
Growth in length and weight increased with temperature

(Figure 1). A second order polynomial accurately described the
relationship between daily specific growth rate and temperature
(R2=0.85) and indicated an optimal temperature for growth of
32°C.
Mean final length and weight of fish reared at 28°C were not
significantly different from those grown at 30 °C. Therefore,
we suggest 28°C as an optimum, taking into account the effect
of temperature on growth and water quality (e.g., dissolved
oxygen). Mean survival was 91-95% and not significantly
different among temperatures. Rates of occurrence of
deformities did not vary with temperature.
Our results define the effect of temperature on growth, identify

the optimal temperature for grow-out, and show that pigfish can
tolerate high temperatures that may occur in ponds.
171
COMPARISON OF STRUVITE BASED NUTRIENT FORMULATION AND THREE

TRADITIONAL NUTRIENT FORMULATIONS HAVING VARYING N:P RATIOS FOR THE
PRODUCTION OF MICROALGAE
Zachary B. Fuqua*, Nathan D. Huysman , Paul V. Zimba, Joe M. Fox, Todd W. Lane, Ryan W. Davis,
Cristina M. Richardson, and Anthony J. Siccardi III
Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Zfuqua4@gmail.com
The ability to recycle phosphorus is an essential part of both preserving the world’s nonrenewable phosphorus reserves
and reducing phosphorus laden discharges that could potentially harm environment. Struvite (MgNH4PO4H2) is a recycled
form of phosphorus and ammonia with a molar ratio of 1:1:1. Struvite can be harvested from waste stream sources such as
waste treatment plants, dairy farms, and aquaculture facilities, potentially reducing the cost of this essential nutrient source.
Microalgae are used to produce a variety of commercially important resources including biofuels, animal feed protein, and
pigments. The utilization of struvite in microalgal nutrient formulations may provide a low cost nutrient source that would
not directly compete with nutrients traditionally used for terrestrial agriculture, a major concern in future resource allocation.
Six separate experiments were conducted under controlled settings to compare how a base struvite formulation affected biomass
production of two algal species commonly used in the production of biofuel, Nannochloropsis salina and Phaeodactylum
tricornutum. Each experiment individually compared one of three traditionally utilized nutrient formulations (f/2, PROV-50
and odi mix) to the base struvite formulation at specified N:P ratios.
Results of the PROV 50/Struvite experiments indicate that there is no difference in algal growth rates between cultures grown
with the struvite formulation and the traditional nutrient sources. There is some variation among different N:P ratios. Results
of the other trials will be presented.
172
INTENSIVE LAND-BASED FARMING OF RED AND GREEN MACROALGAE IN THE

PACIFIC NORTHWEST: AN EVALUATION OF SEASONAL GROWTH AND PROXIMATE
COMPOSITION
Bradley A. Gadberry*, John Colt, Diane C. Boratyn, Desmond J. Maynard, Ronald B. Johnson
NOAA Fisheries
Manchester Research Station
7305 Beach Dr. E.
Manchester, WA 98366
brad.gadberry@noaa.gov
In the U.S., consumption of macroalgae is limited and occurs primarily in Hawaii and California. Most of this macroaglae
is harvested from the wild. Regulatory restrictions, seasonal availability, and product quality issues limit increased use of
wild macroalgae. Production of macroalgae from land-based cultivation systems can lower harvest costs, allow for precise
control of rearing environments and product quality, and be used to capture nutrients from finfish aquaculture. In this study,
we examined the seasonal growth and proximate composition of two species of red macroalgae (Chondracanthus exasperatus,
and Palmaria palmata) and one species of green macroalgae (Ulva rigida), raised intensively in a land-based tank system.
The water source for this study was from a land-based salmon rearing facility and tanks were additionally supplemented with
nitrogen, phosphorous, and trace metals on a weekly basis.
The specific growth of all three species exhibited a similar pattern with the highest specific growth rate observed during summer
months (C. exasperatus 7.8%, U. rigida 6.2% and P. palmata 8.2%). Growth of all three species was lowest around the winter
solstice; however, senescence was only observed for U. rigida. There was a significant difference in protein content between
the three species with the highest values found for U. rigida (29.5% ± 1.4% on dry weight basis). Lipid content varied between
species (0.95% to 2.78%) with the highest lipid observed for U. rigida, which additionally varied with season (0.58% to 4.82%).
173
COMPARISON OF THE HEALTH AND CONDITION OF CULTURED MUSSELS Mytilus edulis

FROM DEEP AND SHALLOW WATER SITES IN NEWFOUNDLAND
Daria Gallardi*, Sebastien Donnet, Terry Mills, Christopher C. Parrish, and Harry M. Murray
Aquaculture, Biotechnology and Aquatic Animal Health Section, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, 80
East White Hills Road , PO Box 5667 , St John’s, NL, A1C 5X1, Canada
Daria.gallardi@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Mussel aquaculture in Newfoundland is expanding. Typically culture sites are situated in sheltered areas near shore. However land
run-off, user conflicts in coastal areas and environmental impact are concerns. Interest in developing deep water mussel culture
has been growing. This may help to address different issues: limiting contamination, reducing carry capacity limits and food
depletion and increasing sustainability. Increased water quality and concentrated food sources suggest a possible improvement
in culture conditions and decreased stress for the animals leading to enhanced condition and health. A Newfoundland based
company adapted existing technology for the utilization of deep water mussel sites. Preliminary data suggested that the region
of the water column between 10 and 20m depth is the most productive and stable with a high level of plankton and lower
fluctuation in temperature and salinity. This can increase growth by lowering mortality, reducing fouling, and improving water
exchange. This study intends to show a comparison between shallow and deep water mussel culture sites.
Three cultured blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) sites were evaluated for two consecutive years (September 2012- September
2014). For each site headlines were set at either 5m (shallow) or 15 m (deep) and the mussels were evaluated for differences
in condition, biochemical parameters and physiological stress indicators every four months. Additionally environmental
conditions were monitored in a continuous fashion using CTD-sondes.
Between September 2012 and May 2013 the mussels in shallow water appear to achieve better growth and condition than the
ones in deep water. However, by September 2013 dry weight and condition of mussels in deep water was comparable to those
in shallow water (Figure 1). Biochemical analysis showed seasonal variation, but no differences between shallow and deep
water sites. Immune-response genes showed seasonal variation in expression levels between shallow and deep water sites.
Environmental data showed that the location of the deep water sites seems to correspond to the region below or within the
thermocline. Deep water sites present lower temperatures than shallow sites during late spring, summer and fall. Both shallow
and deep water sites present significant short-term temperature variations, indicating possible occurrences of local upwelling
and/or internal oscillations. Deep water sites also appear to have larger and longer lasting spring bloom effects.
174
EFFECT OF ADDITION OF Navicula sp. AND Brachionus plicatilis ON GROWTH OF Litopenaeus

vannamei POSTLARVAE REARED IN CULTURE TANKS WITH ZERO WATER EXCHANGE
Alfredo Olivera Gálvez*, William Severi, Luis Otavio Brito
Pernambuco Federal Rural University

Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
alfredo_oliv@yahoo.com
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of Navicula sp. and Brachionus plicatilis on growth of Litopenaeus
vannamei postlarvae reared in culture tanks with zero water exchange systems.
Four treatments were considered: control (T1); addition of Navicula sp. (T2); addition Brachionus plicatilis (T3) and addition
Navicula sp. and Brachionus plicatilis (T4), all in triplicate.
Shrimp (Pl20) were stocked at a density of 2500 shrimp m-3 and Navicula sp. (at a density of 5x104 cell mL-1) and Brachionus
plicatilis (30 ind mL-1) added on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th and 30th day. The shrimp were fed a commercial feed composed
by 40% crude protein four times. For data analysis we used Cochran, Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA and Tukey (P < 0.05).
Significant differences between treatments were observed for final weight, final biomass, biomass gain, feed conversion ratio,
specific growth rate and yield. The T4 treatment showed better production parameters, indicating the benefits of the addition
of Navicula sp. and Brachionus plicatilis as a natural food source for L. vannamei postlarvae in zero water exchange systems.
175
INTEGRATED BIOFLOC SYSTEM WITH SHRIMP (Litopenaeus vannamei) AND SEAWEED

(Gracilaria)
Alfredo Olivera Gálvez*, William Severi, Luis Otavio Brito
Pernambuco Federal Rural University

Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
alfredo_oliv@yahoo.com
Problems related to disease have caused significant economic losses in the shrimp farming industry as well as decreased
stocking densities and job opportunities.
Therefore, the development of more efficient culture systems with higher yield and biosecurity and which generate less waste
are important to ensure the sustainability of the industry.
Two studies were conducted to evaluate the integrated biofloc system with Litopenaeus vannamei and Gracilaria, in relation
to water quality and shrimp growth.
The first used shrimp (2.6g, 425 shrimp m-3) and Gracilaria birdiae (2.0 Kg m-3) and Gracilaria domingensis (2.0 Kg m-3). The
integrated biofloc system with G. birdiae increased the final weight by 21% and yield by 7%, and decreased FCR by 28% and
Cyanobacteria density by 17% as compared to biofloc without seaweed.
The second study used shrimp (0.3g, 500 shrimp m-3) and Gracilaria birdiae stocked at different biomasses (2.5; 5.0 and 7.5
fresh weight Kg m-3). The integrated biofloc system reduced dissolved inorganic nitrogen by 19 to 34%, and FCR by 20 to 30%,
and increased the crude protein content of whole-body shrimp by 8 to 13%, final weight by 25 to 32% and yield by 22 to 39%.
The use of seaweed in biofloc systems contributes to improved water quality and increased shrimp growth.
176
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF RAS FLOW REGIME ON STEELHEAD Oncorhynchus mykiss
Ann L. Gannam*, Ronald G. Twibell, James M. Barron, Richard A. Glenn and Kyle C. Hanson
Abernathy Fish Technology Center

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1440 Abernathy Creek Road
Longview, WA 98632
ann_gannam@fws.gov
The recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology is a rearing method new to the Pacific Region conservation hatcheries.
Use of RAS technology is being considered due to reductions in water available for fish rearing and the need to control hatchery
effluent. The three main areas that can impact fish performance and are different in RAS systems are water quality, routine fish
handling practice and the flow regime in self-cleaning tanks. Of these three areas, flow regime will have large impacts on fish
physiology that can influence smolt quality and survival. The effects of exercise on fish, with an emphasis on the implications
for hatchery produced salmonids, steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in this study, as applied to recirculating system water flows
were examined.
A small scale tank system, with similar flow characteristics of production sized RAS rearing tanks, was used to compare the
effects of RAS water flows to a standard circular tank flow regime on steelhead. The following data was taken: weight, length,
condition factor, proximate composition of the fish (protein, lipid, moisture, ash), gill Na+, K+ -ATPase, plasma, Na+, P+, Cl-
and lactic acid.
177
EFFECT OF RATION SIZE ON GROWTH, ENERGY BUDGET AND FEEDING BEHAVIOR IN

JUVENILE SPOTTED ROSE SNAPPER Lutjanus guttatus
Armando Garcia-Ortega*, Hector Canseco-Ruiz, Pablo Almazan-Rueda
Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resources Center

College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management
University of Hawaii at Hilo
1079 Kalanianaole Ave.
Hilo, HI 96720, USA
agarciao@hawaii.edu
Critical variables to determine for optimum feeding of fish are the size of feed ration that produces maximum fish growth,
and the ration that prevents the formation of feeding hierarchies that may affect uniformity in fish size. In this study, five feed
rations: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 % of fish body weight per day (i.e. R1, R2, R3, R4, R6) were evaluated in triplicate groups of juvenile
spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) with an initial individual weight of 5.7 ± 0.1 g. A seawater recirculation system was
used with fiber glass tanks of 60 L capacity, with a fish density of seven fish per tank. Fish were fed a formulated diet made with
fish meal, shrimp meal, fresh squid and fish oil, with a composition of 50.5% (dw) protein and 15.1 % lipid. Fish were manually
fed twice a day during seven weeks; uneaten feed was removed and quantified. Fish feces were collected twice per day. Water
temperature was maintained at 27.0 ± 0.5°C, salinity at 32.6 ± 0.6 ppt and dissolved oxygen above 5.5 mg/L. A 13L:11D
photoperiod was applied. Fish were weighed every week and feed ration adjusted accordingly. Fish ammonia excretion was
quantified in a 24 h cycle after the end of the feeding experiment in four-hour intervals. Fish growth rate and body proximate
composition, feed utilization, energy content of fish body and feces, and energy budget of fish were determined. A closed-circuit
video camera system was used to analyze four fish behavior variables.
Fish growth was significantly higher (P<0.05) in treatments R3, R4 and R6 than in treatments R2 and R1. Feed consumption
increased with increasing feed ration, with the satiation rate found at 3.6%, and the highest feeding efficiency (75.9%) in the
R3 treatment. A quadratic regression analysis found at 2.7% the feeding rate for maximum feeding efficiency. The highest daily
individual energy consumption of spotted rose snapper juveniles was 0.84 kJ/g/day, which corresponds to a carnivorous teleost
fish with moderated metabolism and growth. Whole body protein content was not different among treatments. However, lipid
and energy retention were significantly higher (P<0.05) in treatments R3, R4 and R6 than in R2 and R1. No effect of feed ration
was found on aggressive interactions between fish in the same tank, although they showed a tendency to increase with higher
feed rations. Swimming velocity during feeding was higher in R3 and R4, and feeding activity was higher in R1 than in the rest
of the treatments. The analysis of fish response to feeding showed that 100% of fish in treatments R1 and R2 fed simultaneously
once feed was available in the tank. In contrast, in treatments R3, R4 and R6 from the total of fish in the tanks, only 40.5, 33.3
and 47.6% respectively fed first, with the rest of the fish remaining inactive for at least 3 seconds before showing any feeding
activity.
178
IN VITRO PH-STAT AND APPARENT DIGESTIVE COEFFICIENT OF FEEDSTUFFS IN

JUVENILE SNOOK Centropomus undecimalis
Lemus-Areyzaga Iratzio, Alfonso Alvarez, Carlos Maldonado, Korinthia López , Cuzon y G., Gaxiola, G.
mggc@ciencias.unam.mx
Centropomidae are a group with several species snook and asian seabass (Katersky and Carter, 2007) that are candidates for
aquaculture. But the level of knowledge varies from one species to another; Lates calcarifer is known for its digestibility capacity
for soybean meal (SBM) to replace fishmeal (Boonyaratpalin, 1998) and DP/DE requirement. On the contrary Centropomus
undecimalis is still in its infancy for growth potential and ability to digest dry ingredients. Therefore, two experiments were
conducted, one to measure in vitro digestibility for a variety of feedstuffs, including SBM, poultry by-product, corn gluten,
chicken meal, canola paste, dried whey, Protiblend, CPSP70. Enzymes from stomach, ceca and intestine in contact with
ingredients produced best results in terms of GH with Protiblend (0.38) and poultry by-products (0.33) in acidic condition.
In alkaline condition, Protiblend (1.58) and corn gluten (1.15) gave high values. Intestine extract displayed 0.98 and 0.77 for
Protiblend and canola (CAN+phytase) respectively. The percent of digestibility summed up the ranking with 192, 120, and 113
for Protiblend, chicken meal and CAN+phytase respectively. In a second experiment, the digestive coefficient of digestibility
(ADC) ranged from 77 to 90 and 66 to 96 respectively for protein and energy to add data and find a correlation between both
methods with the same set of feedstuffs.
179
PROTEIN REQUIERMENT OF JUVENILES OF CENTROPOMUS UNDECIMALIS USING

RENDERS
GAXIOLA G., BARTOLO CONCHA, MARTIN ARENAS, MAITE MASCARÓ,

CARLOS MALDONADO, ALFONSO ALVAREZ AND GERARD CUZON
SPEAKER: GABRIELA GAXIOLA, UMDI-SISAL, FAC. DE CIENCIAS, UNAM
Centropomus undecimalis (snook) has been studied for their great potential for aquaculture however its carnivorous habits
have a high impact on economic aspects of feed formulations. Following the actual main trend of replacing fishmeal, renderers
and alternative sources of protein (as protiblend) appeared as a possible sources to maintain performances and keep more
sustainable solutions in terms of feed for juveniles. The juveniles used in the present study were obtained from one spawning
under laboratory conditions. The protein requirement of juveniles of two different size and age was evaluated in two salinity
condition (seawater and low salinity water). One experiment was with early juveniles with 5 g animals receiving renderers
base diet and another with 15-30g receiving a diet based on renderers+protiblend+soy concentrate+wheat gluten.
The responses in terms of survival, weight gain, FCR, condition factor and feed conversion were recorded after two months
trial in the laboratory.
180
EFFECT OF ELEVATED CULTURE TEMPERATURE ON RAINBOW TROUT GROWTH

EFFICIENCY WHEN FED A FISHMEAL OR PLANT PROTEIN BASED DIET
T. Gibson Gaylord*, Carl Yeoman, and Daniel W. Bearden
US Fish and Wildlife Service

Bozeman Fish Technology Center
4050 Bridger Canyon Rd
Bozeman, MT 59715
Gibson_Gaylord@fws.gov
Rainbow trout are a cold-water, poikilothermic fish, and metabolic rates are highly dependent on culture temperature. Optimal
culture temperature for rainbow trout is approximately 15 °C above which growth rate and feed efficiency has been noted to
decline. Alterations in nutrient utilization at culture temperatures above optimal levels are not well understood. Previous
research has noted with a 2 °C increase rainbow trout rely increasingly on protein, therefore amino acids, as a substrate for
metabolic fuel. In order to test the effects of elevated culture temperature on growth rates, feed efficiency and nutrient retention
across two diet types (fishmeal- vs. plant-based), the following experiment was designed.
Two culture temperatures were utilized (15 °C which was deemed optimal for rainbow trout) and 18 °C which was deemed
above the optimal. Two diets were formulated to contain 40% digestible protein, 20% crude fat, and approximately 4700
calories/g digestible energy. Diets were balanced for digestible phosphorus and digestible lysine, methionine and threonine.
Rainbow trout (56 g) were stocked into 6, 440 L polyethylene tanks connected to common recirculating system maintained at
each of 15 and 18 °C. Each of the two diets was randomly assigned to triplicate tanks of fish at each temperature. Fish were
fed twice daily to apparent satiation for 12-weeks and feed consumption was quantified on a weekly basis. At the termination
of the trial, all fish in a tank were quantified and group weighed to assess fish growth and feed efficiency. Three fish per tank
were collected, frozen and ground together for utilization in determining whole-body proximate analysis for nutrient retention
efficiencies. Fecal matter was collected to quantify apparent nutrient digestibility.
At the end of the 12-week trial, diet type and temperature both influenced growth but no interactive effects were noted. Fish
grew 304 g on the plant-based diet at 15 C vs. 280 g at 18 °C, while fish grew 325 g vs. 296 g when fed the fishmeal based diet
at 15 and 18 °C, respectively. Diet type did not affect feed intake or feed conversion efficiency but elevated culture temperature
did. Feed conversion ratio increased by over 10% in fish reared at 18 C vs. 15 °C while relative feed intake (% bw/d) increased
by almost 4% for fish reared at 18 vs. 15 °C. Neither diet type nor culture temperature affected whole-body moisture, protein
or fat content of the fish. Protein retention efficiency was reduced for fish cultured at 18 vs. 15 °C irrespective of diet type. The
reduced protein retention efficiency did not appear to be attributable to reductions in protein digestibility as culture temperature
did not affect this response. Further analyses to test the effects of elevated culture temperatures on global metabolites in
relation to fish performance are ongoing and will be discussed.
181
POTENTIAL OF OYSTER MUSHROOM AS ALTERNATIVE FEED SOURCE IN Oreochromis

niloticus
Francisca George*, Olayemi Shittu, Samuel Obasa and Samuel Adetogun
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture

Federal University, P.M.B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
francisca.george@fuoye.edu.ng
Fish feed is a major constraint to aquaculture development in Nigeria, as the cost of major aqua-feed ingredients, including
maize continues to rise due to their high demand for human and livestock consumption. This study examined the utilization of
dried cultured Oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus as replacement for maize, the traditional energy source in tilapia diets.
Five iso-calorific (32.60kj/g) diets containing 35% crude protein were formulated with mushroom replacing maize at 0%, 25%,
50%, 75% and 100% inclusion levels representing treatments T1 – T5 respectively. Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (2.27 ±
0.02g) were stocked at 20 fish per 40-litre tank replicated trice under a completely randomized experimental design; and fed the
experimental diets twice daily (9.00 and 17.00 hrs) at 5% body weight. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and some
haematological indices were evaluated for 84 days. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using
Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Specific
Growth Rate (SGR), Protein Utilization (PU) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR); while Feed Intake (FI), Protein Efficiency
Ratio (PER) and Average Daily Growth (ADG) were similar in fish fed experimental diets as indicated in Table 1.
Protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 1.85 was observed in fish fed T3 and lowest (1.28) in fish fed diet T4. FCR ranged from 1.33
to 1.65, while ADG ranged from 0.07g to 0.10g.
Protein, lipid and ash contents of fish were similar among treatments, with T1 having the highest protein, lipid and ash contents.
No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the haematological values except for Lymphocyte content which ranged
from 55.05 to 67.01%. Significant difference (p<0.05) existed between serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride contents of
the control (T1) and other diets; with contents being statistically higher in T1 compared to other diets. Inclusion of mushroom
beyond 50% caused reduction in growth and nutrient utilization in Tilapia diets. The study concluded that mushroom inclusion
up to 50% level in tilapia diets enhanced nutrient utilization and resulted in faster growth of O. niloticus fingerlings.
182
AQUACULTURE CHEMICALS RESTRICTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND

SECURITY AND HOW TO HANDLE THEM
Hugh Glenewinkel
A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery

Texas Parks and Wildlife
San Marcos, Texas 78666
hugh.glenewinkel@tpwd.texas.gov
(513) 353-0572
On October 4, 2006, a new regulation was signed into law that gave new authority to regulate security of chemicals to the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This regulation is now fully implemented. Under this regulation the DHS developed
a list of Chemicals of Interest (COI) and the amounts of chemicals that any facility can possess without reporting the amounts
being stored. These amounts are known as Screening Threshold Quantities (STQ). Any facility holding more that the threshold
amount is required to submit a Top-Screen report to DHS.
Several chemicals on the COI list have applications in aquaculture and fisheries. Producers need to be aware of what these
chemicals are and the maximum amount of chemical that can be stored on site. If any thresholds are exceeded, producers need
to be familiar with reporting procedures.
This presentation will discuss common COI to aquaculture and the STQ limits that can be stored without having to be reported.
A process for reporting chemicals over the STQ threshold will also be discussed.
183
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A TYPICAL TWO-CYSTEINE PEROXIREDOXIN

MEMBER FROM ROCK BREAM (Oplegnathus fasciatus) WITH ITS ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY
G. I. Godahewa*, H. M. L. P. B. Herath, J. D. H. E. Jayasinghe and Jehee Lee

E-mail: imarshana@gmail.com
Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are considered as essential components of antioxidant defenses to reduce the excessive levels of reactive
oxygen species (ROS). Here, we report the molecular characterization, H2O2 scavenging activity and immune response of Prx3
from rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus) (OfPrx3). The nucleotide sequence of OfPrx3 bears 913 bp of full length cDNA with
747 bp of coding sequence (CDS). The CDS of OfPrx3 could be coded into a putative peptide of 248 aa with molecular mass
of 27 kDa. Characteristic peroxiredoxin super family domain and catalytically active two cysteine residues were identified.
Pairwise homology sequence analysis revealed that OfPrx3 was close to Sparus aurata with 94.8 % identity and 97.2 %
similarity. Phylogenetic results showed that OfPrx3 was claded with teleostean Prx3 indicating OfPrx3 could be diverged
from the common ancestral origin of Prx3. Fusion protein of OfPrx3 (10µg/mL) was survived the THP-1 cells upon H2O2
oxidative stress and reduce the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (Fig. 1). Further, recombinant OfPrx3
fusion protein (10µg/mL) has a cell survival effect on THP-1 cells exposed to the 500 µmol of H2O2. These findings affirm the
antioxidant activity of the OfPrx3. In addition, qPCR results indicated that OfPrx3 was ubiquitously expressed in blood, gill,
liver, spleen, intestine, head kidney, kidney, skin, muscle and brain with the highest expression in liver tissue. As an immune
response of OfPrx3 transcript, its transcript was elevated at 12 h post infection in correspond to E. tarda (fold ~ 2.15), S. iniae
(fold ~ 1.92) and LPS (fold ~ 2.44) challenges. Nevertheless, RBIV challenged rock bream liver tissue was shown significant
up-regulation of OfPrx3 transcripts at 48 h post infection (fold ~ 2.33). Taken together, our findings suggest that OfPrx3 has
antioxidant activity and may have immune related functions in rock bream.
184
ADAPTING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR ENHANCING THE PROFITABILITY

OF SMALL-SCALE AQUACULTURE IN GHANA, TANZANIA, AND KENYA
Kathryn Goetting*, Caleb Price, and Hillary Egna

Corvallis, OR 97331
kat.goetting@oregonstate.edu
Developing and promoting best management practices (BMPs) for aquaculture are essential in order to increase profitability and
sustainability as the industry grows. Fish farmers continuously look for ways to increase profit and efficiency of their operations.
Many innovative methods are rooted in sustainability and increased environmental and economical benefits. Building on earlier
research from the Aquaculture CRSP, a short-term USAID project (Strategic Investment in Rapid Technology Dissemination)
field-tested proven aquaculture technologies for effectiveness in Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. Adaptive research focused on
the adoption of two BMPs: 1) effluent management practices and 2) feeding practices.
Throughout the duration of the project, 14 short-term training events were held (five in Ghana, five in Kenya, and four
in Tanzania), with 831 attendees. Two of these workshops (one each in Ghana and Kenya) focused on women’s roles in
aquaculture. In addition, 19 post-secondary degree students received financial and research support under this project. The
adoption rates for BMPs differed from country to country, often influenced by the level of fish farming in the region (i.e.,
subsistence v. commercial). It was determined that these BMPs were most appropriate for commercial fish farming enterprises,
although many participants adapted the technologies for appropriate use in individual systems. The smaller producers more
readily adopted the fish feeding BMPs than those on pond effluents.
185
THE ROLE OF THE VETERINARIAN IN THE GROWING CLOSED CONTAINMENT

AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY
Christopher Good*, Steven Summerfelt, and Brian Vinci

1098 Turner Road, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
c.good@freshwaterinstitute.org
Large-scale land-based aquaculture facilities, using water recirculation technologies and employing a closed containment
approach to biosecurity and environmental impact, have the potential to be at the forefront of domestic aquaculture industry
growth in the coming decades. Closed containment operations are markedly different from traditional net-pen, pond, or flow-
through raceway approaches to raising fish for food production, and as newer technologies become increasingly adopted as
the industry evolves, the role of the veterinarian in these contexts will likewise evolve. Closed containment facilities typically
use groundwater, obtain eggs from specific pathogen-free sources, and operate following strict biosecurity SOPs; therefore,
vaccination and antibiotic usage to prevent or counter fish health issues related to obligate pathogens can be reduced or
eliminated. As such, the biosecurity focus shifts to optimizing the fish rearing environment, in order to reduce physical and
chemical stressors that can render fish populations vulnerable to opportunistic pathogens. Veterinary involvement in closed
containment operations can begin at the design stage, providing input on infrastructure configuration to eliminate major avenues
of pathogen introduction and provide recommendations for rearing area layout to reduce stress from personnel and mechanical
activities. Biosecurity planning, which must be tailored for each facility in order to address their unique set of challenges, and
its implementation, should also benefit from veterinary involvement; however, aquatic veterinarians first need to be well-versed
in water recirculation technologies, and possess a solid understanding of the equipment involved, such as circular dual-drain
tanks, fine particle drum filters, biofilters, packed column degassers, low-head oxygenators, UV systems and ozone generators.
Treatment strategies in recirculation systems, especially protocols that are efficacious in resolving fish health issues but do not
impact biofiltration, need to be understood or developed in order to provide effective veterinary care. Finally, because closed
containment aquaculture is, at present, a frontier in the overall industry, there are still many unknowns regarding the water
recirculation environment, and research to better understand this environment and continually improve fish rearing conditions
needs to be carried out. An example of veterinary research in this area is to improve our understanding of microbial ecology in
these environments – where opportunistic pathogens can reside and proliferate, how these potential pathogens are in balance
with non-pathogenic resident microbes, and circumstances when opportunists might evolve within recirculation systems to
persistently cause fish health issues.
186
LOUISIANA MARINE FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT, RESEARCH, AND SCIENCE CENTER
Craig Gothreaux*
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

2000 Quail Drive, Annex Room 43
cgothreaux@wlf.la.gov
The Louisiana Marine Fisheries Enhancement, Research and Science Center is a proposed Phase III Early Restoration project
that would establish facilities to responsibly develop aquaculture-based techniques for marine fisheries management. The
project would include two sites with the shared goal of fostering collaborative multidimensional research on marine sport fish
(red drum Sciaenops ocellatus, spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus, and southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma) and
baitfish species (Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus and Gulf killifish Fundulus grandis). The facilities would also serve
to enhance stakeholder involvement, and provide fisheries extension, outreach, and education to the public.
The primary facility would be located in Calcasieu Parish, while the satellite facility would be located in Plaquemines Parish
(Figure 1). The Calcasieu facility would feature hatchery components along with a visitor center, whereas the Plaquemines
facility would be focused on demonstration systems for marine baitfish holding and production. Fish produced at both facilities
would be utilized for a variety of research projects, including experimental releases of marked sport fish to evaluate release
strategies and investigate ecological hypotheses in Louisiana. The creation of these living laboratories would support a myriad
of cooperative research opportunities, while providing dedicated venues for marine fisheries outreach and educational activities.
This presentation will discuss the current scope and status of this project, as well as the future plans for utilizing these facilities.
Figure 1. Location of Calcasieu Parish (left) and Plaquemines Parish (right) sites for the proposed Louisiana Marine
Fisheries, Enhancement, Research, and Science Center project
187
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON Mucuna pruriens ENRICHED ARTEMIA IN Vibrio harveyi

INFECTED Litopenaeus vannamei
G. Shanmugavel* and G. Krishnamoorthy
Department of Zoology, KM Centre for PG Studies (Autonomous)

Centre with Potential for Excellence, Accredited by NAAC ‘A’ Grade
Affiliated to Pondicherry University, Pondicherry 605008, India
idshanvel@gmail.com
To investigate the immunomodulatory role of Mucuna pruriens (MP) enriched Artemia in Vibrio harveyi infected Litopenaeus
vannamei by examining the antioxidant property, nutritional status of shrimp muscle and reproductive strategies. The MP seed
methanolic extracts enriched with Artemia at 100 ppm and 200 ppm fed to V.harveyi infected male and female L.vannamei was
conducted for 3 weeks. Artemia are excellent food for most fishes and crustacean larvae.
Gravid spawners of L.vannamei (body weight of 150±20g) of 15 (n=15) individuals per group were used in the present study.
Eight groups of spawners were stocked in spawning tank of 250 L capacity with salinity 35%, 25–28oC, 7.5–8.5 pH, and 4.5
mg/l minimum dissolved oxygen for 3 weeks. Group I. Normal male L.vannamei, Group II. Normal female L.vannamei,
Group III. V.harveyi infected male L.vannamei, Group IV. V.harveyi infected female L.vannamei. Group V. V.harveyi
infected male L.vannamei fed with MP (100 ppm) enriched Artemia, Group VI. V.harveyi infected male L.vannamei fed with
MP (200 ppm) enriched Artemia. Group VII. V.harveyi infected female L.vannamei fed with MP (100 ppm) enriched Artemia.
Group VIII. V.harveyi infected female L.vannamei fed with MP (200 ppm) enriched Artemia.
Shrimps muscle tissues of each group are utilized for the estimation of antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GPx and
GSH) and proximate composition (Protein, Carbohydrate, Lipid and Moisture). Significantly (P < 0.05) increased SOD, CAT,
GPx and GSH activities were observed in shrimp fed with MP enriched Artemia diets compared to infected. Increase in the
level of SOD indicates that shrimp acquires resistance to Vibrio harveyi infection. Infected groups indicate decrease in protein,
carbohydrate and increase in lipid levels. Elevated level of protein is observed in 200 ppm treated group than normal control.
Reproductive potential was also carried out by assessing the male fecundity rate like sperm count, motility studies and for female
fecundity rate like egg size, egg count. Infected L.vannamei shows altered antioxidant enzyme status, proximate composition
and drastic decline in reproduction rate is due to the V.harveyi infection induced stress. The results obtained in present study
demonstrated that MP enriched Artemia in diet have a potential role and it is an effective antioxidant by regulating infectious
stress, improves the nutritious value and enhanced fecundity rate of shrimp against vibriosis. Treated groups show significant
improvement in both male (Spermatophore weight, sperm count and survival rate) and female (GSI, egg size and count)
reproductive performance. The study concluded that MP enriched Artemia in diet has the potential to improve the fecundity
rate in the spawners by providing protection against vibriosis. It is suggested that Mucuna pruriens herbal extract may be used
as an alternate to antibiotic for vibriosis in aquaculture shrimp industry.
188
UTILIZING SNP MARKERS TO EVALUATE GENOTYPIC INFLUENCE ON TROPHY

POTENTIAL IN Micropterus BASS POPULATIONS IN ALABAMA
Spencer Gowan*, Ammu Anil, Chao Li, Ludmilla Kaltenboeck, Huseyin Kucuktas, Eric Peatman
School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences

203 Swingle Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849
SWG0004@auburn.edu
Bass (Micropterus spp.) are key species in North America as valuable sport fish, as ecological sentinels, and as a growing
segment of the US aquaculture industry. The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and its sister species Florida bass
(Micropterus floridanus) have been intensely studied for ~70 years in an attempt to define their evolutionary history and
their growth potential in a variety of natural and man-made aquatic ecosystems. Florida bass have demonstrated greater size
potential, while largemouth bass have demonstrated faster initial growth and more aggressive feeding behavior. Fisheries
managers, targeting the enhancement of trophy bass populations, have stocked Florida bass far beyond their natural range
of peninsular Florida. These stockings have often outpaced our understanding of native genetic diversity, hybridization, and
genotype-by-environment interactions. Natural hybridization within the poorly-delineated intergrade zone of the Southeastern
US, combined with hybridization events resulting from stocking, have additionally impeded our ability to answer questions
fundamental for bass management. Assessment of genotypic contributions to growth in bass requires robust genetic tools
capable of tracing M. salmoides and M. floridanus alleles across hybrid genomes. We have recently developed two multiplex
panels of diagnostic SNP markers ideally suited for evaluating species purity, conducting stock assessments, and correlating
size-at-age with genotype. Utilizing these panels, we have conducted baseline studies across most major Alabama reservoirs.
Preliminary genotyping (n~1500) has revealed a heterogeneous pattern of introgression among these reservoirs, making them
prime arenas for studies aimed at understanding the interaction between stocking intensity, habitat, genotype, and realized
growth potential in intergrade bass populations. Results and discussion of potential management implications will be presented.
189
RESPONSES OF CHANNEL CATFISH FED DIETS WITH SMALL HIVE BEETLE LARVAL
MEAL, POULTRY BY-PRODUCT MEAL, OR BONE MEAL
Rebecca Graham*, Ruguang Chen, Yong Park and Rebecca Lochmann
Aquaculture/Fisheries Center of Excellence

Pine Bluff, AR, 71601
Rebeccagraham0709@uapb.edu
Some research indicates that dietary animal protein is beneficial for juvenile stages of channel catfish. Protein quality in
animal feed ingredients is often higher than in plant ingredients, and there are generally fewer anti-nutritional factors in animal
protein sources. Responses to a variety of animal protein sources such as poultry meal are known for catfish, but there is
little comparative data on the use of insect proteins in catfish diets. Therefore, we are evaluating the effects of a novel protein
source made from the larvae of the small hive beetle (SHB; Aethina tumida). This beetle is a parasite of honey bee colonies
that reproduces rapidly and produces wandering larvae. The primary damage to bee colonies and stored honey is through the
feeding activity of the larvae. The larvae are high in protein (45%) and fat (40%) and lack indigestible chitinous structures, so
they may be a viable diet ingredient for fish. For this project, we formulated four practical diets with soybean meal (42%) as the
primary protein source and small amounts of different animal proteins as the experimental variable. The total amount of protein
from animal sources (about 3%) was similar across diets. To prepare a meal from the SHB larvae, 1 kg of larvae was washed,
frozen and lyophilized. The proximate composition of the meal was determined before the meal was incorporated into diets
at 3.2% or 6.3% of the diet. The diet with 3.2% SHB meal also contained poultry by-product meal, while the diet with 6.3%
SHB meal contained no other animal protein sources. Two other diets in the study contained either poultry by-product meal as
the only animal protein (control), or poultry bone meal as the only animal protein. All diets were formulated to contain 32%
total protein and similar amounts of total energy. Groups of 15 juvenile catfish (mean individual initial weight, 7.8 ± 0.03g)
were stocked into each of four 110-L aquaria per treatment and randomly assigned to diet. The aquaria are configured in a
recirculating system using dechlorinated, municipal water.
Fish are being fed twice daily to satiation on weekdays and once on weekend days. They are being weighed every other week
to track growth and adjust feed rations. At six weeks, fish fed both diets with SHB larvae had gained significantly (P=0.002)
less weight than fish fed the diets without SHB larvae (poultry or bone meal only). Survival is 96% or higher on all diets. Feed
intake may be less in the SHB treatments, but more data is needed to confirm whether this is the primary cause of the reduced
weight gain of fish on the SHB treatments. The trial will run a total of 10 weeks, then final production data, health assays, and
proximate analysis of fish will be conducted to complete the study.
190
COMPARING ETHYL ESTER AND TRIGLYCERIDE-BASED LIVE FOOD PUFA

ENRICHMENTS IN THE INTENSIVE CULTURE OF LARVAL YELLOW PERCH
John D. Grayson*, Karolina Kwasek, and Konrad Dabrowski

Columbus, OH 43210
grayson.37@osu.edu
Limited experience with live food regimes and fragmentary knowledge

of nutritional requirements have been inhibitors for the indoor-intensive
production of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) larvae. Live foods enrichment
with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is a proven means of increasing the
growth and survival of larval fish, but few studies to date have tested this
method on yellow perch. This study examined the enrichment of live foods
with two PUFA concentrates in either ethyl ester (EE) or triglyceride (TAG)
form (AlaskOmega®, Coshocton, OH) on the performance of yellow perch
larvae.
This experiment was conducted in two phases. The 1st phase was carried out in
a recirculating system with nine 50-L conical tanks (32 larvae/L). Live rotifers
(Brachionus plicatilis) were provided at a density of 10 rotifers/mL for the
first two days of feeding, then fish were transitioned to Artemia (4 nauplii/
mL) for the remaining 8 days of the experimental phase. Temperature was
maintained at 23±2˚C and marine microalgae and evaporated salt were added
to the system to maintain a turbidity of 9±2 NTU and a salinity of 3.3±0.5 ppt.
The 2nd phase was carried out in nine 60-L cylindrical flow-through tanks (5
larvae/L). During this phase, fish were fed Artemia for 5 days, then gradually
transitioned to a formulated starter diet (Otohime A).
The differences in final weight, survival, and swim bladder inflation were not
significant at the p≤0.05 level. However, the EE group had a higher rate of
swim bladder inflation (p=0.16) and final weight (p=0.12) when compared
to the TAG group (1st phase). Also, fish with inflated swim bladders were
significantly larger than those without (p<0.05). These data suggest that both
PUFA sources are utilized by yellow perch larvae, although further studies are
warranted as to the possible function of EE in swim bladder inflation.
191
WINTER PERFORMANCE OF AN OUTDOOR BIOFLOC PRODUCTION SYSTEM FOR

CHANNEL CATFISH
Bartholomew Green*
USDA-ARS Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center

PO Box 1050
Stuttgart, AR 72160
bart.green@ars.usda.gov
In the tropics, outdoor biofloc technology production systems are operated year-round. While channel catfish (Ictalurus
punctatus) have been grown successfully in an outdoor biofloc production system, these studies were conducted only during the
growing season and production tanks were idled for the winter after harvest. If an outdoor BFT production system is to be viable
at temperate latitudes, then data gaps related to system and fish performance over the winter must be addressed. The present
study was conducted to address some of these data gaps. Waters from a recently completed biofloc production experiment that
contained low (153.3 mg/L) and high (606.7 mg/L) total suspended solids were retained for this study. Three 15.7-m3 tanks per
water type each were stocked (8 kg/m3) with market size channel catfish retained for a 152-d study from November to April.
Catfish survival through the winter was high (99.75%) in biofloc tanks and did not differ significantly between treatments. Net
fish yield did not differ significantly between treatments. However, net fish yields were 1-4% less than initial fish biomasses.
Mean chlorophyll a concentrations were similar in both treatments during the first 55 days, after which treatments diverged and
chlorophyll a concentration increased linearly (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.721) to a mean final concentration of 2,251.7 mg/m3 in the
low solids treatment. Ammonia from ammonium chloride spikes (1.25-1.5 mg NH4-N/L) added on three occasions during the
experiment was biotransformed completely putatively by algal uptake and nitrification. Ammonia biotrnsformation rate was
linearly related (P = 0.006, R2 = 0.920) to mean water temperature in the high solids treatment, whereas a semi-logarithmic
relationship was observed in the low solids treatment (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.878). Water in the biofloc production tanks appeared
to retain through the winter the ability to biotransform ammonia regardless of whether phytoplankton or suspended solids
predominate, which may allow high feeding rates to be attained earlier the following spring.
192
DEVELOPMENT OF LARVAL SALINTY TOLERANCE IN TWO POPULATIONS OF

ALLIGATOR GAR Atractosteus spatula
Christopher C. Green, Nicole Lundberg, Allyse Ferrara, and Quenton Fontenot

Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
cgreen@agcenter.lsu.edu
Adult alligator gar Atractosteus spatula are euryhaline, but it is unclear when larvae or juveniles develop salinity tolerance.
Larval gar cannot tolerate salinities > 8 psu, however adults thrive in full strength seawater (~35 psu). The goal of this study
was to determine the effects of salinity on ion regulation and overall survival of larval alligator gar using acute salinity transfers.
Two geographically distinct populations of gar larvae were used, one inland population (Mississippi river) and one coastal
population (Louisiana).
Larval gar were subjected to a salinity challenge with increasing salinities in later trials to determine salinity tolerance and dose-
response curves for acute salinity exposures. After each 24-h acute salinity exposure, dry mass, whole body ion composition,
gill and intestinal Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity, and ion transport protein levels (NKA, Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC);
using qPCR) were measured. Larvae were dried at 60˚C for 24 hours, weighed in grams then dissolved in 50% nitric acid
and analyzed using flame spectroscopy to quantify Na+, K+, and Ca+ whole body ion concentration. Older larvae of A. spatula
survived salinities up to 18 psu. Based on LC50 dose response values, salinity tolerance of larval alligator gar increased in
stages with the first increase occurring at 10 d post hatch and another increase at 25-30 d post hatch. No significant differences
were observed between the two populations from ion analysis or NKA activity, however, these biomarkers did change as
acute salinity tolerance increased from approximately 15 to 40 day post hatch. We believe that these results demonstrate
conserved developmental responses to salinity among populations with implications in phenotypic variability versus maternal
and embryonic environmental conditions.
193
SPATIALANALYSIS OF 2-METHYLISOBORNEOLAND GEOMSIN IN CATFISH FOLLOWING

A SINGLE EPISODIC EVENT
Casey Grimm, John Bland, Steven Lloyd, Michael Patterson, and Brian Bosworth
USDA-ARS-SRRC
1100 Robert E. Lee Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70124
casey.grimm@ars.usda.gov
In the catfish industry, the presence of 2-MIB and geosmin can render as much as 80% of the harvestable fish off-flavor in the
late summer months. Professional flavor checkers evaluate samples from the ponds prior to harvest to prevent off-flavor fish
from making it to the consumer. However, off-flavor fish occasionally make it to the market. At present, there is no consistent
process for flavor checking fish. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide a set of standards for flavor checkers to
reduce the number of off-flavor fish from reaching the market. The object of this research is to determine if there is a higher
concentration of Geosmin and/or 2-MIB in different parts of the fillet in order to determine where best to check for off-flavor.
Previous work has shown that there is little difference in concentrations in the fillet when cut into three vertical portions.

On-flavor fish were moved from a pond into a raceway and purged with fresh well water for one week. Four 50 gallon
tanks were equipped with an aerator and purging water. Ten fish were placed into each of the four tanks and allowed to
acclimate. Aerators and purging water were then turned off and three of the tanks were spiked with MIB and Geosmin to a final
concentration of 1 ppb. The fourth tank served as control. Oxygen levels were monitored and upon reaching 2 ppm, Aerators
and purge water were turned back on (~ 1 hr) and allowed to operate overnight. Fish were harvested the next morning with
only one fatality (fish #23 in tank 2). The left fillet was kept intact and used for fat analysis. The right fillet was cut into three
pieces, top, center, bottom, with the center strip constituting the portion of the fillet adjacent to the lateral line and ranging from
½ to ¾ in wide. The skin portion adjacent to the right fillet was also kept and analyzed.
Geosmin and 2-MIB were measured in each of the fillet strips and skin using microwave desorption/solid phase microextraction/
gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Geosmin concentrations were significantly greater than the 2-MIB concentrations in
all four types of tissues and across all three spiked tanks. This may be due to the spiking regiment being followed by the
purging with fresh water for 18 hours. Both 2-MIB and Geosmin concentrations increased with fish weights. The skin sections
generally contained the highest concentrations of 2-MIB and geosmin. It is unclear at this time, if this is due to the presence of
subcutaneous fat still attached to the skin or possibly in the mucous layer on the external portion of the skin.
194
BIOFOULING FOR RESTORATION ENGINEERING: COASTAL BIOENGINEERING WITH

OYSTER DOMINATED REEF SYSTEMS
Steven G. Hall, Jon Risinger, Matt Byrum, Melody Thomas, Tyler Ortego
sghall@agcenter.lsu.edu
Biofouling is often conceived as a challenge of undesired growth. However, harnessing the tendency of, for example, the
Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica to grow on various calcareous substrates can lead to the design of biologically dominated,
low cost and environmentally friendly artificial reef systems. These systems can help reduce coastal erosion, restore coastal
habitats and protect wetlands.
Louisiana, like many coastal areas, is losing land, with an estimated 1800 square miles of land loss in the last 80 years. This
extensive land loss can be attributed primarily to subsidence (slow compaction of soil particles), erosion, and sea level rise.
This project aimed at maximizing biological growth to protect the shoreline and continue to grow to the new relative surface
level, providing habitat for juvenile fish and other species. In this sense, biofouling was desired to reduce wave energy and
allow sustainable protection and ecosystem services.
This is in contrast to traditional coastal engineering which focused largely on hard structures such as jetties and seawalls.
Biological engineers aim to integrate biology into engineering design to enhance function and maximize sustainability. Our
coastal bioengineering team has designed these reefs which are currently being used as breakwater devices in a variety of
coastal locations throughout the Gulf Coast. The biofouling of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) can provide a long lasting and
biologically dominated artificial reef structure. Primary advantages over hard structures include enhanced wave reduction and
concomitant sedimentation; sustainable maintenance as long as growth rate exceeds net sinkage (subsidence, sinkage and sea
level rise) rates, and ecosystem services and restoration.
195
MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES AS DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS TO INVESTIGATE MICROBIAL

COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN THE REARING ENVIRONMENT OF FRESHWATER-
REARED SALMONIDS
Katherine Haman
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

125 Salmon Lane
Salkum, WA 98582
Katherine.haman@dfw.wa.gov
Standard diagnostic techniques in fish medicine generally include, among others, gross and microscopic examination of tissues,
viral culture, bacterial culture and sensitivity, and observation of clinical signs in fish populations. Though the rearing environment
is often physically examined for appropriate conditions (flow, density, dissolved oxygen, etc), the environment itself is rarely
directly sampled for pathogenic organisms. When this environmental sampling does occur, it frequently relies only on culture
to document the presence or absence of pathogenic bacteria. This technique is often limited and growth bias will occur based
on selective media; therefore a complete representation of the microbial community, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic, in
the rearing environment is not feasible using this culture-based method. Molecular tools such as PCR and next-generation
sequencing can be used to define the entire microbial community in a rearing environment and monitor its changes over time.
To determine the microbial community structure in a recirculating system we have collected waters samples throughout the
system and have employed both traditional culture techniques and PCR followed by next-generation sequencing. Culture
results indicated a handful of bacteria were present, including Flavobacteria and Aeromonas, both known to be commensals as
well as opportunistic pathogens. The culture results also indicated that the microbial community structure changes throughout
the system, though with this technique this change cannot be quantified. The use of next-generation sequencing (data still
being generated and analyzed) will enable us to not only identify each species of bacteria present and define the microbial
community, but also to monitor how the structure of this community changes through the system. This information will prove
useful in pinpointing areas of potential contamination with pathogenic bacteria and enable us to document specific shifts in
the microbial community. Such shifts in microbial community structure in the rearing environment may play a direct role in a
subsequent outbreak in the fish population. Future studies will monitor the microbial community structure before, during, and
after a disease outbreak in an attempt to pinpoint shifts in structure that favor pathogen overgrowth and result in population
level outbreaks. With this information we can begin to identify environmental changes that cause such a microbial shift. This
will lead to improved management and preventative medicine, resulting in an overall improvement in fish health.
196
AN UPDATE ON THE ZEBRAFISH HUSBANDRY EDUCATION COURSE AND HANDS-ON

TRAINING WORKSHOP
Hugh Hammer*, Susan Farmer, Samuel Cartner, and Zebrafish Husbandry Education Team
Aquaculture Education and Development Center

Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden, AL 35902
hhammer@gadsdenstate.edu
The Zebrafish Husbandry Education Team (ZHET) is a group of 20 world experts in zebrafish husbandry, health, and aquaculture
focused on developing educational programs for technicians, researchers, and veterinarians. The ZHET was formed in 2012
through collaborations with academia and industry for the purposes of: 1) building a comprehensive online educational course
and 2) creating an experience-based workshop on zebrafish husbandry. The ZHET met for the first time at Gadsden State
Community College (GSSC) in June 2012 with a goal to improve and standardize the overall quality of research by providing
the best available husbandry knowledge, skills, and experiences for the zebrafish research community. The group is finalizing
the curriculum for the comprehensive online course, which will be offered through GSCC starting in January 2015. The first
annual Zebrafish Husbandry Education Workshop was co-hosted by GSCC and the University of Alabama at Birmingham
(UAB) and held at GSCC on August 6-8, 2014. It was attended by 22 participants from across the US. The workshop
topics included three hands-on sessions for spawning and larviculture, two hands-on sessions for live feeds production, two
hands-on sessions for water chemistry, and single sessions for cleaning and disinfection, recognizing sick fish, and anesthesia
and euthanasia. There was also a special session on zebrafish culture systems. The workshop was team taught by ZHET
members: Dr. George Sanders (Univ. of Washington Seattle), Dr. Susan Farmer (UAB), Dr. Eric Henry (Reed Mariculture
Inc.), Erik Sanders (Washington Univ. St. Louis), Dan Castranova (NIH, Charles River Laboratories), Darrin Honious (YSI
Inc.), Eric Herbst (Pentair Aquatic Ecosystems), Brendan Delbos (Aquaneering Inc.), Eric Stone (Aquatic Enterprises, Inc.),
Chris Obenschain (Aquatic Solutions by Tecniplast), Dr. Stephen Watts (UAB), Dr. Benny Ron (Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa) and
Dr. Hugh Hammer (GSCC). The workshop was a huge success; the participant evaluations scored the workshop a perfect 5 (out
of 5) for both “overall workshop experience” and “rating this workshop compared to others you have attended.” Additionally,
all participants reported that they would recommend this workshop to a colleague. Detailed feedback from the workshop will
be presented as well as details for the upcoming online course.
197
CHINESE CONSUMERS’ CONCERNS ON FRESH FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY

INFORMATION AND THEIR BEHAVIOR IMPACT
Yang Han* and Jingjie Chu
(*Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences Fisheries Development Center for Strategic Studies; Beijing,
100141)
This paper uses Logit regression model to analyze 1573 Chinese consumers’ concerns and their buying behavior impact regarding
fresh meat, vegetables and seafood safety information. The preliminary analysis shows that: (1) quality and safety information
are important evidence for consumers’ choices. The degree of concerns and type of information depend on the nature of food
they will purchase; (2) consumers’ age, health status, income, family structure and consumer attitudes towards regulation of
food safety have a significant impact on their purchasing behavior; and (3) price is a main factor to affect consumers’ choices.
Other than that, production date, freshness, chemical use and processing methods, retail source (supermarket or farmers’
market) and “food safety events” have significant impacts on consumers’ choices.
198
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF NURSERY AND GROW-OUT PRODUCTION TRIALS OF

THE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP, Litopenaeus vannamei, IN ZERO-EXCHANGE, BIOFLOC-
DOMINATED SYSTEMS
Terrill R. Hanson*, David I. Prangnell, Leandro F. Castro, Thomas R. Zeigler, Tim A. Markey,
Craig L. Browdy, Darrin Honious, Bob Advent, and Tzachi M. Samocha
Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn, Alabama 36849;
hansontr@auburn.edu
The economic cost of production of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, in zero-exchange, biofloc-dominated systems
will be the focus of this presentation. All production trials were conducted at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Mariculture
Laboratory at Flour Bluff, Corpus Christi, Texas during the summer of 2014. These trials were conducted in 40 m3 and 100
m3 raceways and the economic analysis will be conducted using these size units, as there is increasing interest in smaller scale
production units such as these.
The four trials that will be economically analyzed include:
a) Nursery performance of the Litopenaeus vannamei fed two dietary regimes: PL5-10 were stocked at 675 PL/m3 into six 40 m3
raceways (RWs) and reared for 62 days to approximately 5.6 g size;
b) Nursery production of the L. vannamei operated with a3 injectors: PL5-10 were stocked at 540 PL/m3 into two 100 m3 RWs
and reared for 62 days to approximately 6.5 g size;
c) High density L. vannamei production and the effect of a Vibrio infectious outbreak: 6.45 g juveniles were stoc) cked at 458/
m3 into two 100 m3 RWs and grown for 38 days to 18-19 g size; and
d) High density L. vannamei production fed two commercial feeds of different protein content, approximately 5.6 g juveniles
were stocked at 457/m3 into six 40 m3 RWs and grown for 48 days to approximately 21 g size.
Variable and fixed costs for each of these trials will be presented. Fixed costs for the two 100 m3 and six 40 m3 systems will
be detailed. Cost of production covering variable and fixed costs will be calculated and presented. Sensitivity analyses will
be conducted on factors most affecting profitability to see what it will take to make these systems economically viable and to
provide researchers with direction for further research to improve these systems’ profitability.
199
DEVELOP AND USE SOCIOECONOMIC AND BUSINESS RESEARCH TO ADVANCE

DOMESTIC AQUACULTURE
Terrill “Terry” R. Hanson
Alabama Fish Farming Center, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University
hansontr@auburn.edu
As stated in the National Strategic Plan for Federal Aquaculture Research (2014-2019) (NSPFAR) interest in aquaculture for
commercial use, wild species enhancement and restoration is increasing. Along with this interest the debate over potential
economic and social effects of aquaculture is growing as well. There are many constraints the domestic aquaculture industry
faces, including regulatory, environmental, economic, social, market, industry and technological factors. Economic and social
challenges can include complicated and uncertain regulatory processes, market competition affecting domestic seafood product
prices that affect both aquaculture farmers and fishermen, competition with other users of aquatic resources, and diverse
cultural traditions and values.
Outcomes listed in the NSPFAR strategic planning document include:

• Identification of key regulatory, policy, socioeconomic, and environmental constraints to the improvement of the
economics of commercial aquaculture and public stock enhancement and restoration in the United States
• Economic models to evaluate the relative cost and value of major components of aquaculture production
• Collaborative opportunities among the aquaculture industry, the commercial fishing industry, and the conservation
community
• Socioeconomic models to assess and report economic and social impacts of U.S.aquaculture in job creation and economic,
environmental, and social development terms
Milestones listed in the NSPFAR strategic planning document include:

• Socio-economic research that informs Federal policy and management actions;
• Development of agricultural economic sensitivity analyses for major aquaculture species that inform existing models and
indicate research priorities
• Market research that enables aquaculture producers to better respond to major trends affecting the profitability or
competitiveness of U.S. aquaculture businesses
• Expanded seafood market demand that is met by complementary increases in domestic aquaculture and capture fisheries
• Assessment of the monetary and non-monetary benefits of Federal stock enhancement programs aimed at species and
habitat restoration
This session will go over the NSPRAR outcomes and milestones listed above as well as begin on this topic by addressing the
current state of the research, ongoing work relevant to this Strategic Goal, and future needs/challenges/opportunities. Open
discussion will be a part of this symposium and audience participants will have time to discuss these and other issues and
provide their input that can help influence how this area of the NSPFAR is translated into federal research and funding for the
next decade.
200
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FEDERAL AQUACULTURE RESEARCH GOAL 5 –

IMPROVE NUTRITION AND DEVELOP NOVEL FEEDS
Ronald W. Hardy
Aquaculture Research Institute, University of Idaho

3059F National Fish Hatchery Road, Hagerman, Idaho 83332, USA
*rhardy@uidaho.edu
Feeds account for 50-60% of the operating costs in aquaculture production and, in recent years, feed costs have increased over
40% due to record high prices for feed ingredients. Fortunately, prices for grains and oilseeds decreased significantly in latter
half of 2014, lowering prices for plant proteins. Unfortunately, prices for fishmeal and fish oil remain high, underscoring the
need to continue the transition from dependence on these marine-derived ingredients to more sustainably-produced and less
expensive alternatives, particularly in feeds used at grow-out stages of production. Although there are new feed ingredients
on the horizon, such as insect meals and single-cell protein products produced from methane, micro-algae or other substrates,
established feed protein sources will be the foundation of fish feed formulation for the immediate future. Low fishmeal feeds
are already in widespread use in rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon production, but such feeds do not support rapid growth
and optimum health in farmed marine species. The main reasons for this difference are genetic (domestication) and incomplete
knowledge of nutritional requirements of marine species under culture conditions, e.g. stress associated with fish density,
handling, water quality and diet formulation. Domesticated strains of rainbow trout and salmon are more tolerant of plant
protein-based feeds than are marine species that remain non-domesticated. Selected strains of rainbow trout not only tolerate
plant protein-based feeds, they thrive on such feeds, emphasizing the potential of selective breeding to improve feed utilization
efficiency. Feeds must support optimum fish health and also provide consumers with health benefits, making development of
more efficient ways to retain high omega-3 fatty acid levels in fillets a top priority for research.
201
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FEDERAL AQUACULTURE RESEARCH GOAL 7:

IMPROVE PERFORMANCE OF PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
John A. Hargreaves
Aquaculture Assessments, LLC

jhargreaves01@yahoo.com
Improved performance of aquaculture production systems has been identified as a goal of the National Strategic Plan for
Federal Aquaculture Research. Aquaculture in the United States is primarily conducted in ponds (channel catfish, crawfish,
ornamental fish, other finfish), open coastal waters (shellfish), raceways (rainbow trout) and net pens (Atlantic salmon). Other
culture systems, e.g. recirculating aquaculture systems, are of nominal commercial importance.
Although many technically feasible models of improved production systems have been developed through federally supported
research, few have contributed significantly to domestic aquaculture production. For ponds – the system responsible for the
greatest domestic production – innovative approaches such as the partitioned aquaculture system, split-ponds and in-pond
raceways have been available for implementation since the 1990s. However, adoption by commercial producers has been
minimal (ca. 1500 acres), but interest is increasing.
Shellfish culture continues to be dominated by traditional methods, although various rack, bag and upweller technologies have
been developed. The use of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and onshore recirculating systems as alternatives
to traditional net-pen culture of Atlantic salmon is not yet in wide use. Production of shrimp in greenhouse raceways is of
insignificant importance commercially despite significant federal investment in research.
Aquaponics represents a relevant case study for the time-line of meaningful, real-world application. The technical foundations
of the production system were established in the 1980s. Outreach efforts began in the 1990s and continue to the present day.
Aquaponics has grown in popularity among hobby producers and as a classroom teaching tool since the 2000s. As an example,
30 years were necessary between research on aquaponics and adoption by practitioners.
Although research on improving the efficiency and performance of existing production systems is a necessary and worthy
strategic objective, more effort is needed to remove impediments to the implementation and adoption of already existing
technological refinements. These include robust outreach and extension programs, increased willingness of lending institutions
to provide investment capital for aquaculture infrastructure and improvement in the regulatory and enabling environment.
202
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY IN AQUACULTURE – FRAMING THE ISSUES AND CONCERNS
Reginal M. Harrell*
Department of Environmental Science and Technology

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
rharrell@umd.edu
As the growing demand for seafood and seafood products are continually being met by the aquaculture industry there is an
associated groundswell of concerns among the diversity of stakeholders who have differing perspectives of the industry. While
we continually improve our technological and scientific approaches to production, yield, and profit marging for the foodfish and
product industry, and as we make strides to maximize genetic diversity and viability with stock restoration and enhancement
efforts all the while trying to minimize our environmental footprint we have not been proactive addressing in the ethical
components of our discipline. While we improve on the questions of “how we do certain things” we must ask and answer the
fundamental question of “should we do certain things.”
Globally domestic production of other animals has had to reactively address ethical concerns raised by interested individuals
regarding the use of exotic species, genetic technology, hormonal enhancement of products destined for human consumption
or release into our environment, and perceived greed of money over societal concerns. This symposium is a concerted effort
to proactively frame the some ethical concerns we should consider as the industry further develops. These concerns include
environmental stewardship of our natural resources (i.e., water usage and discharge), animal welfare, integration of natural and
synthetic ingredients into feeds; prophylactic use of antibiotics; movement and modification of germplasm used in creating
selected or technologically-manipulated lines of broodstock, and the responsibility of researchers, educators, the government
and the industry itself. Through a series of leading experts within their respective disciplines we will address most of the topics
listed above. The symposium will end with a panel open question and answer period were all the speakers will provide follow-
up answers to the audience’s questions.
203
RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT IN AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
Reginal M. Harrell*
Department of Environmental Science and Technology

rharrell@umd.edu
The aquaculture industry for food, food product development, and for stock restoration and/or enhancement is highly dependent
on well-designed research that has been appropriately carried out, vetted by the scientific community, and disseminated to the
end-users who have put their faith and trust in the individuals who conducted the work. Unfortunately every level of science
from concept through information dissemination and technology transfer is susceptible to errors, mistakes, and falsification.
Scientists often have to take risks and, as humans all researchers are prone to mistakes. Pressures to “publish or perish”
have driven some scientists to cut corners and, in rare cases, provide fraudulent information. Regardless researchers have an
ethical obligation to the public, their profession, and themselves to maintain the highest levels of integrity. Accidental and
especially intentionally flawed research that has errors (design, analysis, or interpretation) that has slipped past reviewers
can significantly and negatively impact the industry’s advancement, the researcher’s institution, and the investigator himself.
When such information “gets out” these oversights may result in the loss of valuable industry investments and/or unproductive
research dollars that may ruin businesses, careers, and especially public trust.
Federal funding agencies (i.e., NSF and NIH) are now requiring researchers (currently graduate students) to receive directed
training in responsible conduct in research. Soon other agencies and all investigators, regardless of status, may be required to
undertake such training before final funding is approved. These actions are coming about, in part, because of a few individuals
who have exhibited research misconduct and it is impacting the way many are able to conduct science. Formal training
in scientific misconduct in areas such as animal welfare, use of humans in research, plagiarism, data protection, ownership
and management, and the like is now becoming a part of many research institutions and universities. This presentation will
highlight some of the key ethical practices that aquaculture researchers need to incorporate into their scientific efforts to prevent
the appearance of scientific misconduct. In doing so, appropriate standards of integrity will be put in place that leads peers, the
industry, and general public to maintain and inviolate trust in science.
204
NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (NVAP) – AQUATICS MODULE

14: EVALUATION OF AQUATIC ANIMALS FOR DETECTION OF REPORTABLE DISEASES
AND PATHOGENS
Kathleen H. Hartman*, Lynn H. Creekmore and Christa L. Speekmann
USDA APHIS VS, 1408 24th Street, SE, Ruskin, FL 33570 USA
Kathleen.H.Hartman@aphis.usda.gov
In order to improve and expand regulatory veterinary support and services to U.S. aquaculture industries, USDA APHIS has
developed three NVAP modules specifically for aquatic animal health topics and issues. The goal of the NVAP program and
the aquatics modules are to focus on information that accredited veterinarians should possess in order to conduct regulatory
activities in aquatic animals, such as reporting outbreaks of reportable aquatic animal diseases and issuing export health
certificates. NVAP module 13 addresses “aquatic animal health regulations and health certification”; module 14 covers the
“evaluation of aquatic animals for detection of reportable diseases and pathogens”; and module 15 reviews “preventing disease
introduction and spread in aquaculture”.
During this presentation, APHIS will present the newest module, module 14. Accredited veterinarians attending this lecture will
be eligible to earn NVAP Category II continuing education credits.
These modules are available online, at no cost, to APHIS accredited veterinarians and anyone interested in viewing the
material. Each module takes about an hour to go through and contains self-graded knowledge assessments. Modules may be
found at this website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/home/?1dmy&urile=wcm%3apath%3a%2Faphis_content_
library%2Fsa_our_focus%2Fsa_animal_health%2Fsa_vet_accreditation%2Fct_aast.
205
AN ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND ZOOPLANKTON ABUNDANCE IN

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR FRESHWATER FISHERIES RESEARCH, KISRA RESERVOIR
Haruna A.A*, Ajayi Olarewaju and Ojiri Suleman Ibrahim
*Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Kashere, PMB 0182 Gombe State, Nigeria
An assessment of physico chemical and zooplankton abundance of ‘Kisra’ reservoir in the National Institute for Freshwater
Fisheries Research (NIFFR), New Bussa, was done within four month (July – November, 2012). The reservoir has a dimension
of 130m × 90m with water volume of 50,000m³. The reservoir was divided into two stations, the monk side is station 1 while
station 2 is the inlet, and the physico chemical parameters are shown in table 1, viz: air temperature, water temperature,
conductivity, and pH, dissolve oxygen, maximum depth, sac chi-disc and color. The mean results obtained at the monk (station
1) were found to be (28.6oc, 29.6oc, 116.6µ/cm, 7.2 unit, 5.17mg/l, 2.58m and 0.31m) respectively. The mean results for the inlet
(station 2) of the same parameter are as follows (29.0oc, 29.9oc, 122µ/cm, 7.3unit, 5.71mg/l, 0.90m and 0.37m) respectively.
The average numbers of zooplankton are found to be 1.94 zooplanktons per liter and 2.63 zooplanktons per liter respectively;
this shown that station 2 was more productive than station 1 as a result of influx of nutrients from the open land space, where
cattle grazed. All physico chemical parameters taken were within the favorable range. The maximum depth shows that Inlet was
more porous because it has dried up toward the end of the study. The water color was yellow-green, which will enhance high
level of productivity if the reservoir is adequately stocked, aquaculture production will be enhanced.
206
US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION’S PHISH-PHARM DATABASE - A SEARCHABLE

DATABASE OF PHARMACOKINETICS DATA IN FISH – 2014 UPDATE
Nicholas R. Hasbrouck*, Tina C. Crosby, Renate Reimschuessel
US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Office of Research
8401 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708
nicholas.hasbrouck@fda.hhs.gov
Due to the increased demand for seafood, the need for veterinary care and safe and effective therapeutic drugs for the aquaculture
industry has also increased. As part of the US Food and Drug Administration/Center for Veterinary Medicine’s commitment
to streamlining the drug approval process for minor species, the Phish-Pharm database was updated to Version 5 in 2014.
The literature database now consists of almost 600 articles that detail drug metabolism, depuration, and pharmacokinetics in
multiple fish species.
Phish-Pharm allows users to search for information using any combination of eight fields: drug/chemical, drug class, common
name, genus and species, route of administration, sample analyzed, author’s names, and water type. Additional data fields
include metabolites identified, depletion time, half-life (t ½), water temperature, average animal weight, dosage, protein
binding, clearance, volume of distribution in a central compartment (Vc) or volume of distribution at steady state (Vd), a
comments section, and additional fields listing the citation, authors, title, method of analysis, and internet links.
Phish-Pharm can be used to display trends that may otherwise be difficult to recognize and identify data gaps for future research
in aquatic animal medicine, especially for food species. Such tools promote science-based decision making to help ensure food
safety and animal health.
207
DETECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF EDWARDSIELLOSIS IN ZEBRAFISH
John P. Hawke*, Rui Wang, Elise Desonier
Department of Pathobiological Sciences

Louisiana Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
Jhawke1@lsu.edu
In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the use of zebrafish in biomedical research. Zebrafish in research
laboratories are raised indoors, either on recirculating or flow-through water systems with UV sterilizers. Fish stocks are
housed in separate tanks according to genetic background (wild type, mutant, and transgenic lines) and generation. The closed
nature of these systems facilitates tracking of morbidities and mortalities and disease monitoring. The source of zebrafish for
research laboratories ranges from pond reared fish, normally destined for the aquarium pet fish trade, to stocks produced at
laboratories such as the Zebrafish International Resource Center (ZIRC), in which pathogens are documented and controlled.
Most research facilities introduce new fish into their main facilities as second generations derived from eggs that are surface
disinfected with chlorine. New introductions from outside sources may be held in quarantine for a period of time. From 2011
to 2014, multiple cases of Edwardsiellosis in zebrafish have been reported by the Louisiana Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory at
Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine. The acute nature of this bacterial disease results in high mortality
rates and loss of potentially valuable stocks. Therefore, developing rapid diagnostic and screening methods for detection of
Edwardsiella ictaluri in zebrafish is of great importance. Also determining effective methods for treatment of infected stocks
to prevent the spread of infection to other potentially valuable stocks in a facility is necessary. Two laboratories affected by
the disease used florfenicol and enrofloxacin medicated feeds in an attempt to control the infection. In a laboratory research
trial, twenty tanks of zebrafish were exposed to the bacteria by immersion and treated using feed medicated with florfenicol
15mg/kg/day or enrofloxacin15/mg/kg/day. Mortality was recorded for 21 days post-challenge. The results of the trials will
be discussed.
208
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROVISION OF WATER-

SOLUBLE NUTRIENTS TO MARINE FISH LARVAE
Matt Hawkyard*, Ben Laurel, Kristin Hamre, Yoav Barr, Kevin Stuart, Mark Drawbridge
and Chris Langdon
Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station,

Fisheries and Wildlife
Hatcheries often rely on cultured live prey (rotifers and Artemia) to feed marine fish larvae; however, rotifers and Artemia
may be nutritionally deficient in several water-soluble nutrients required by fish larvae. For instance, iodine has been shown
to be 50-700 times lower in Artemia and rotifers compared with the natural copepod prey of marine fish larvae. In addition,
taurine is an essential or conditionally essential nutrient for several species of fish and yet it is nearly absent in rotifers. While
commercial products are available for the enrichment of live prey, these products are designed to elevate the concentrations of
lipid-soluble nutrients and have little impact on water-soluble nutrient concentrations. Several methods have been developed
to enrich live prey with water-soluble nutrients with varying results. For instance, water-soluble nutrients may be dissolved in
the culture or enrichment water so that live prey may obtain these nutrients by drinking. Alternatively, microparticles, such as
wax spray beads or liposomes, may be used to encapsulate water-soluble nutrients that are then fed to the rotifers and Artemia
resulting in nutrient enrichment. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods and their effects on marine fish larvae will
be examined. In addition, future directions for water-soluble nutrient delivery will be discussed in terms of larval fish research
and commercial hatchery operations.
209
BALANCING MACRONUTRIENT INTAKE IN CULTURED ADULTS OF THE SEA URCHIN

Lytechinus variegatus
Laura E. Heflin*, David Raubenheimer, Stephen J. Simpson and Stephen A. Watts
University of Alabama at Birmingham

1300 University Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35294
leheflin@uab.edu
Nutritional requirements are usually assessed in aquaculture by offering organisms one of several formulated diets with fixed
nutrient content. These studies can help to identify daily nutritional requirements under the specific conditions of the study, but
only provide organisms with the option of regulating the total amount eaten and not ratios of specific nutrients. An alternate
experimental approach, known as the geometric framework (GF) for nutrition, has been developed to identify the target ratios
of nutrients, particularly in changing environments. The GF model tests whether organisms have optimal target intake levels
for particular nutrients and whether, when provided with diet choices, they will self-regulate diet intake to reach these intake
targets. In this study, we used the GF to assess diet and nutrient intake in cultured adults of Lytechinus variegatus provided
choices between diets varying in both dry matter and specific macronutrient concentrations to identify potential intake targets
for dietary protein and carbohydrate. Under the parameters of the GF, the ratio of nutrients in each diet creates a “nutrient
rail” (Fig. 1). As an example, if an individual was restricted to one diet it could choose to eat more or less but could not vary
the ratio of one dietary nutrient to another would be thus, restricted to consumption along the nutrient rail created by the diet.
Individuals provided diet choices could consume any ratio of dietary nutrients between the nutrient rails created by the diets
offered. Moist gel-based diets varying in levels of fish meal (as a protein source) and wheat starch (as a carbohydrate source)
and in nutrient concentration (5 or 10% dry matter) were offered to adult urchins (ca. 120 g) in pairwise diet combinations.
Individuals in all diet combinations maintained an average dietary protein intake of ca. 0.047- 0.061 g day-1 regardless of the
diet combination. Dietary carbohydrate intake was not regulated and ranged from 0.042- 0.136 g day-1. These data suggest that
large adult L. variegatus have a tightly regulated intake target for dietary protein. Across treatments, individuals adjusted intake
patterns to defend this target regardless of nutrient ratios or diet concentrations. We suggest that the GF will be an important
tool in evaluating macronutrient requirements in cultured aquatic organisms.
210
MOLECULAR INSIGHTS INTO AN IMMUNOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT CELL SIGNALING

ADAPTOR PROTEIN, MyD88 FROM BIG-BELLY SEAHORSE (Hippocampus abdominalis)
H.M.L.P.B. Herath*, Navaneethaiyer Umasuthan, S.D.N.K. Bathige, Minyoung Oh, G.I. Godahewa

and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju
Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
E-mail: lalinkaid@yahoo.com
Seahorse aquaculture is being greatly affected by various infectious diseases. Identification and characterization of molecular
counterparts which bear impacts in immunogenic mechanisms have been put forwarded as a primary step of overcoming the
seahorse aquaculture related difficulties to develop the disease management schemes. Myeloid differentiating factor 88 (MyD88)
is a universal adapter protein, which plays an important role in the Toll/IL-1 receptor family signaling pathways. Binding of
MyD88 with Toll/IL-1 receptor upon pathological stimulants initiates the execution of downstream signaling pathways, which
ultimately induce the expression levels of pro inflammatory cytokines.
In this study, we sought to characterize MyD88 counterpart (ShMyD88) identified from big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus
abdominalis). The cDNA sequence (1442 bp) of ShMyD88 contained a 93 bp 5’ untranslated region (UTR), an open reading
frame (ORF) of 864 bp and a 3’ UTR of 485 bp. Putative amino acid sequence of ShMyD88 (33 kDa) had a theoretical
isoelectric point of 5.3 and contained the characteristic death domain (21-99 a.a.) and a Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR)
homology domain (154 a.a. – 283 a.a.).
Moreover, this sequence shared a higher sequence identity (75.5%) and similarity (86.6%) with Lutjanus sanguineus MyD88
sequence. Our phylogenetic analysis confirmed the closest evolutionary relationship of ShMyD88 with its orthologs from
various teleost species. Omnipresent distribution of ShMyD88 transcripts was detected in all the tissue types of healthy animals,
while having the highest expression level in kidney and then in the gill tissue. Under the pathogenic stress caused by two
bacterial pathogens, Steptococus iniae and Edwardsiella tarda, ShMyD88 transcription was observed to be significantly up-
regulated in Gill and Kidney. Altogether, our findings suggest the putative role of ShMyD88 in defense responses against
pathogenic infections, further prefiguring its significance in seahorse physiology.
211
COMPARISON OF SEX HORMONE PROFILES FROM WILD AND CAPTIVE ADULT

COMMON SNOOKS Centropomus undecimalis FROM COASTAL AREAS OF TABASCO,
MEXICO
Ulises Hernández-Vidal*, Wilfrido M. Contreras-Sánchez, María J. Contreras-García,

Alejandro Mcdonal-Vera, Xavier Chiappa-Carrara, Arlette A. Hernández-Franyutti,
Moisés González-Valencia and David Caliz-López.

*uliseshv44@hotmail.com
Common Snook C. undecimalis is a valuable candidate for aquaculture due to its high market price around distribution areas.
Physiological features like euryhaline condition suggest possibilities for use under freshwater, estuarine and marine aquaculture
systems. Several centropomid species are intensively captured in coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico and Central America where
its fisheries moves the local economy. In Mexico, research efforts have been conducted to induce reproduction in captivity in
order to improve larvae and fry mass production for aquaculture and restocking depleted fishing areas. Information regarding
reproductive hormonal fluctuation in captive Common Snook could be used as an indirect indicator for stock management
practices. Sexual steroids 11-ketotestosterone and estradiol are considered important indicators for reproductive status in male
and female gonads.
In order to evaluate handling practices in a Common Snook broodstock maintained in captivity, monthly serum concentration
for 11-KT in males and E in females where analyzed for a year using ELISA, while reference concentration data were obtained
by sampling wild broodstock in the same area obtained by fishers. In captive females, high concentrations of estradiol were
detected from May to July peaking in July (142.7 pg/mL) while, in wild females E2 increased from April peaking in September
(1100 pg/mL). Basal levels for E concentration were obtained the rest of the year with minimum levels. In captive males, 11-KT
serum concentrations increase from March peaking in July (7169 pg/mL) while in wild males, 11-KT increases from April and
peaks in August (9500 pg/mL); basal concentrations were observed the rest of year. Serum steroids concentration in wild and
captive broodstock coincidence suggesting correct broodstock management practices. It was confirmed by successful spawning
events during September.
212
EVALUATION OF PRODUCTION OF THREE LINES OF TILAPIA: Oreochromis niloticus

HYBRIDIZES SPRING TILAPIA (O. niloticus x O. mossambicus) AND RED PARGO UNAM
(Orechromis niloticus) x (O. mossambicus x O. urolepis hornorum), UNDER A RECIRCULATION
SYSTEM.
Cesar Arturo Hernández Barraza*, Jorge Loredo Osti, Lorena Torres Rodríguez,
David López Cantú y Jorge Adame Garza
Autonomous University of Tamaulipas. Matamoros 8 y 9 Colonia Centro Cd. Victoria

C.P. 87000 Tamaulipas, México. Email: cahernan@email.arizona.edu
Global demand of tilapia is rapidly growing, and Mexico is not an exception. Because of that, it’s critical to assess the productive
efficiency and adaptation of different strains of tilapia, thus knowing the variety with improved productivity and environmental
adaptability.
This study was conducted to evaluate the productive performance of three strains of tilapia: Nilotic (Oreochromis niloticus),
hybridizes Spring (O. niloticus x O. mossambicus) and Pargo UNAM from 25% hybrid “Rocky Mountain” (Oreochromis
aureus x Oreochromis niloticus), 25% pink O. niloticus and 50% of red hybrid “Florida Red Tilapia” (O. urolepis hornorum x
O. mossambicus), under a recirculation system.
The study was carried out for 75 days. Fry were stocked into three cylindrical polyethylene tanks with an individual capacity
of 3,146.6 liters. Each tank was divided in three compartments. Tilapia fry were previously masculinized with 17 - α- methyl-
testosterone (MT) hormone and randomly distributed into three equal groups of 60 each fry. The first group (Pargo UNAM)
started with a weight of 1.28 g. ± 0.24, the second group (Nile tilapia) 1.43 g. 0.38 ± and the third group (Spring tilapia) 1.20
g. ± 0.23. The variables measured were average daily gain, feed conversion and survival for each strain.
At the end of the trial, the strains of Nilótic and spring, showed a better performance (growth and conversion factor)
with significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) compared with pargum UNAM, which showed a lower weight and conversion
factor. There were not significant differences among the strains in survival (P≥0.05). In conclusion, the spring line
of tilapia (O. nilótic x O. mossambicus) showed greater adaptability and outstanding production results than the
other two evaluated strains.
213
DEVELOPMENTAL EXPRESSION OF SHRIMP GERM LINE AND MESODERM GENES

FOUND BY TRANSCRIPTOME ANALYSIS OF EMBRYOS
Philip L. Hertzler*, R.S.E. Glaves, Kailey Vincent, Kristen Karasiewicz, Ummey Habiba, Carolyn Trewin,
Sean McWilliam, and Melony J. Sellars
Dept. of Biology, Brooks Hall 217

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
hertz1pl@cmich.edu
Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon) is the primary shrimp species farmed in Australia. Australian shrimp farms have been
successful in producing elite genetic lines of P. monodon by selective breeding, and demand is strong from other countries of
south-east Asia so the Australian shrimp farming industry is very interested in preventing the unlicensed breeding of these lines.
Intensive efforts to produce sterile P. monodon by polyploidy induction have failed.
As an alternative toward producing sterile versions of elite genetic lines of shrimp, we used a bioinformatics approach to
identify germ line genes which could be potentially targeted to ablate the germ line. The Kuruma shrimp (Penaeus japonicas)
can be readily spawned at one of CSIRO Australia’s research stations and thus embryos from this closely related species were
separated at the 2-cell stage and allowed to develop until the animal and vegetal half-embryos could be identified. Animal
and vegetal half-embryos were pooled separately, total RNA was isolated and reverse transcribed to cDNA, and the resulting
transcriptomes were sequenced by Ion Torrent next generation sequencing. Reads from each library were assembled, annotated,
and BLAST screened for known germ line and mesoderm genes. Pre-existing P. monodon transcriptome libraries were also
screened for the target genes.
The germ line genes vasa and nanos were previously found in shrimp by degenerate PCR, but neither vasa nor nanos appeared
in the embryo transcriptomes. We found other candidate germ line genes, including pumilio, germ cell-less, staufen, and tudor,
in both animal and vegetal transcriptomes. Their mRNA expression was further studied by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in adult
tissues and developmental stages. pumilio was expressed from 1-6 h, then declined around the hatching stage at 12 h. germ
cell-less levels declined in embryos from 1-10 h. Next, custom monoclonal antibodies were generated to examine the protein
expression of shrimp Vasa, Nanos, Pumilio, and Germ cell-less by immunoblotting and immunolocalization. Vasa and Nanos
antibodies labeled a structure in embryos previously hypothesized to be a germ granule.
The mesoderm genes twist, snail, mef-2, and brachyury were found in the shrimp half-embryo transcriptomes. twist and brachyury
were found only in the vegetal transcriptomes, while snail and mef-2 were found in both animal and vegetal transcriptomes. By
qPCR, twist and snail mRNA expression was highest in 2-3 h embryos, then declined from 4-10 h, while mef-2 was strongly
expressed from 1-6 h and brachyury was strongly expressed from 5-10 h. Custom monoclonal antibodies to shrimp Twist and
Snail proteins are in production to study protein expression. These markers should be useful in further understanding germ line
and mesoderm development in shrimp, and will be useful in analyzing the results of germ line ablation studies.
214
AN ENGINEER’S DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DETAILS FOR AN EDUCATIONAL

AQUAPONICS SYSTEM AT TANQUE VERDE HIGH SCHOOL, TUCSON, AZ
James M. Ebeling, PhD*, J.L. Giovanna Hesley, MEd, Peter A. Livingston, PhD
Aquaculture Systems Technologies, LLC

7990 E. Snyder Rd
Tucson, AZ 85750
504-287-1731
JamesEbeling@aol.com
Aquaponics, the integration of aquaculture and hydroponics has gained increasing attention in the last decade because it provides
the opportunity for sustainable, localized, small-scale production of both fish and vegetables. Aquaponics utilizes the nutrient-
rich water from aquaculture production of fish as a source of nutrients for growing plants and vegetables. In a public school
setting, an operational greenhouse provides great educational opportunities as well as producing healthy and delicious food for
the students. In 2013, the administrators and teachers at Tanque Verde High School, Tucson AZ recognized an opportunity to
utilize and existing greenhouse for aquaponics and invited the University of Arizona, Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering
senior capstone students to design and implement an aquaponic system for the greenhouse. Drs. Peter Livingston and James
Ebeling worked with the three students (Alison Burton, Isaac Hung, and Aaron Tirado) to provide support in system design
and equipment selection and acquisition. This turned out to be an excellent example of engaging engineering students in a ‘real
world’ design problem and provided the school with a system that will be integrated into several curriculums with the help from
Giovanna Hesley and provide training for ‘at-risk’ and ‘special needs’ students.
One-half of the existing 7.6 m x 15.25 m greenhouse structure was employed for the project and four existing greenhouse
benches were used to support two 1.2 m x 4.8 m media beds and two 1.2 m x 4.8 m deep-water raft production systems. The
aquaculture system consisted of two semi-square fingerling tanks (190 L) and one growout tank (680 L), a small pump sump,
a BBF-4000 Bubble-washed Bead Filter (AST,LLC New Orleans, LA) for bioclarification and a small circulation pump. The
system also included a custom build monitoring and feeder controller based on a WEB600 from Sensaphone and several small
vibratory feeders. The system is currently producing a wide variety of leafy vegetable and growing out decorative Koi for the
backyard pond industry.
From the perspective of a school aquaponics system, the design concept for this system and alternative options are presented
for circulation, solids capture, biofiltration, aeration, disinfection, monitoring and backup systems. Detailed economic costs
and the designed and construction details are presented for this aquaponics system. It is hoped that this presentation will help
encourage the use of experienced aquaculture engineers in the design of these types of systems.
215
EFFECTS OF MIXED ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN SOURCES IN SUBSTITUTION OF

MENHADEN FISH MEAL PROTEIN ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BODY COMPOSITION,
AND DIGESTIBILITY OF JUVENILE RED PORGY Pagrus pagrus
James C. Hill*, Md Shah Alam, and Wade O. Watanabe

University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
601 S. College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403-5927
jch8552@uncw.edu
In order for finfish mariculture to become a sustainable and profitable industry, effective protein sources other than fishmeal
(FM) need to be identified in the diets of each species. This study tested a mixture of three different alternative protein sources
(MPS), consisting of equal parts poultry by-product meal (PBM), corn gluten meal (CGM), and soybean meal (SBM), as a
substitute for FM in the diet of hatchery raised juvenile red porgy (RP). Five iso-nitrogenous (50% CP) and isolipidic (11%)
diets were formulated where the control diet 1 contained 60% FM, and diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had increasing levels of the MPS (25,
50, 75, and 100%) in replacement of FM as the protein source. Crystalline L-methionine, L-lysine, arginine, and taurine were
added to all diets in order to replicate the essential amino acid requirements of the congeneric red sea bream (Pagrus major).
Diets were fed twice daily to triplicate groups of juvenile RP (mean initial weight = 12.5 g) to apparent satiation for 8 wks.
Fish were held in 75-L rectangular tanks (12 fish per tank) using a recirculating seawater (34 g/L) system maintained at 22 °C.
To measure apparent protein digestibility, chromic oxide (0.5%) was added to the diets once the feeding trials ended, and fecal
samples were collected for 7 d for analysis.
After 8 weeks of feeding, percent body weight gain (BWG) of fish fed 50% MPS (249) and 75% MPS (242) was significantly
higher than in fish fed the control diet (121). However, BWG of fish fed 25% MPS (213) and 100% MPS (215) was not
significantly different from the control. Survival (83-100%) was not significantly different among diets. Whole body and diet
proximate analysis, fatty acid analysis and amino acid analysis are in progress, and feed efficiency and protein efficiency are
being determined. Based on BWG and survival, the MPS used in this study (consisting of a combination of PBM, CGM, and
SBM) was an effective substitute for FM protein at replacement levels up to 100% in a 50% protein diet, with no reduction
in growth performance in juvenile RP. These protein sources are cheaper and more sustainable than FM and are excellent
alternative protein sources for RP.
216
DEVELOPMENT OF GENOMIC RESOURCES FOR ATLANTIC STURGEON USING NEXT-

GENERATION SEQUENCING
Tiago S. Hori*, Debbie A. Plouffe, John T. Buchanan, and Mark D. Fast
The Center for Aquaculture Technologies Canada

Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada C0A 2B0
thori@aquatechcenter.com
The acipenserids are a primitive group of fish that contain many high value, caviar producing species and over the past decade
sturgeon aquaculture has grown exponentially. However, market demand and growth may have negative impacts on production
such as requirements for higher throughput and higher densities in culture. These pressures can strain the physiological limits
of the fish and lead to greater susceptibility to pathogens and external stressors. Clearly, a more comprehensive knowledge
of sturgeon biology and genetics will be required in order to maximize culture and to fulfill the market demand for sturgeon
products including caviar.
Unfortunately, there is a paucity of genomic information on sturgeon, and thus the generation of these resources may help to
identify high quality broodstock, facilitate research optimizing culture conditions, identify biomarkers for real-time health
monitoring, and ease differentiation from wild sources for trade certification and traceability.
In collaboration with the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI, the Center for Aquaculture Technologies Canada (CATC) used
a whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-seq) approach designed to identify Atlantic sturgeon genes that respond to
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Pair-end stranded Illumina libraries where produced from spleen mRNA of fish injected
with LPS or PBS and sampled 24H post-injection. Bar-coded libraries were sequenced in a total of 3 Illumina HiSeq 2000
lanes. The Acipenserid family represents a challenge for genomic studies given the highly duplicated nature and size of the
genome. To overcome this challenge, a large number of reads (500 million) were used in a custom assembly pipeline using
digital normalization and multiple state of the art assemblers. A reference transcriptome assembly for Atlantic sturgeon has been
produced, to which nearly 70% of the pair-end reads can be properly mapped. Analysis of differentially expressed transcripts
using edgeR and DESeq has enabled identification of sturgeon LPS-responsive genes such as interleukin-15, cathelicidin,
interferon regulating factor 7 and inhibitory Kappa B Alpha. Additional studies will further improve the Atlantic sturgeon
reference transcriptome and identify single nucleotide polymorphisms for this emerging aquaculture species.
217
INOSINE SUPPLEMENTATION IN LOW FISHMEAL BASED DIETS FOR JUVENILE

AMBERJACK Seriola dumerili: EFFECTS ON GROWTH, DIGESTIBILITY, IMMUNE
RESPONSE, STRESS RESISTANCE AND GUT MORPHOLOGY
Md. Sakhawat Hossain*, Shunsuke Koshio, Manabu Ishikawa, Saichiro Yokoyama , Mayumi Maekawa,
and Takeshi Fujieda
The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences

Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
fishsakhawat@yahoo.com
Inosine, a purine nucleoside containing the base hypoxanthine and the sugar ribose, which occurs in transfer RNAs. Inosine
stimulate feeding response and it is considered as a functional nutrients. Fish meal (FM) a limiting factor in aquaculture
industry. Use of alternative protein sources as FM substitute could overcome the limitations of feed production and could make
aquaculture venture profitable. However, a significant portion or total replacement of FM negatively affects feed utilization,
growth and general health condition of the cultured organisms. Addition of functional nutrients could recover the negative
effects of alternative protein based diet. The amberjack, Seriola dumerili, is a marine pelagic carnivorous species and has a
great potential for the global aquaculture industry owing to its rapid-growing and adaptive characteristics. Information is not
available on the inosine supplementation as feeding stimulant as well as functional nutrients in low FM based diet and its effects
on growth and health performance of amberjack. Therefore, a 56 days feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of
dietary inosine in low FM based diet and its effect on growth performance, digestibility, immune responses, stress resistance
and gut morphology of juvenile amberjack. Seven isocaloric diets were formulated where diet 1 (D1) was FM based control
diet. Diet 2 to 7 were formulated by replacing 25, 50 and 75 % of FM protein with extruded soybean meal and 0.6% inosine
supplementation in D2, D4 and D6 diets respectively; and without inosine supplementation in D3, D5 and D7 respectively.
Triplicate groups of fish (24.9 g) were randomly stocked in 200L polycarbonate tanks at a rate of 24 fish per tank and fed to
satiation twice daily.
After feeding trial, final weight, specific growth rate (SGR, %/day) and weight gain (%) were not differed significantly (P>0.05)
among the diet groups D1 to D4. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio followed the similar trends. All growth and feed utilization
parameters significantly depressed from the diet group D5 and no difference was found among the rest (D5 to D7). The ADC’s
of dry matter, protein and lipid was significantly higher in D1 and it was not differed significantly with insoine supplemented
group. In case of oxidative stress parameters, fish fed inosine supplemented diets showed best condition. Stress resistance against
low salinity exposure (LT50), significantly increased with inosine supplementation and was highest in D4. Serum lysozyme
activity, bactericidal activity tended to be higher (P>0.05) in inosine supplemented groups compared to the non supplemented
groups. In terms of intestinal health, enterocyte height, fold height and microvillus height of the anterior and posterior enteric
sections increased significantly in fish fed diets D1 to D4 and other inosine supplemented group regardless of the inclusion
levels. Result of the study indicated that at least half of the fishmeal could be replaced with soybean meal and supplementation
of inosine in the diets of juvenile amberjack. Moreover, inosine supplementation in 50 to 75% FM replacement groups could be
helpful to improve the digestibility, immune responses, stress resistance and intestinal health condition of fish.
218
SHRIMP PRODUCTS OF BANGLADESH AND ITS SAFETY MEASURES IN RESPECT OF

MICROBIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL ISSUES
Dr. Md. Motaher Hossain, Associate Professor
Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality Control, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet,
Bangladesh
E-mail: motaher03@yahoo.com
Shrimp (both brackish water and fresh water) is the third largest foreign exchange earner after Ready Made Garments (RMG)
and leather. It is also the largest agro-export earner of Bangladesh. It is considered as one of the most popular and highest valued
seafood selection throughout the world. Bangladesh has made significant progress in this important sector, which now accounts
for more than 90,000 jobs, around 496 US million dollars in export earnings out of total 639 US million dollar export earning
of fishery products (2010-2011) and generate almost 54891 metric tons of exported shrimps. On the other hand, Bangladesh
is regarded worldwide as one of the top ten producers of farmed shrimp, and therefore the country needs to recognize the
crucial role of seafood safety and in producing safe and high quality sea foods for the international market. In view of this, the
government has to strengthen the implementation of food safety control services throughout the food chain through farm to
fork approach and thereby enhance the sustainable food safety in the country, making our products more competitive in a global
market and building the confidence and trust of trading partners. In the recent years the government of Bangladesh has made
serious efforts to update and strengthen its seafood safety systems and in the introduction of modern approaches to sea food safe
management. Our Government has successfully overcome the deficiencies in the shrimp industries sector identified by EU FVO
mission and US FDA monitoring team in the very recent years. Consequently, now a days about 60% of the processed shrimp
is exported to EU countries, 8-10% to USA and the rest to Russia, Japan and various other countries. Although Bangladesh is
facing rapid Alert problems (both chemical & microbiological) about exported shrimp products since 2005, the no. of rapid
alert is high in 2008 & 2009 and then chronologically reduced in the following years and no Rapid Alert in 2013 till June, 2013
due to the strong monitoring of the use of unauthorized chemicals through NRCP (National Residue Control Plan), adopting
GAPs (Good Aquaculture Practices) and application of HACCP from farm to fork.
219
EVALUATION OF PRESENCE AND EFFICIENCY OF PROBIOTIC BACTERIA IN THE GUT

OF Litopenaeus vannamei REARED IN BFT SYSTEM
Bárbara Hostins*, Gabriele Lara, Dionéia Evangelista Cesar, Paulo C. Abreu, Wilson Wasielesky Jr.
Marine Station of Aquaculture

Rio Grande/RS Brazil
barbaralinharesh@gmail.com
The rapid increase in growth of the aquaculture activities has been associated by the outbreak of numerous diseases, mainly the
bacterial diseases, leading to stock mortality and the emergence of resistant pathogenic bacteria. Thus, the use of probiotics
is gaining importance with the demand for more environment-friendly aquaculture practices, being widely accepted as a
complementary tool for the management of disease and for improving nutrition of aquatic animals, which can justify its
application in BFT. The Biofloc Culture System (BFT) is known as an environmental friendly culture in that the natural
productivity is stimulated, providing better water quality, being a supplementary food to the organisms, increasing biosecurity
and improving the immunosystem response. Hence, understanding the interaction between the microbiota in the bioflocs and
in the animal farmed is important to establish strategies for diseases control and water quality management. Thus, quick and
precise quantification and identification of the bacterial community is essential. In this experiment, a molecular technique, the
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH), was used in order to verify the colonization efficiency and the effect of a commercial
probiotic bacteria in the gut of L. vannamei reared in BFT system and in clear water.
The experiment was conducted in 8 tanks (40L) with a bottom area of 0,20m2 . L. vannamei juveniles from clear water
(0,60±0,25g) and BFT (0,68±0,23g) were stocked at a density equivalent to 150 shrimp /m2 (30 shrimp/tank). The tanks were
assigned to the following treatments: BFT (a,b,c and d) and CW (a,b,c and d), where a and b represent shrimp comming from
BFT without and with probiotic application. Treatments c and d represent shrimp from clear water without and with probiotic
application. The shrimps in the treatments BFT were previously reared in BFT system, and the CW shrimps were previously
reared in clear water. Commercial probiotic (Sanolife ProW - INVE®), was added every 48h to the treatment tanks to maintain
a concentration of 5.106 cfu/ mL. Every 15 days shrimps were sampled from each tank and individually weighed to nearest
0.01 g. After 42 days of the experiment, the zootechnical parameters were evaluated by final weight (g) and survival (%).
Additionally 15 L. vannamei juveniles from each tank were killed to remove the intestinal tract. These intestines were fixed
in 2% paraformaldehyde for posterior analysis by Fluorescent in situ Hybridization (FISH). Results showed that the mean
final weight of shrimp in the biofloc treatments were significantly higher. Survival rates were higher in the treatments with
application of probiotic (Table 1).
220
VIRTUAL GENETIC BREEDING FOR FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
E Hu*, John Buchanan
Center for Aquaculture Technologies, Inc.

8395 Camino Santa Fe, Suite E
San Diego, CA 92121
ehu@aquatechcenter.com
Selective breeding programs are a balance between accelerating genetic gain and controlling program costs. One approach
for evaluating decisions is through computer modeling. In this project, our goal was to simulate a breeding process as a tool
for decision making. The objectives were to 1) identify the process structure, 2) define the test scenario, and 3) validate and
evaluate the modeled process. We chose a specific scenario to test a modeling approach: introducing a favorable allele through
the F0 male and selecting for homozygosity at that locus within a population. Using zebrafish husbandry in this example, this
virtual process simulated up to 7 generations for a target number of homozygous individuals (Figure 1). Absent selection, at the
F6 generation the coefficient of inbreeding would be 0.984, but only 24.6% of the population would be homozygous at the locus
of interest. If selected by genotyping, a 100% homozygous population could be identified by the F2 generation. However, a
large sample size was required to obtain the target homozygous population size, which resulted in a higher cost of genotyping.
The simulation results strongly suggested that integrating genotyping in the F2 or F3 generation was the most economically
feasible solution (Figure 2, left). If the favorable allele was associated with an adult dominant phenotype (observable in
both homozygous and heterogeneous individuals), selection based on phenotype would result in 96.9% of the population
as homozygous at the locus by the F7 generation. In this case, the simulation still suggested that applying genotyping at the
F2 generation will save long term culture cost (Figure 2, right). Selective breeding requires a long-term commitment of time
and resources. Virtual modeling can provide crucial information on management level priory to decision making. With high
computing power, it can even provide optimization solutions on complicated scenario analysis with multiple variables. This
model will be developed further to incorporate more complex selective breeding scenarios, while weighing the cost and benefit
of including genotyping in breeding programs.
221
UTILIZATION OF STRUVITE TO REPLACE TRADITIONALLY USED NUTRIENTS FOR

ALGAL CULTURES GROWN IN OUTDOOR RACEWAYS
Nathan D. Huysman*, Zachary B. Fuqua, Paul V. Zimba, Joe M. Fox, Todd W. Lane, Ryan W. Davis,
Cristina M. Richardson, and Anthony J. Siccardi III
Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Gueroman1250@yahoo.com
Fossil fuels are a finite resource and there is no consensus among scientists as to how much is left in reserve. The production of
microalgae to generate biofuel is being examined as a possible way to help alleviate the growing demand for fossil fuels. One
of the challenges with growing microalgae is the availability of nutrients required for growing it in mass quantities. Phosphorus
(P) is a crucial nutrient required for both terrestrial crop fertilizers and biofuel production; however, it is a finite resource whose
global depletion is expected to occur at earliest estimates by 2050. If methods to recycle phosphorus are not developed, the
depletion of phosphorus may eventually lead to a food vs. fuel crisis.
Struvite is a crystalline compound with a 1:1:1 molar ratio of Mg2+:NH4+:PO43- formed by the combination and reaction of
magnesium, phosphate, and ammonia. Struvite is currently being considered as a means to effectively recycle phosphorus from
waste streams for use as a microalgae fertilizer.
Eight separate outdoor trials were conducted using Nannochloropsis salina (CCMP 1776), Phaeodactylum tricornutum (local
islolate), or a mix of both to evaluate struvite’s ability to replace or supplement nitrogen (N) and P versus a normally used
nutrient mix. All trials were conducted outdoors in 557 L raceways at a depth of 20cm. Each raceway was equipped with a
paddlewheel for circulation and a CO2 delivery system to maintain pH at ~7.8. Control raceways (n=3) were supplemented
with ammonium sulfate and phosphoric acid at a 1:1 ratio for N replacement trials and a 16:1 ratio for P replacement trials.
Experimental raceways (n=3) were supplemented with struvite to replace 100, 67, or 33% of the N and/or P in the control. All
experimental raceways were then supplemented with ammonium sulfate and phosphoric acid (if necessary) to balance nutrient
levels with those in the control.
Results indicate that struvite is able to completely replace N and P without negative effects on growth. Productivity data from
one trial is presented in Table 1.
222
ISOLATION OF INDONESIAN MICROALGAE STRAINS FOR LIVE FEED IN SHRIMP

AQUACULTURE AND ESTABLISHMENT OF MICROALGAE BANK IN INDONESIA
Wa Iba*, and Michael A. Rice
Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881
USA
wa_iba@my.uri.edu
Indonesia is well known for abundant aquatic resources, both marine and freshwater, include fishes, zooplankton and phyto
planktonic microalgae. However, relatively little information is available about microalgal resources despite their potential to
be used as live feed in the hatchery phase of aquaculture of a number of marine species. We are investigating the possibilities
of using local microalgae from South East Sulawesi, Indonesia as live feed in shrimp aquaculture using Litopenaeus vannamei
(Boone 1931) as a model. Four strains of microalgae were successfully isolated from Kendari Bay water in SE-Sulawesi
using the flow cytometer and micro-pipet isolation technique. Those strains are denoted as Kb1-2, Kb1-3, Kb1-5 and Kb2-6
identified as Melosira moniliformis (O.F.Müller) C.Agardh 1824. (Figure 1). The growth of those strains was investigated
under four different salinities, 20, 25, 30 and 35 psu and growth rates were compared to the growth of T. Iso (Tisochrysis lutea),
Chaetoceros neogracile S.L. Vanlandingingham 1968 and Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow) G. Fryxell & Hasle 1977 under
similar conditions.
We found that the growth and biomass of these isolates, particularly the Kb1-3 strain, is comparable to C. neogracile and T.
weissflogii at high salinity (35 psu) (Figure 2). These preliminary results suggested that local isolates may be potential for use
in shrimp hatcheries, assuming the nutritional compositions of the algae are appropriate. In the long term, this research will be
the basis for establishment of microalgae bank in Indonesia to provide both scientific and non-scientific community with local
tropical strains of microalgae to be used for various purposes.
223
FOOD AND FEEDING HABIT OF Clarias anguillaris IN TAGWAI RESERVOIR, MINNA. NIGER
STATE. NIGERIA
*Ibrahim, Baba Usman AND Okafor, Adah
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCE
IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA UNIVERSITY
LAPAI. NIGER STATE.
NIGERIA
e-mail: ibrahimsayuti@yahoo.com
Sixty - two samples of Clarias anguillaris were collected from Tagwai Reservoir and used for the study. Male and female
samples totaling 29 and 33 respectively were obtained for the study. The body measurements show that different sizes of the
fish were collected. The mean standard length and total length for the males, females and combined sexes (pool) of the fish
were as follows respectively 26.56±4.99 and 31.13±6.43, 27.17±5.21 and 30.62±5.43, 26.88±5.08 and 30.86±5.88cm. The
weights of the males, females and combined sexes have mean weights of 241.10±96.27, 225.75±78.66 and 232.93±86.95gm
respectively. Eight items fish, insects, plant materials, sand grains, crustaceans, algae , detritus and unidentified items were
eaten as food by Clarias anguillarias in Tagwai Reservoir. Frequency of occurrence and numerical methods used in stomach
contents analysis revealed that fish was the highest food item consumed , followed by insect, while the lowest was the algae.
Frequency of stomach fullness of Clarias anguillaris showed low percentage of empty stomachs or stomachs without food
(21.00%) and high percentage of stomachs with food (79.00%), which showed high abundance of food and high feeding
intensity during the period of study. Classification of fish based on feeding habits showed that Clarias anguillaris in this study
was an omnivore, because it consumed both plant and animal materials.
224
AN OVERVIEW OF THE ASSESSMENT OF THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF

KONTAGORA RESERVOIR, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
1
Ibrahim Baba Usman, 2Auta Jehun, 2Balogun James Kolawole
1
Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences,
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. Niger State. Nigeria
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science

2
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Kaduna State. Nigeria
The seasonal variations in the physicochemical parameters were studied from January, 2013 to December, 2013, in Kontagora reservoir,
Niger State, Nigeria. The physico-chemical parameters were determined bimonthly, using the following methods, temperature using mercury
thermometer in degree centigrade, transparency using Secchi-disc, Pye Unicam model 292 meter used for pH and electrical conductivity.
Dissolved oxygen by modified Winkler-azide method, water hardness and Phosphate – phosphorus by method of Lind (1979), total alkalinity
by standard method described by Boyd (1979), Nitrate-Nitrogen by Phenoldisulphonic acid method. The rainy season mean values for
water temperature, depth, pH, Nitrate-Nitrogen, were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those for the dry season. However, for transparency,
conductivity, dissolved oxygen, hardness, alkalinity, phosphate-phosphorus and total dissolved solid, the dry season mean value were higher
than the rainy season mean value. As in most other Africa inland water bodies, there was seasonality in the physicochemical parameters
variables. The torrential rains of the dam environment, the characteristics trade winds of the dry season, effect of deforestation, fertilizer
application, herbicides, insecticide and other chemical factors might have contributed to the fluctuations of some of the physicochemical
parameters determined in the reservoir.
225
THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF LEAD NITRATE AND CRUDE OIL ON LIVER HISTOLOGY OF
THE AFRICAN CATFISH Clarias gariepinus
IKEOGU, CHIKA .F.* AND NSOFOR CHARITY .I.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Nigeria.
E-mail: chikaikeogunau@yahoo.com
Phone no: +234(0) 8036233842
The structure and function of the normal liver in fishes make it a target organ for toxic chemicals. The histopathology of the
liver of Clarias gariepinus was studied based on the results of the 96 hour acute toxicity tests performed on Clarias gariepinus
juveniles of mean weight 138 ± 12g and mean total length 28 ± 1.5cm. The LD50 of Lead nitrate was 57.5mg/L while the
LD50 of crude oil was 823.3ppm (µl/L). The experimental fish mean weight 126 ± 3.22g to 151 ± 0.67g and mean total length
27 ± 0.43cm to 31 ± 3.76cm were divided into 5 groups A, B, C, D and E of 20 fish each in duplicate. Group A was kept as
control, Group B was exposed to 20mg/L lead nitrate, Group C was exposed to 35mg/L lead nitrate, Group D was exposed to
300ppm Crude oil, Group E was exposed to 600ppm Crude oil. Treatment lasted for 10 weeks (70 days) during which water
quality parameters, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), temperature and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) were monitored. The liver from
treated and control groups were dissected after euthanasia of the fish. The histological sections were prepared and stained with
Haematoxylin and Eosin (H & E). The histopathological changes observed under light microscopy in the liver were hyperemia,
leucocytic infiltration, extensive necrosis, fibrosis, ballooning degeneration of the hepatocytes, and complete destruction of the
liver histoarchitecture.
226
AN ACUTE PHASE REACTANT, SERUM AMYLOID A, FROM BLACK ROCKFISH (Sebastes

schlegeli): MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION AND ITS RESPONSE UNDER THE
PATHOGENIC STRESS
J. D. H. E. Jayasinghe*, Don Anushka Sandaruwan Elvitigala, Thulasitha William Shanthakumar

and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Special
Self-Governing Province, 690-756, Republic of Korea
handuneranga@gmail.com
Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is a vital protein involved in inflammatory reaction which is classified under acute phase proteins
released from hepatocytes under an inflammatory condition to protect the healthy cells from being damaged by the pathogens
or from self-destructive mechanisms. This attempt is to encounter the immune function of SAA gene from rockfish (Sebastes
schlegeli).
In this study, previously constructed rockfish cDNA library was used to identify the full-length cDNA sequence of SAA
homolog from black rockfish (RfSAA). In silico analysis was carried out using molecular biological software and other
web base servers such as BLAST, DNAssist v2.2, MEGA 5.05, Color Align Conservation program and CLUSTALW2. The
temporal transcriptional modulation of RfSAA was investigated by stimulating rockfish with Streptococcus iniae bacterium and
Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) respectively.
As expected, In silico analysis of RfSAA showed its typical domain architecture. Open reading frame (ORF) of RfSAA cDNA
was 366 bp long which encoded a protein of 121 amino acids (aa) with 13 kD molecular weight. Epinephelus coioides ortholog
showed the highest identity and similarity with RfSAA, 85.1% and 91.7% respectively. In phylogenetic analysis, RfSAA
was claded with fish counterparts. Furthermore, RfSAA showed its closer evolutionary relationship to E. coioides. RfSAA
was highly expressed in liver tissue under physiological conditions confirming its emergence from hepatocytes. Challenge
experiment results showed that RfSAA can be up-regulated under the pathogenic invasions. The results suggest that RfSAA
can be positively involved in bacterial and viral pathogenic host responses.
Fig 1. qPCR analysis of liver tissue mRNA expression

after challenge experiments with S. iniae and Poly
I:C. Data are expressed as mean fold-induction (n =
3) relative to the PBS control ± SD. *t-test, p < 0.05
vs. unchallenged control at 0 h.
227
THE USE OF Paracoccus pantotrophus TO REDUCE HYDROGEN SULFIDE CONCENTRATIONS

IN COMMERCIAL GOLDEN SHINER Notemigonus crysoleucas PONDS IN ARKANSAS
Julieann Jacobs*, Anita M. Kelly, and Luke A. Roy
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, AR
jmjacobs@uaex.edu
Throughout the year, when water temperatures are between 21 and 240C, golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas stocks seem
to disappear from ponds that have been in production for two or more years. Investigations into the possible causes for this
phenomenon have lead to the possibility that hydrogen sulfide may be the cause. Previous laboratory studies have shown that
hydrogen sulfide at 500 μg/L was toxic to golden shiners. Since the toxic form of hydrogen sulfide is more abundant at lower
pH values, a study conducted in commercial ponds with fluctuating pH and temperatures was conducted.
Twenty-five ponds on a commercial fish farm were monitored from April through June 2013, for hydrogen sulfide concentrations,
pH, water temperature and fish survival. Ponds were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, control (not treatment),
1000 g/ha, or 500 g/ha of PondDtox® which contained the bacteria Paracoccus pantotrophus. Ponds were treated every 7 days.
No significant differences occurred in hydrogen sulfide concentrations occurred between ponds treated with 1000g/ ha or 500
g/ha; bacteria treated ponds were significantly different from control ponds (Figure 1). Ponds with the highest hydrogen sulfide
concentrations at lower pH values and with temperatures between 21 and 240C had significantly lower fish survival rates.
228
AQUACULTURE BOOT CAMP: QUALITATIVE EVALUATION OF A NEW AND BEGINNING

FARMER TRAINING PROGRAM
Estefania James* and Laura Tiu
Ohio Center for Aquaculture Research and Development

Ohio State University South Centers
Piketon, OH 45661
james.742@osu.edu
In order to address the identified needs of new and beginning farmers for advanced information and intensive hands-on training
on aquaculture production and business The Ohio Center for Aquaculture Research and Development at The Ohio State
University South Centers received an award from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture in 2012 to develop
the Aquaculture Boot Camp (ABC) program for training new and beginning aquaculture farmers to improve the success rate of
Ohioans farmers. The program ran for two years, 2013 and 2014.
The goal of this program was to utilize a multi-faceted approach, including classroom and hands-on training paired with
industry mentoring, business management and marketing strategies. ABC offers a unique integrated program with three levels
of immersion. Introductory, a general level where sharing of information is the goal; intermediate, a mid-level involving
participation in a variety of learning activities; and intensive, an in-depth level involving active participation in a year-long
hands-on training and mentoring program. Thus, the ABC program suits the needs of any level of interest in aquaculture.
In order to refine programs, document impacts and enhance the quality of programs, it is important to evaluate. Extensive
evaluation of program outputs was conducted during and at the conclusion of the program using online questionnaires to collect
both qualitative and quantitative data. There was no control group so this was a non-experimental design. This methodology
was chosen to demonstrate the extent to which the ABC program outputs achieved predetermined goals.
Qualitative data is important so that once we have established that a program is effective, we can replicate or repeat the
program. Qualitative methods provide the type of in-depth information that helps us to determine which components of the
program work. We can use these methods to explore the participants experience and make sense of the data collected from
open ended questions.
For this project we sought to explore what participants thought, both positive and negative, about their experience during and
after completing aquaculture boot camp. We used open ended survey questions during monthly, six-month and 12-month
surveys. We analyzed the data by identifying patterns and themes in the data. A comprehensive report will be presented.
229
EFFECTS OF SUBSTRATE TYPE ON TOMATO PRODUCTION IN SMALL-SCALE

AQUAPONICS
Kailey A. James*, D. Allen Pattillo, and Christopher J. Currey
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Department of Horticulture

Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
Kajames@iastate.edu
Tomatoes are a common and commercially valuable species that can be grown in aquaponics; however there are some issues
that have prevented scaling up of production. One issue is that there are many methods of growing tomatoes, but no single best
option. Most frequently, aquaponic tomato cultivation occurs in a flood and drain style hydroponic unit filled with a coarse
substrate to promote a healthy root system and support the weight of these large plants. There are many types of substrates used,
many of which can support plants, but most of which are chosen because of price-point, rather than their ability to optimize
plant growth. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of three types of commonly used substrates (pearlite, expanded clay,
and pea gravel) for growing tomatoes in a small-scale aquaponics system.
In the closed-loop experimental aquaponics system, water is circulated through the various components of the three replicate
720-L systems via centrifugal pump (Figure 1). Water is supplied to the hydroponic units with an independent pump on a
timer to regulate flooding and draining events. Flooding cycle can be adjusted seasonally to optimize tomato growth based on
light levels, greenhouse temperature, and plant age. Substrate treatments were randomly distributed across four separate plant
culture tables, with all three treatments represented per table. ‘Money Maker’ tomato seedlings were germinated in rockwool
cubes (3x3x5 cm) for 2 weeks and then transferred to the aquaponic systems at a 75 cm spacing with 2 plants per hydroponic
unit (N = 8 per treatment). Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings were stocked at 20 individuals per 151-L tank and
fed a 2-mm extruded floating pellet diet with 35% protein and 8% fat.
Tomatoes were monitored for signs of nutrient deficiencies, disease, and stress, and growth data was collected weekly. Produce
was harvested and weighed as it became ripe. All non-ripening tomatoes were harvested and the plant biomass gathered on
the final day of the experiment. Plant growth performance was evaluated for plant biomass, height, and dry weight for each of
the three treatments. Fish weight and length were evaluated monthly. Water quality and water consumption data was collected
daily; and water chemistry data was assessed bi-weekly.
230
CURRENT STATUS AND PROSPECT OF INDOOR BIOFLOC-BASED SHRIMP FARMS IN

KOREA
In Kwon Jang*, Su-Kyoung Kim
West Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Fisheries Research & Development Institute, Incheon 400-
420, Republic of Korea
E-mail: jangik@korea.kr
Based on culture trials with pilot-scale indoor production system for several years, a commercial-scale greenhouse-enclosed
shrimp production system was constructed in 2009 in NFRDI (National Fisheries Research & Development Institute) as a
prototype for implementation to shrimp producers. The prototype system has two raceway tanks of 300 m2 each, and each
tank is equipped with piping system with Venturi injectors, oxygen generator, air lifts and foam fractionators. The system
was enclosed with three-layered transparent plastic sheets for insulation during winter season, and culture water was heated
with heat-exchange system taking energy from underground water. During five years, the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus
vannamei has been produced in this system. The mean stocking densities were 350-500 postlarvae/m2 and shrimp production
was about 3-6 kg/m2/crop. The mean concentration of TAN was negligible and NO2-N was maintained in a few mg/L. This
prototype system was recently modified to a 3-phase system which has nursery, intermediate and grow-out tanks and can
harvest shrimp six times a year.
Based on the prototype of NFRDI, new or modified buildings for indoor BFT production system have been constructed by
private sectors since 2010. Most of systems are producing shrimp and few farms are culturing loach and freshwater carp. More
than ten farms are currently producing shrimp from indoor systems in Korea. Average raceway sizes of the farms are 300-600
m2 and culturing areas of each farm range from 1,000 to 6,600 m2. Not all farms can make profit although the economic analysis
shows to be very feasible.
The major obstacles of BFT shrimp production in Korea are unavailability of postlarvae supply throughout year and limited
live-shrimp consuming market in off-seasons. We expect these two limitations will be solved in near future. Current status of
shrimp production in different enclosed indoor systems in Korea will be introduced, and their problems and research activities
will be discussed.
231
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF Litopnaeus vannamei FED PRACTICAL DIETS WITH

DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CRUDE PROTEIN IN A BIOFLOC SYSTEM
Adolfo Jatobá*, Felipe do Nascimento Vieira, Bruno Corrêa da Silva, José Luiz Pedreira Mouriño,
and Walter Quadros Seifertt
Laboratório de Aquicultura
Instituto Federal Catarinense, campus Araquari
Araquari, SC, Brazil, 89245-000
adolfo.jatoba@ifc-araquari.edu.br
The protein is the most important macronutrient, not only to its high demand, but also to its high cost. Litopenaeus vannamei
requires 30-44 % crude protein (CP) in its diet, depending on its stage of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate four
different diets with 24.3, 30.3, 32.9 and 36.7 % CP levels on the growth performance of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus
vannamei) in a biofloc system.
The diets were prepared with the same ingredients, maintaining the ratio of fishmeal to soybean meal at 1.8 to 1.9. The fat
content was also kept constant using a marine source (derived from flour and fish oil). The 12 experimental units (800 L) were
distributed among the four treatments (24.3, 30.3, 32.9 and 36.7 % CP) in a completely randomized desing, in triplicate. Each
tank was stoked with 200 shrimp (average 5.3 g), maintaining an initial density of 250 shrimp.m-3. The temperature water was
maintaining at 29 ± 0.5ºC with constant aeration. Daily, the water parameters were checked. The shrimp were fed four times
per day (8:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm) with a checking program to confirm the consumption.
No significant differences on the water quality parameters were observed among the treatments. The temperature (27.9 to
30.2°C), pH (7.48 to 8.56), dissolved oxygen (4.7 to 6.3 mg.L-1), salinity (20 to 21 ‰), orthophosphate (3.36 to 4.91 mg.L-1),
ammonia (0.05 to 0.31 mg.L-1), nitrite (0.05 to 0.31 mg.L-1) and nitrate (7.4 to 79.9 mg.L-1) were also suitable for the cultivation
of L. vannamei.
After 49 days, the shrimp fed with a diet containing 24.3 % CP exhibited a lower, weight gain, weekly growth, consumption
and productivity compared with the shrimp in the other treatments. The highest intake was observed in the shrimp fed with diets
containing 32.9 and 36.7 % CP (Table 1). No significant differences were detected in the apparent feed efficiency and survival.
The L. vannamei cultured in biofloc systems required at least 30.0 % protein per kg of feed.
232
IMPACTS OF CHRONIC DUAL EXPOSURE OF WATERBORNE AND DIETARY

Cu+Cd+Zn+Ni+Co MIXTURE ON FISH GROWTH AND THEIR TISSUE SPECIFIC BIO-
ACCUMULATIONS
Javed M.
Fisheries Research Farms, Department of Zoology & Fisheries

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
javeddr1@hotmail.com
Twelve week growth trials were conducted with Cirrhina mrigala, Labeo rohita and Catla catla under static bioassay in glass
aquaria. Three age groups of each fish species were grown under sub-lethal dual exposure of waterborne and dietary Cu, Cd,
Zn, Ni and Co mixture, simultaneously, at constant water hardness, pH and temperature. The dual exposure of metals mixture
caused significant impacts on weight, fork and total length increments, condition factor, feed intake and conversion efficiency
of fish. Catla catla showed significantly higher sensitivity to the metals mixture than Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala.
Feed intake and conversion efficiencies of three fish species were significantly variable also. However, 60 day age fish group
exhibited significantly higher sensitivity towards metals mixture than 90 and 120 day old groups.
After 12 week growth trials, the organs of each fish species were analyzed for the accumulation patterns of five metals that
varied significantly as liver>kidney>gills>muscle>fins>skin>bones. However, accumulation of metals followed the order:
Co≥Cd≥Zn≥Ni>Cu in the fish body as Labeo rohita > Catla catla > Cirrhina mrigala. The ability to concentrate metals was
significantly higher in 60 day old fish group than the other two groups. The liver and kidney of all fish species were the principal
sites that accumulated significantly higher quantities of all metals while muscles showed lower loads. The results establish
intricacy of metallic ion uptakes in three fish species due to dual exposure of metal mixture at sub-lethal concentrations. The
interactions among metals may be of key significance in understanding and predicting the metals uptake, amassing and their
impacts on fish growth that varied significantly among three species and age groups under multi metal dual exposure scenarios.
Differences in metals behavior are obvious, as higher liver metallic ion residues persisted in significantly less sensitive species,
Labeo rohita, having lower kidney accumulation rate. The concentrations of all metals in the gills of Labeo rohita were
significantly lower also. This research endeavor envisaged tissue-specific bio-accumulation of metals that may be used as
crucial indicator of chronic stress of metals mixture, a common condition of natural fish habitats in Pakistan, indicating the
kinetics of metallic ions bio-accumulation patterns that affect fish growth significantly.
233
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF AN IMMUNITY RELATED ACUTE PHASE

PROTEIN; HAPTOGLOBIN FROM BLACK ROCKFISH Sebastes schlegeli
J. D. H. E. Jayasinghe*, Don Anushka Sandaruwan Elvitigala, Minyoung Oh and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Special
Self-Governing Province, 690-756, Republic of Korea
handuneranga@gmail.com
Haptoglobin (Hp) is one of the acute phase proteins released

from hepatocytes which are vitally involved in inflammatory
reactions. Hp acts as a protector of the healthy cells from being
damaged by the pathogens or from self-destructive mechanisms
under an inflammatory condition.
In this study, previously constructed rockfish (Sebastes

schlegeli) cDNA library was used to identify the full-length
cDNA sequences of Hp homologs from black rockfish (RfHp)
and characterized at molecular level.
In silico analysis of Hp homologs revealed their typical domain

architecture. Open reading frame (ORF) of RfHp cDNA was 942
bp long which encodes a protein of 313 amino acids (aa) with 34
kD molecular weight and comprised of Tryp_SPc (Trypsin-like
serine peptidase) domain. Oreochromis mossambicus ortholog
showed the highest identity (71.5%) and the highest similarity
(84%) with the RfHp. In phylogenetic analysis, RfHp was
claded with fish counterparts. Furthermore, RfHp showed its
closer evolutionary relationship to O. mossambicus. RfHp was
highly expressed in liver tissue under physiological conditions
confirming their emergence from hepatocytes. Challenge
experiment results showed that RfHp can be up-regulated with
the pathogenic invasions. The results suggest that RfHp can
be positively involved in bacterial and viral pathogenic host
responses.
234
A REFERENCE PLOT FOR ACCURATELY PREDICTING THE PERCENTAGE OF TRIPLOID

LARVAE IN SPAWNS
Jill A. Jenkins*, Rassa Draugelis-Dale, Anita M. Kelly, Bonnie L. Brown, Heather M. Olivier,
John R. Morrison, and Robert P. Glennon
U.S. Geological Survey

National Wetlands Research Center
Lafayette, LA 70506
jenkinsj@usgs.gov
Markets for triploid (three sets of chromosomes) fishes and bivalves are based on the assumption that triploids, offer some
advantage over diploids, such as population management, improving growth rates, and increasing survival. Triploid induction
treatments, however, do not assure 100% triploid individuals. Estimating the efficacy of these treatments would enable
managers to stock fry from spawns exhibiting high
triploidy, thereby conserving aquaculture resources
such as space, time, labor, and feed. The objective
of this study was to generate a reference plot based
on ploidy data derived via flow cytometry to obtain
accurate early estimates of triploid percentages within
grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) spawns.
At 3 days post-hatch, larvae were mechanically

dissociated into single-cell suspensions, and
nuclear DNA was stained with a propidium iodide
solution. Following flow cytometric analyses of
larval individuals, aliquots of diploid and triploid
cell suspensions were pooled to generate 16 levels
of known ploidy, ranging from 0% to 100%. In ten
trials using either 20 or 50 individuals, the observed
triploidy percentages estimated by flow cytometry
histogram values were consistently lower than
the known, actual ploidy values (Fig. 1). This is
likely due to fewer cells per individual and larger
nuclei in triploids. The DNA distribution data were
statistically analyzed and fit to the curves whereby
the actual triploidy value can be predicted with a
formula generated to match the curve (Fig. 2). Thus,
a reference graph with its corresponding formula can
be used to predict, within 95% confidence limits,
the ploidy status of fry in grass carp spawns. This
method was used with black carp (Mylopharyngodon
piceus) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) x black
crappie (P. nigromaculatus). This prediction method
can be applied with any aquaculture species induced
for triploidy.
235
EVALUATION OF A POLYCULTURE SYSTEM INVOLVING THE SEA URCHIN Lytechinus

variegatus AND THE SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei
Karen E. Jensen*, Stephen A. Watts, Mickie L. Powell, Robert J. Barry, D. Allen Davis
Department of Biology
University of Alabama at Birmingham
jensenk@uab.edu
The cost of feed is often one of the largest continuous expenses in aquaculture. Traditionally, solid wastes produced in a
recirculating system are systematically removed to ensure health of the cultured species. Removal of these solids represents
a loss of nutrients and energy that remain unassimilated. We are currently investigating the feasibility of sea urchin/shrimp
polyculture to increase the utilization of feed and feed waste and optimize food conversion ratios. We are culturing the sea urchin
Lytechinus variegatus as the primary product and the pacific whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in effluents. Sea urchins
produce a high energy feces pellet that is membrane bound, containing residual nutrients and large quantities of microbiota. The
pellet is readily consumed by shrimp.
Shrimp were stocked between 0.4 and 0.6 g initial body weight and housed individually (unless otherwise noted) in 2.8 L tanks
in a commercial recirculating zebrafish system. Shrimp were assigned to one of seven diets and fed twice daily: commercial
shrimp feed (SF1); commercial shrimp feed with two shrimp per tank (SF2); reference urchin feed (UF); dried urchin egesta
(DE); wet urchin egesta (WE); half ration of shrimp feed and half wet urchin egesta (SF/WE); and in polyculture with urchins
(PC). All treatments were fed equivalent dry matter per shrimp except for the PC; these shrimp were provided no food directly
but had full access to the waste produced from two urchins fed at 2% body weight daily.
After 27 days, shrimp and urchins were weighed and total body mass gain was calculated. Shrimp fed dried or wet egesta
did not differ significantly in percent weight gain and showed the lowest weight gain. Shrimp fed the commercial shrimp
diet showed similar growth to those fed half commercial shrimp diet and half egesta. Highest growth rates were seen in those
consuming egesta in polyculture with the urchins. FCR in shrimp fed the commercial shrimp feed in these conditions was 2.96;
however, the overall FCR of the shrimp/urchin polyculure system was 1.1. These data suggest that urchin/shrimp polyculture
can increase conversion efficiencies and production, thus increasing value in urchin and shrimp culture.
236
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL NITROFURAN ELISA KITS FOR CRAB

AND SHRIMP
Edward L.E. Jester*, Harold A. Flores Quintana, Kathleen R. El Said, Ann Abraham, and Steven M. Plakas
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Gulf Coast Seafood Laboratory
1 Iberville Drive
Dauphin Island, AL 36528-0158, USA
Edward.Jester@fda.hhs.gov
Nitrofurans are a group of antimicrobials used for treating bacterial and protozoal infections. These drugs are banned for use in
food animals in the United States and many other countries. However, they remain of regulatory concern as violative residues
continue to be found in aquaculture products.
Monitoring for nitrofuran residues requires validated analytical methods to verify regulatory compliance. Current LC-MS/MS
methodologies target the intact side-chains of nitrofuran residues, either as tissue-bound or total (bound and free) metabolites.
These methods require expensive instrumentation and specialized skills to operate. Rapid screening methods such as enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) have been developed for nitrofurans, also targeting the nitrofuran side-chains. ELISA
kits offer easy, inexpensive screening analysis.
There is a need for facile and high-throughput screening methods, such

as the ELISA, for use in monitoring programs. We evaluated Ridascreen
ELISA kits for the determination of 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ) and
3-amino-5-morpholino-methyl-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ), the side-chains
of furazolidone and furaltadone, respectively, in crab and shrimp muscle.
Verification of incurred residues was performed by LC-MS/MS.
Kits contain a single 96-well microtiter plate coated with capture antibodies
against nitrofuran side-chains, standard solutions (ready to use), and reagents
needed for colorimetric detection. Spiking solutions were purchased
separately from the kit manufacturer.
The overall repeatability (RSD) of multiple standard curve series (n=10)

was 8.3 and 9.3% for AOZ and AMOZ, respectively. Crab and shrimp
muscle blanks were spiked with AOZ or AMOZ at 0.5, 1, and 2 ng/g (n=10/
level). Recoveries of AOZ from spiked crab and shrimp muscle ranged
from 80 to 104% and 80 to 123%, respectively; recoveries of AMOZ ranged
from 83 to 90% and 113 to 151%, respectively. Average RSDs for AOZ and
AMOZ spikes were 10.3 and 10.6%, respectively. Results of the ELISA
kits were well correlated with those of LC-MS/MS for incurred muscle
samples. However, ELISA both over- and under-estimated values of AOZ
and AMOZ, respectively, compared with LC-MS/MS.
237
LOW FISH MEAL SOY-BASED DIETS FOR STRIPED BASS Morone saxatilis
Dave Jirsa*, Allen Davis, Guillaume Salze, Marc Turano, Mark Drawbridge
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

San Diego, CA 92109 USA
djirsa@hswri.org
Striped bass (SB), Morone saxatilis, is a top candidate species for ocean farming. It is a high quality food fish and has been
very well received by the sushi industry in Southern California. Unlike the extensively cultured freshwater hybrid striped bass,
there has been little nutritional research done on the pure strain SB in seawater. Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute has been
developing low fish meal soy-based diets for marine finfish through research funded by the United Soybean Board since 2008.
As a continuation of this research studies are underway to develop and validate open soy-based feed formulations for SB that
can ultimately be used in commercial production.
Several feeding trials have been conducted with multiple strains of SB from both California and the eastern United States with
varying results. Feeding response as well as growth seems to highly variable between strains and even cohorts of the same
strain and is influenced by the inclusion rate of dietary fish meal. Certain strains seem to accept and perform well on diets with
very high levels of soy and low (8%) levels of fish meal while others will not accept diets with moderate (20%) levels of fish
meal. Growth trials are underway in 2014 to try and elucidate these issues and will be discussed.
238
MANAGING Ich INFECTIONS OF WALLEYE CULTURED IN A SURFACE WATER SUPPLY

WITH COPPER SULFATE
J. Alan Johnson*, Randall Esser, Cynthia K. Ledbetter and David L. Straus
Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Rathbun Fish Culture Research Facility
15053 Hatchery Place
Moravia, IA 52544
alan.johnson@dnr.iowa.gov
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infests walleye during growout at Rathbun Fish Hatchery (RFH). Daily flow-through formalin
treatments (45-50 ppm for 9 h) were applied to prevent Ich outbreaks, and this contributed to 25% ($35,000) of fish production
costs during the grow-out period. Research to decrease formalin application began in 2006 and has made gradual progress
in reducing formalin use. Recent studies have evaluated copper sulfate (CuSO4) as an alternative to formalin to reduce the
cost of controlling Ich infections in walleye. A range-finding trial was conducted to determine the maximum safe dosage
(no mortality) for CuSO4. Test containers were treated with 0.15 to 4.8 mg/L CuSO4 and aerated for 48 hours with no water
exchange; no mortality was observed at concentrations of 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg/L after 48 h.
A second trial compared Ich infection rates and growth rate of walleye given a 2-L purified water treatment (control) or the
therapeutic rate (alkalinity/100) of CuSO4 dissolved in 2 L of purified water. An Ich outbreak was established in twelve tanks
that contained walleye fingerlings by maintaining a 2.0-h exchange rate as compared to the typical 0.5 to 1-h exchanges in
research tanks. Treatments began once the infection rate reached 15 Ich cells/gill arch in one tank and nine consecutive daily
treatments were given. Fish in tanks treated with CuSO4 had significantly lower (P<0.05) Ich infection rates (6.6 cells/arch)
than fish in control tanks (395.8 Ich cells/arch) at the end of the post-treatment period. Growth of fish in control tanks was
significantly higher (P<0.05) at 1.6 mm/d compared to a growth rate of 1.2 mm/d for fish in tanks given the CuSO4 treatment.
The third trial compared growth rates of walleye treated at the therapeutic rate and untreated in 200 L fiberglass tanks with
flow-through well water (no Ich). There were 94 fish/tank; fish averaged 9.2 cm and 6.2 g. The CuSO4-treated tanks received
daily treatments for 5 d and were untreated for 14 d, this was repeated; the study lasted for 50 d (n=3). Fish in untreated tanks
averaged 14.5 cm and 25.2 g and fish in CuSO4-treated tanks averaged 14.6 cm and 25.3 g. Growth rate was 1.1 mm/d for all
tanks.
Copper sulfate treatments did not cause fish mortality and controlled Ich infections, but resulted in reduced growth rates in one
trial.
239
PRODUCTIVITY, DIVERSIFICATION AND RESILIENCE OF SALINE AQUACULTURE

SYSTEMS IN COASTAL SOUTHERN BANGLADESH
Kabir, K. A.a,b*, Saha, S.B.c, Karim M.a, Meisner, C. A.a, and Phillips M.d
a
WorldFish, House no- 22B, Road no- 7, Block no- F, Banani, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh k.kabir@cgiar.org;
m.karim@cgiar.org; C.Meisner@cgiar.org
b
Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Wageningen Institute of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University,
Wageningen Netherlands. Kazi.kabir@wur.nl
c
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Brackishwater Station, Paikgacha, Khulna
sbikashsaha@yahoo.com
d
WorldFish, Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia m.phillips@cgiar.org
The CGIAR challenge program on water and food conducted research in high saline areas of the lower Ganges delta of
Bangladesh in 2012 and 2013 to seek ways of increasing the productivity, profitability, diversity and resilience of aquatic
agricultural farming systems. This paper reports on research on the diversification of shrimp focused low productive gher
farming systems by testing crop rotation and incorporation of fish into the farming systems. Farmers common farming system,
control treatment, was compared to rotational monoculture and polyculture system by doing experiments in outdoor ponds
(ghers). Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) production in 2012 and 2013 in control, monoculture and polyculture treatment
systems were respectively were 209.84, 556.40, 404.38 and 390.05, 857.39, 566.83 kg/ha respectively. While fish production
in those years in the same chronology were 728.14, 2367.48, 3322.04 and 659.41, 3307.71, 3560.02 kg/ha. Profitability in both
the improved systems were significantly higher than the control i.e. farmers practice. While the economic return from rotational
polyculture was significantly higher than monoculture in 2012 but no significant difference in 2013. Species combination of
shrimp-tilapia in the dry season and carp-catfishes in the wet season appeared as economically more profitable and better
resilient. Clear shift of salinity from dry season to wet season was observed where level of salinity varied between 3ppt and 28
ppt providing the opportunity of introducing commercially important freshwater fish and integration with crops. The level of
profitability increased from current level of BDT 2,000/ha/year to 248,000/ha/year and BDT 265,000/ha/year in monoculture
and polyculture system respectively. Water drainage and maintaining expected water depth were the key issues among several
other challenges often resulted fluctuation of DO level at 6.5-8 ppm during the beginning of each cycle which at later stages
reduced to just above2 ppm limiting the intensification opportunities at expected level.
240
EVALUATION OF THE USE OF NATURAL FOODS IN TRADITIONAL AND SPLIT-POND

SYSTEMS FOR RAISING GOLDEN SHINERS, Notemigonus crysoleucas
Sindhu Kaimal* and Nathan Stone

1200 North University Drive, Mail Slot 4912
kaimals9116@uapb.edu
The golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas is one of the primary species raised for bait in the southern United States. Perceived
benefits of implementing split-pond systems for catfish production have initiated interest among baitfish farmers to install the
same for golden shiners. It has been hypothesized that in split-ponds confining fish to one-fifth of the pond and allowing
the remaining four-fifths as a “plankton refuge” would be beneficial for the golden shiners that rely greatly on natural foods
for their nutritional requirements. The present study was conducted to compare the availability and role of natural foods in
traditional and split-pond systems.
A 6-week study was conducted to evaluate the use of natural foods by adult golden shiners (mean individual weight = 1.98
g), stocked at 450 kg/ ha in 6 traditional and 6 split-pond systems from 11 May to 18 June, 2014. In the split-ponds, fish were
confined to 20% of pond area by a fine mesh barrier, and water was circulated through the culture unit for 12 h each day. Fish
were fed at 3% body-weight every day (32% protein floating feed) in the 3 replicates of each pond system type while in the
rest of the ponds, the fish were not fed. Comparisons among treatments were made using a one-way ANOVA in SAS 9.2.
Preliminary results show that average net yield (-265 kg/ ha) or survival (37%) did not vary among the treatment groups which
was however, significantly low due to loss by depredation from birds and herpetofauna. Overall, unfed fish in the split-ponds
had a poorer final weight, condition (K) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) than fish in the other treatment groups (Table 1). These
results indicate that for this split-pond design and study duration, traditional ponds contributed more natural foods towards fish
production when compared with split-ponds. Spawning was observed in all the ponds and resultant fry and juveniles found on
the waste-side of the split-ponds is an issue that remains to be addressed in the design of split-pond systems for baitfish.
241
POST-RELEASE SEA CUCUMBER’S (Apostichopus japonicus) PREDATORS DETERMINATION

BY APPLYING PREDATION MODEL CONDITIONS
Seok-Joong Kang1, Jong-Kuk Choi1, Feng Jin1, U-Cheol Jeong1, Aswi Andriasari Rofiqoh2,
Byeong-Dae Choi2
1
Department of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, Gyeongsang National University, Cheondaegukchi-Gil
38, Tongyeong, Gyeongnam 650-160, Republic of Korea,
2
Departement of Seafood Science Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Cheondaegukchi-Gil 38,
Tongyeong, Gyeongnam 650-160, Republic of Korea
sjkang@gnu.ac.kr
Sea cucumber is one of seafood resource which has high

nutraceutical and economic value. Sea cucumber was traditionally
cultured in coastal areas but recently the spawning grounds and
coastal habitat were shrinking due to pollution and landscape
alteration. Ranching technique for sea cucumber has been recently
introduced to maintain its natural population and availability for
the market. Due to complicated marine biological ecosystem and
limited observation technique, the monitoring of sea cucumber
survival rates at its environment after released is vital for sea
cucumber culture development in the future.
In this study, the experiment was conducted in Gyeongsang

National University, Tongyeong, Korea. The culture system for this
experiment was running water culture method by utilizing pumped
sea water directly from nearby coastal area. Water supply rate was
0.4 L / min with 10 revolutions / day, water temperature was 14±2°C
and salinity was 32±2 psu. Interspecies interaction between sea
cucumbers and other species was observed on 24 aquariums size
50 L. Seventeen species of fish, 4 species of crustaceans, 2 species
of mollusks, and 1 species of echinoderm (Table 1) were used in
this experiment along with 25 sea cucumbers (4-5cm body length).
Four species of fish showed predator curiosity toward sea cucumber.

Bambooleaf wrasse (Pseudolabrus japonicus), Scorpion fish
(Sebastiscus marmoratus), Blotched eelpout (Zoarces gillii), and
Fox jacopever (Sebastes vulpes) would try to chew sea cucumber
when they noticed it but after a while they would spit it out. This
was repeated several times and finally they leaved sea cucumber.
This behavior would cause damage on sea cucumber’s epidermis
and resulted on its mortality.
242
THE EFFECTS OF DIAZINON ON SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF RAINBOW

TROUT (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Tayfun KARATAŞ*1,2 and Esat Mahmut KOCAMAN2
Health Services Vocational School, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, 04100 Agri, Turkey 2Department of
1
Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Ataturk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey

Corresponding author: tlf: +90472 216 20 10 fax: +90472 215 07 20
E- mail: tkaratas025@gmail.com
The aim of this study was to determinate the effects of diazinon on some biochemical indices in rainbow trout. During the
seven day 60 number of rainbow trout were exposed to three different concentration of Diazinon were 0.41, 0.82 and 1.23
lM, respectively (LC50=1.65 mg/lit). The results obtained from this study showed that the values of leukocytes (WBC),
erythrocytes (RBC), hematocrit (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) were significantly decreased (P<0.05), but the values of MCV and
MCH were increased significantly and then they were decreased again. Lymphocyte decreased significantly and then increased
again. In conclusion, changes in the values of leukocytes and erythrocytes in the fish exposed to Diazinon could be resulted
from decrease in immune system.
243
DOES HOMESTEAD FOOD PRODUCTION HOLD PROMISE TO IMPROVED HOUSEHOLD

FOOD SECURITY?: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM THE SOUTHWEST COASTAL ZONE
OF BANGLADESH
Manjurul Karima,*, Md. Hadayet Ullaha, Kazi Ahmed Kabira and Michael Phillipsb
a
WorldFish, House no- 22B, Road no- 7, Block no- F, Banani, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh m.karim@cgiar.
org; md.ullah@cgiar.org; k.kabir@cgiar.org;
b
WorldFish, Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia m.phillips@cgiar.org
Aquatic-agricultural systems, comprising of field crop systems (FCS) and homestead food production (HFS) systems, are an
important source of income, food and nutrition for millions of poor people living in Southwest Bangladesh. The contribution
of aquatic-agricultural systems is, however, predicted to vary among functional groups and agro-ecological zones. Therefore,
this study aims to present the relative contribution of homestead and field food production systems, on three functional groups
(functionally landless, marginal, small) and agro-ecological zones (Polder-30, Polder-3-H, Polder-3-L, Polder-43) of Southwest
Bangladesh. This study also attempts to assess the eco-friendly and resilient status of HFS system in the context of coastal
areas. The results elucidated that HFS contributed to the food security status of the functionally landless households while
the contribution of FCS was minimum. On the contrary, FCS largely contributed in the food security status of small and
marginal households. The food security ratio, among the households, obtained from the HFS system did not vary largely
(>0.05) however the food security ratio in the marginal and small households was significantly (<0.05) higher than functionally
landless households from FCS. Among the polders, HFS had a significantly higher contribution in the household’s food security
status of Polder-3H and Polder-3L while FCS contributed most in Polder-3L. These variations are largely attributed to the land
holding size, willingness to cultivate among the functional groups and differences in geographical settings among the polders.
The results also suggest that access to productive asset, such as land is the major factor that can largely influence food security
status among functional groups. HFS prove to be very suitable for poor farmers, especially those are functionally landless and
in some instance for marginal farmers. The results also imply that the HFS system is more eco-friendly and resilient, in some
cases, comparable to FCS. There is scope for further intensification of HFS. Therefore, ensuring access to quality inputs and
improving farmer’s knowledge and technical skills through capacity building programs should be considered on priority to
maximize the benefits of HFS to landless and marginal farmers.
244
A STUDY ON THE DEFORMATION AND RESPONSE OF A FISH CAGE IN CURRENTS AND

WAVES
Gebremeskel Eshetu Kebede*, Chun Woo Lee
Pukyong National University, Busan, Korea, Division of Marine Production and System Management,
Fisheries physics department,
Gebre_eshetu2009@yahoo.com
Back ground: Cage aquaculture in marine and fresh water plays an important role in the fish producing industry as wild
valuable fish stock decline due to over exploitation. Fish farming in cages requires of understanding of rough environmental
conditions to consider their impacts in designing and construction stages. Current and waves have impacts on the deformation
of the fish cage system. During rough oceanic conditions, these lead to greater deformation of the cage, cultured species in
danger, and put the feasibility of cage farming in question. These situations have forward us to research on deformation of
cage systems. Generally, cage systems are known to contain supple and rigid structure. On one hand, the flexibility nature of
netting structure is important to decrease the drag force acting on the structure by decreasing the relative velocity of current.
However, on the other hand, it loosens its integrity by external force. The rigid structures are floating collar and sinkers. Our
study mainly focuses on design and arrangement of sinking systems, and their contribution to maintain the integrity of netting
when subjected to either current force or wave force. Moreover, the hydrodynamic forces due to current and wave acting on
mooring system of the cage structure measured and analyzed.
Experiment and Method of Analysis: Two kinds of physical models of circular net cage with investigated through the
experiment, consist of identical components except sinking system. Model 1 of a net cage with bottom sinking steel collar while
model 2 with bottom steel weight sinkers. However, both sinking types affect equal sinking force. Experimentally, physical
response of the cage systems by the action of the current at speed of 0.1 to 1.0m/s at 0.1m/s interval was studied in the flume
tank. Moreover, physical measurement of the tension on mooring system, positions of the selected knots in two coordinate
system at the peripheries of the netting was determined, and cross section of cages were also photographed after a stable
deformation attained. Volume reduction, angle of deflection, and angle of inclination analyzed. Wave test in towing tank, video
recording for analysis of volume deformation of the cage system determined at different wave periods and heights, tensions on
front and rear were measured and further analyzed.
Result and Discussion: In model cage 1 with sinking collar determined to have higher mooring tension but more resistance for
deformation than model cage 2 with weight sinkers. In towing test, wave force on the front mooring rope was higher than rear
mooring rope due to shielding effect. Cage with bottom sinking collar is noted to offer better habitable environment for fishes
during strong oceanic conditions. However, it requires considering safety factor more.
245
STORIES OF SMALL FARM STRUGGLES WITH FISH HEALTH ECONOMICS
Myron J. Kebus
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection

Division of Animal Health
2811 Agriculture Dr.
Madison Wisconsin 53708-8911
myron.kebus@datcp.state.wi.us
For beef, dairy, and hogs veterinary costs run 1% to 4% when compared to gross margins (sales), direct expenses, and total
expenses. More profitable farms have a higher percentage (5%) of veterinary costs. Are fish farmers spending as much, more
or less for fish health or veterinary costs as other farmers? Using recent aquaculture census number an economic comparison
between fish farmers and other farmers will be presented. This presentation will also share stories that illustrate the opinions
on costs and benefits of veterinary fish health shared by fish farmers over many years along and will also include stories of
veterinarians and fish health professionals.
246
WISCONSIN’S FISH HEALTH COURSES FOR FISH FARMERS, VETERINARIANS, AND

STUDENTS
Myron J. Kebus
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection

Division of Animal Health
2811 Agriculture Dr.
Madison Wisconsin 53708-8911
myron.kebus@datcp.state.wi.us
An Online Fish Health Certificate Program for Fish Producers has been developed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture,
Trade & Consumer Protection, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, University of Wisconsin –Madison, and the Iowa State
University. The course is constructed as a series of modules for fish producers leading to a certificate of completion. The
modules include discussions to help fish producers understand risk and biosecurity, water quality, fish health inspections, fish
health assessments and prepare them for fish health work that may be conducted at their farm on their fish. The six modules can
be taken anytime and anywhere using narrated PowerPoint presentations and supplemental reading materials delivered using
new educational technology software. This online course is expected to reduce the risk of diseases on fish farms by increasing
the number of trained fish producers.
A similar Fish Health Medicine Certificate Program was developed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade &
Consumer Protection, the University of Wisconsin -Madison, and national fish health experts. Online delivery is available
through the continuing education portal of the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, http://vetmedce.
vetmed.wisc.edu/FishCertificate/.
In 2014 the first annual Fish Medicine Selective was offered to twelve veterinary students at the University of Wisconsin,
School of Veterinary Medicine. This course along with several other fish health educational opportunities for undergraduate
and graduate students in Wisconsin will be discussed.
247
SOYBEAN-DEPENDENT NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMMING:

EFFECT OF SOYBEAN DIET INTAKE DURING EARLY LIFE STAGES ON ADULT GROWTH
IN YELLOW PERCH Perca flavescens
Megan M. Kemski*, K. Kwasek, M. Wojno, M. Wick, K. Dabrowski
Department of Food Science and Technology

Columbus, OH 43210
Kemski.3@osu.edu
The present study includes soybean-dependent nutritional programming, individual selection for growth and effects of anti-
nutritional factors in yellow perch (Perca flavescens). This experiment consists of 3 phases in which diets were changed after
a period of time in order to determine if a programming effect is occurring based on early life diets. In Phase 1, fish (0.25 +
0.01 g) were distributed into 12 tanks with 20 fish per tank, 3 groups per diet. Four diets were formulated and fed to fish for
two months: 1) fishmeal (Control), 2) wheat gluten meal replacing 75% of the fish meal protein (WG), 3 and 4) two soybean
meal varieties providing 75% replacement of fish meal protein (Soy A and Soy B). In Phase 2, fish from all four dietary groups
were fin-clipped, and combined in triplicate to be raised in a “common garden” design for 7 months. All of the fish were fed
the same fishmeal-based diet. In Phase 3, or the “challenge” phase, all of the fish are being fed a soy protein-based diet for 7
months. In this ongoing phase we are determining if nutritional programming has a significant impact on those fish that were
originally fed soy protein as juveniles
Preliminary results from Phase 1 showed a significantly depressed growth in the fish fed soy-based diets compared to the
Control and WG diets (Fig. 1-A). This trend was reversed in Phase 2 of the trial, and fish fed soy A and B gained significantly
more weight than fish from the other two groups (Fig. 1-B). However, the mean weight of the fish within all the groups at this
time was not significantly different (data not shown). In Phase 3, after only two months, we are observing that fish originally
fed soybean meal (in Phase 1), are gaining more weight than the other groups (Fig. 1-C). We hypothesize that these fish
indeed show a soybean-dependent nutritional programming as adults. Future analyses will include investigation of digestive
tracts of fish from the first phase by histology methods to determine any impact that these diets may have on cell proliferation
and apoptosis, particularly within the exocrine pancreas. Digestive enzyme analyses will also be done to determine trypsin,
chymotrypsin and alkaline phosphatase activity.
248
ROSE CANYON FISHERIES: A COMMERCIAL-SCALE, SUSTAINABLE, OPEN OCEAN

AQUACULTURE ENTERPRISE
Don Kent*
Rose Canyon Fisheries

3639 Midway Drive, B-301
San Diego, CA 92110
dkent@rosecanyonfisheries.com
Rose Canyon Fisheries (RCF) – a unique collaboration between a scientific research institute and a private investment group
dedicated to pioneering environmentally sustainable, domestic, offshore aquaculture – has filed permit applications for a
5,000-metric-ton finfish farm several miles off the San Diego coast. It will be the first commercial finfish farm in the U.S.
exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI), a non-profit marine research institute, and
Cuna del Mar (CdM), L.P., a private equity firm, have formed RCF to entitle, construct and operate the farm. RCF is designed
to be commercially viable and to provide the opportunity to evaluate environmental concerns related to offshore aquaculture.
Agencies receiving permit applications range from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the Environmental Protection Agency
to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the California Coastal Commission. RCF seeks permits to grow
yellowtail jack (Seriola lalandi), white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) and striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in state-of-the-art
cages located 4.5 miles west of San Diego. Production will be phased beginning with 1,000 to 1,500 MT in the first harvest
year in order to achieve operational efficiency and ensure environmental compatibility. The farm will increase production over
several years to the maximum permitted annual production level. Commercially available cages, nets, and mooring systems
will be used for this project because of their demonstrated compatibility with open ocean conditions characteristic of the
Southern California Bight.
If successful, this project will serve as a model for the development of offshore aquaculture in California and the United States.
It will create jobs, including new jobs for commercial fishermen, and it will ensure that existing seafood infrastructure has a
viable future. With the U.S. seafood demand projected to increase by another two million metric tons within the next decade,
all signs point to the need for sustainable domestic aquaculture. The U.S. has the largest EEZ in the world, coupled with leading
technologies and scientific expertise. It is anticipated that the success of the RCF project will provide a new paradigm for
domestic seafood production and thereby catalyze nationwide development of the industry. RCF must still navigate a undefined
permitting landscape, but the need and associated logic for the project are undeniable.
249
A STRAIN COMPARISON OF STRIPED BASS CULTURED IN SALT WATER RECIRCULATING

SYSTEMS
Linas W. Kenter*, Adrienne I. Kovach, L. Curry Woods, Daniel J. Hocking and David L. Berlinsky
Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824
Although striped bass and their hybrids are widely cultured in freshwater ponds, relatively few studies have compared strain
differences for production characteristics in salt water systems. Striped bass juveniles originating from wild-caught broodstock
from rivers in Delaware, Florida, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia were reared in triplicate salt water (30 ppt) recirculating
systems for up to 18 months. At 30- day intervals, a minimum of 20% of the fish from each tank were sampled for growth
parameters, and feeding rates were adjusted for tank biomass (1.25% BW). After 1 year, the growth parameters of all fish were
determined and a subset were PIT tagged and grown in a larger ,“common-garden” salt water recirculating system. Specific
growth rates were calculated for each strain and differences among families within strains were determined using microsatellite
markers. Preliminary analyses confirmed growth differences among strains of juvenile striped bass grown in salt water.
250
A PRELIMINARY STUDY TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDS ON

THE FATTY ACID PROFILE OF TWO SIZE GROUPS OF INDIAN MAJOR CARPS (IN SEMI-
INTENSIVE CULTURE SYSTEM
Noor Khan*, Noureen Aziz Qureshi, Grant W. Vandenberg
*Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-Pakistan
Email: noorkhan@uvas.edu.pk
Two different size groups (fingerling and grow-out) of Indian major carps (Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala and Labeo rohita) were
evaluated for their fatty acid composition in monoculture and polyculture systems with two experimental feeds. All the treatment
groups in each trial had one control and three replicates. The studies were conducted for 90 days in earthen ponds (0.03 ha) each and
were fertilized with organic and inorganic fertilizers prior to stocking. Diets containing 42% protein (D1) and 35% protein (D2)
were applied at 4% to fingerlings (D1) and 3% to grow-out fish (D2). The concentration of palmitic acid (C16:0) (30.5 g 100g-1),
stearic acid (C18:0) (6.1
g100g-1), palmitoleic
acid (C16:1) (8.1g 100g-
1
), oleic acid (C18:1)
(25.5 g 100g-1), and α-
linolenic acid (C18:3 ω
-3) (4.6 g 100g-1) fatty
acids, were found as
dominant fatty acids in
studied three species. In
three study trials non-
significant differences
were found between
treated and control
groups and among
species for these fatty
acids. The Linoleic
acid (C18:2 ω -6) (8.7
g 100 g-1), was found
significantly higher in
treated (D1) than control
(D0), while ratio of ω
-3/ ω -6 fatty acids were
significantly higher in
control (D0) versus
treated (D1). It has been
concluded that diet (D1)
exhibited significant
increase in C18:2 ω
-6 and eicosatrienoic
(C20:3 ω -6) which
stimulated significant
increase in Σn-6PUFA
in all the treated groups
compared to controls.
251
ENHANCEMENT OF CAPACITY BUILDING THROUGH ON-SITE TNA STUDY AND

EXTENSION MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE
SECTORS IN NAMIBIA
Md Ghulam Kibria* and Joseph J. Molnar
NAMSOV Community Trust (NCT)/Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR)

The Government of Republic of Namibia
ghulam.kib@gmail.com
The Government of Namibia has identified aquaculture as a priority area for the national development. Namibia’s Vision 2030,
National Development Plans (NDP3 & NDP4) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the UN reiterate Namibia’s
urgency to develop its aquaculture sector. The policy and legal framework are in place include the Aquaculture policy, the
Aquaculture Act as well as the Licensing Regulations. As Namibia’s aquaculture is still at infant stage, opportunities for
accelerated and sustained growth are immense. Aquaculture has the potentials to significantly contribute towards sustained food
security, poverty reduction, and income to rural households, enhance revenue generation through exports, re-enforcement of
employment and inward investments. This project has been proposed as an initial request made by the Government of Namibia
to the CFTC (Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation) and subsequent agreement and approval by the Ministry of
Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) & the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK. The project intends to assist the MFMR to
organize an on-site nationwide TNA (Training Need Assessment) which will enable to produce a set of hands-on extension
materials for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Namibia. Accordingly this TNA will assist to identify different type of
training topics for the various stakeholders.
The assistance would come in terms of technical assistance to the country to; a) Take stock of all existing training materials
and review the local training curriculum on fisheries/aquaculture and support programmes for all those involved in the sector,
at various levels. b) Build up high quality resource material for training and extension in fisheries/ aquaculture management
based on actual field experience, at various levels. c) Undertake systematic review and study of problems faced by local
fisheries, aquaculture and support institutes, programmes and systems in delivering training and capacity building initiatives.
d) Organize, liaise and co-ordinate programmes of international co-operation in the field of training and capacity building in
fisheries and aquaculture and support sectors and e) Assist the local institutions, UNAM (University of Namibia), Polytechnic,
Colleges, Vocational centres etc in developing regional curriculums to address the needs on human resource development.
The project is expected to produce a detailed TNA report which will first highlight the current training programs/curricula
available to the fisheries/aquaculture sectors. It will then elaborate training needs by region, based on the region’s current
fisheries/aquaculture activities, region’s potentiality and environment. The data will be derived from the questionnaire and
TNA framework completed in each region. Recommendations from the TNA report will lead to the development of appropriate
training programs and extension training materials for participants at various levels in the fisheries/aquaculture and other allied
sectors.
252
CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIAL COMMUNITY IN BIOFLOC FARMS
Su-Kyoung Kim1*, Jang-Chun Jo2, In Kwon Jang1
1
West Sea Fisheries Research Institute, National Fisheries Research & Development Institute, Incheon 400-
2
Department of biological Sciences, Inha University, Republic of Korea
Email: agemang@naver.com
Microbial communities of bioflocs are not well known although many of scientists and farmers are working with biofloc
technologies. The total bacterial number is known to reach up to 108-109/mL in well-developed biofloc water. The microbial
community changes its biomass and function over time in cultures under biofloc conditions and affected by environmental
conditions. The present study is to show bacterial communities in different biofloc conditions of indoor and outdoor ponds in
commercial and research shrimp production systems.
Water samples of 1 L were taken in duplicated at different seasons in operation period from four farms with no water exchange
in 2012 (Table1). Samples were stored at −80 °C until total DNA was extracted. DNA samples with different barcodes were
mixed in equal concentration and sequenced by a Roche 454 GS-FLX Titanium sequencer.
The number of operational taxonomic unit (OUT) in each sample ranged from 320 to 914, which belonged to 35 phyla,
92 class, 235 orders, 776 family and 1255 genus. The phylum Alpaproteobacteria was most highly dominant in all samples
and followed by phyla Chloroflexi, Bacteriodetes and Planctomycetes. The bacterial community in the present biofloc waters
showed extremely higher in the diversity and abundance than the previous reports based on traditional ponds and analysing
methods.
253
ACUTE EFFECT OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (H2O2) ON Nodularia spumigena IN THE

CULTURE OF Litopenaeus vannamei IN BIOFLOCS SYSTEM (BFT)
Geraldo Fóes, Plinio Furtado, Bárbara Hostins, Savênia Bonotto, Clarisse Odebrecht, João Sarkis
and Wilson Wasielesky Jr.
Aquaculture Marine Station, Institute of Oceanography

Rio Grande, RS, Brazil. CEP: 96210-030
geraldofoes@gmail.com
Compounds such as calcium peroxide, sodium carbonate peroxyhydrated and hydrogen peroxide are known as a source of
dissolved oxygen in emergency situations in aquaculture. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a liquid with a higher density than
water and the presence of a second oxygen atom makes it a weak acid. Can be used in aquaculture as a powerful bactericide,
ectoparasitecide, algaecide, disinfectant, oxidizing the organic matter and source of dissolved oxygen.
The study aimed to verify the effect of different concentrations of H2O2 on a bloom of cyanobacteria Nodularia spumigena
during culture of Litopenaeus vannamei in BFT system. Shrimps with 5.5 g (± 1.4) of average weight were stocked in tanks
with a volume of 400 L. Five treatments were defined with the following concentrations of H2O2: Control= 0,0 µl/L; T1= 2,0
µl/L; T2= 10,0 µl/L; T3= 20,0 µl/L; T4= 40,0 µl/L. Water samples were collected at times: 0, 12, 24 and 96 h after application
of the peroxide to count of N. spumigena (cells/ml) (Table 1).
In treatment T4, cells were found in stage of deterioration and loss of vesicles, associated with high concentration of H2O2. In
a preliminary assessment of concentration of the toxin Nodularina, reduction was observed 80 and 65 % in T3 and T4 when
compared to control treatment.
Thus, it is suggested that the application of 20 µL/L H2O2 is effective in reducing concentrations of N. spumigena without
impairing the survival of L. vannamei.
254
FISH MEAL REPLACEMENT BY SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE AND DEFATTED ALGAL

BYPRODUCT MEAL IN LOW-FISH OIL DIETS FOR JUVENILE LONGFIN YELLOWTAIL
(Seriola rivoliana)
Karma Kissinger*, Armando Garcia-Ortega and Jesse Trushenski
Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resources Center

College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management
University of Hawaii at Hilo
1079 Kalanianaole Ave.
Hilo, HI 96720, USA
kkissing@hawaii.edu
A mixture of soy protein concentrate (SPC) and defatted algal byproduct meal (ALG; Haematococcus pluvialis) was used
to partially replace fish meal (FM) in low-fish oil (FO) diets for juvenile longfin yellowtail (Seriola rivoliana). Diets were
formulated to contain 50% crude protein and 15% crude lipid. A FM-based diet was used as a reference (Control). Five
experimental diets were prepared to replace FM with a mix of SPC and ALG at levels of 10 (FM90), 25 (FM75), 40 (FM60),
60 (FM40) and 80% (FM20). Dietary lipids were supplied by a blend of FO, canola oil and a DHA-rich microalgae meal
(Schizochytrium sp.). Schizochytrium meal consistently provided one third of the lipid included in each diet, while FO only
provided 13%. Experimental diets were supplemented with methionine and lysine, and taurine was added in all diets to achieve
a concentration of 1.5%. The ratio of SPC/ALG in the experimental diets varied in order to keep them isonitrogenous; this
resulted in increased SPC levels at higher FM replacement, while ALG inclusion decreased. Diets were randomly assigned to
triplicate 1000-L tanks in a flow-through seawater system (21.5°C) housing juvenile fish (20 fish/tank, 2.5 ± 0.1 g). Fish were
fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 9 weeks, after which final samples and data were collected to determine whole-body
proximate composition, fillet fatty acid composition, and various growth performance metrics.
Survival, hepatosomatic index, and feed intake were equivalent among treatment groups, however, reduced growth and
elevated feed conversion ratio (FCR) observed among fish fed the FM90 diet suggests poor utilization of this diet compared
to the others (weight gain = 2559 vs. 2819-3252%; specific growth rate = 5.2 vs. 5.4-5.6% body weight/d; FCR = 0.80 vs.
0.75-0.78). Nitrogen retention efficiency (%) was reduced in fish fed the FM20 diet compared to the Control diet, while lipid
retention efficiency (%) was lowest in the FM90 fed fish. Nitrogen retention (g/fish) and lipid retention (g/fish) were also lowest
in fish from the FM90 group. Fillet fatty acid profiles were significantly altered by the level of FM replacement and reflected
dietary fatty acid composition. Total long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) and n-3 fatty acid levels decreased
when more than 10% of FM was replaced, while total n-6 and n-3:n-6 ratios increased and decreased, respectively, at all levels
of substitution. The ratio of EPA:DHA did not differ among treatments, except in the FM20 group which was significantly
elevated. Results indicate that up to 80% of dietary FM can be substituted with a mix of SPC and ALG supplemented with
essential amino acids without significantly affecting growth performance of longfin yellowtail, but such modifications will
yield fillets with altered fatty acid composition.
255
INTRODUCTION TO A FISH CULTURIST’S PERSPECTIVE ON COMPLIANCE AND

PROTOCOLS
Carl Kittel*
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Inland Fisheries Division

507 Staples Road, San Marcos, Texas 78666
carl.kittel@tpwd.texas.gov
Over time, more and more regulations have come to affect fish culture operations. This introduction to the Compliance
and Protocols special session will review what regulations now affect fish culture and require compliance. In many cases
compliance simply means not exceeding threshold levels. A small operation that uses little feed or produced few pounds of
fish will have less discharge regulations to comply with. A facility that keeps smaller amounts of monitored chemicals on hand
will not need to register with the Homeland Security Department. However, where regulations do apply it is critical to know
how to comply and avoid fines or other legal problems. Through the session methods of meeting compliance requirements in
a reasonable and efficient manner will be discussed from the fish culturist’s point of view. This introductory talk will briefly
review what regulations may apply to fish culture operations and introduce talks that will provide details on compliance
throughout the session.
In addition, fish culture operations have become more complicated and developing protocols for biosecurity or other aspects of
the operation has become more important. Some review of how written protocols in areas of special concern to a fish culture
operation will also be discussed.
AN EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN (EAP) FOR A HIGH HAZARD DAM THAT SUPPLIES A
FISH CULTURE OPERATION
Carl Kittel*

507 Staples Road, San Marcos, Texas 78666
carl.kittel@tpwd.texas.gov
Many fish culture operations have water supplies associated with lakes or reservoirs behind dams. If the impoundment is over 6
feet tall and impounds over 15 acre-feet of water, the dam may be categorized as a High Hazard Dam by a controlling authority
(such as the Texas Commission on Evironmental Quality in Texas). This will require that the hatchery managers develop and
implement an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for that dam.
Development of the EAP appears complicated but we present a relatively simple method of developing and implementing an
EAP that meets regulatory requirements. By following a guideline that includes necessary flow charts, diagrams, lists and other
information a hatchery operator can develop a useable EAP in-house and understand the requirements of the plan well enough
to implement the plan. Implementation of the plan requires routine training, routine assessment of the plan and a “Table Top
Exercise” with outside partners once every five years. In case of an emergency or collapse of the dam, the plan will need to
be followed immediately and according to established protocols. How fish hatchery owners and managers can meet legal
requirements, make and keep their dam safe, and keep the whole process manageable is discussed.
256
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION, PHYLOGENY AND EXPRESSION OF LIVER-

EXPRESSED ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDE-2 (LEAP-2) GENE FROM SEAHORSE Hippocampus
abdominalis
Jiyeon Ko*, Wan Qiang, S.D.N.K Bathige, Minyoung Oh, Yucheol Kim, Hyowon Kim, Seongdo Lee,
H.M.V.Udayantha and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Science, Jeju National University, Jeju special Self-Goverming province 690-
E-mail: jiyeon2868@gmail.com
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a part of the main innate immune response component of the fish defense mechanism. They
play an imperative role in protecting organisms against opportunistic pathogens by acting as chemokines. AMPs have been
demonstrated to have a broad-spectrum against gram negative or gram positive bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Liver-
expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP-2) is a crucial part of the AMPs family which is one of the cysteine-rich peptides.
A database of seahorse cDNA sequences was constructed by 454 GS FLX sequencing technique using previously extracted RNA.
Using the BLAST algorithm, cDNA sequence of LEAP-2 in seahorse was identified from GS-FLX database. Pairwise sequence
alignment and multiple alignment analysis was done using ClustalW2 program. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted with
MEGA software version 5 using the neighbor-joining method. LEAP-2 mRNA expression level was investigated in health and
immune-challenged seahorse by quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). In order to determine the immune responses of LEAP-2,
Streptococcus iniae, Edwardsiella tarda, LPS and the viral ds RNA mimic poly(I:C) were employed as immune stimulants in
time course experiment.
The complete cDNA of seahorse LEAP-2 consists 2614 bp, including a 5’ terminal untranslated region (UTR) of 2,276 bp, an
open reading frame (ORF) of 240 bp encoding a peptide of 79 amino acids (aa) with a predicted molecular mass of 0.9kDa and
a 3’-UTR of 98 bp. In silico analysis of LEAP-2 revealed the characteristic LEAP-2 domain and a signal peptide with deduced
25 aa. The phylogenetic analysis showed the evolutionary proximity of LEAP-2 with other vertebrate counterparts. Real-time
PCR results analysis showed that shLEAP-2 transcripts are ubiquitously expressed in all tissues including blood, brain, gill,
heart, intestine, liver, kidney, muscle, ovary, pouch, skin, spleen, stomach and testis from healthy seahorse. The expression of
shLEAP-2 transcripts was significantly up-regulated upon viral and bacterial challenges. These results suggest that LEAP-2
displayed antimicrobial activity against gram-negative and positive bacteria and might show a part of the innate host defense
role in seahorse.
257
AQUACULUTRE PRODUCTS MUST BE PERCEIVED AS SAFE…HOW IT’S DONE
Brett Koonse
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Center for Food Safety and Applies Nutrition
College Park, MD 20740 USA
Brett.koonse@fda.hhs.gov
It is currently estimated that over 50% of all seafood consumed around the world is now coming from aquaculture operations,
mainly in developing countries around the world. This aquacultured seafood generally goes to large processing, distributing,
wholesale, or retail establishments in various countries in the EU and Japan, and the United States. The seafood industries as
well as the governments in all of these countries have strict food safety and quality programs that have kept many aquaculture
products from entering their markets. An example of this is the United States Food and Drug Administration in August,
2007 banning the entry of five aquaculture seafood products grown in China. In addition, over the past year there has been
a heightened increase in food safety from the media (e.g., a December 15th, 2007 article on the front page of the New York
Times, the largest newspaper in the United States titled “In China, Farming Fish in Toxic Waters”) that has heightened the
publics concern about food safety, especially aquaculture products. This talk will present some of the food safety strategies the
aquaculture farming and processing industry and as well as governments can do to minimize the food safety risks associated
with aquaculture products to assure access to worldwide markets….It’s Prevention not Detention.
258
COST FA1305 A EUROPEAN HUB FOR FUTURE AQUAPONICS
B. Kotzen*
Department of Architecture and Landscape, University of Greenwich, Avery Hill Campus, Mansion Site,
Bexley Road, Eltham, London, SE9 2PQ.
E-mail:b.kotzen@gre.ac.uk
Introduction
Aquaponics combines aquaculture and hydroponics where fish and plants are grown in synergy using the same water. Water
is recycled and reused, resulting in many advantages: Aquaponics consumes only 10-20% of water used in agricultural crops.
Fertilizer inputs are reduced as nutrient enriched water serves as liquid fertilizer to grow plants. Aquaponic systems are designed
to achieve greater and more stable yields in less space. Aquaponics is in its infancy but it has great potential for growing fish
protein and vegetables both in the developed and developing worlds and is a key part of urban agriculture providing local food in
urban areas. Aquaponics is a relatively new field. The leaders are in the USA. In the EU aquaponics is undeveloped and largely
non-competitive. Research and practice are fragmented, but both researchers and practitioners consider it has great potential.
Aquaponics in the EU and around the world needs research and development for the EU to become competitive in the field of
sustainable food production. This paper for the first time internationally announces and discusses the important development
of a new hub of knowledge in aquaponics in the EU and discusses the aims and objectives and the setting up of the four-year
COST1 project. The COST Action commencing in 2014 provides the first and necessary pan EU network and worldwide forum
to facilitate, knowledge building/transfer, training of current and next generation researchers and practitioners. The Action
network will also facilitate innovation in systems, efficiencies in production methods, new products, economic management
and energy efficiency. Aquaponics is under-researched and underdeveloped in Europe. Many questions need resolution e.g. on
developing supporting infrastructure, energy use, crop and pest management.
Methods and Materials - Aims and Objectives

Aquaponics is an innovative, sustainable food production system integrating aquaculture with hydroponic vegetal crops.
Aquaponics has a key role to play in food provision and tackling global challenges such as water scarcity, food security,
urbanization, and reductions in energy use and food miles. The EU acknowledges these challenges through its Common
Agriculture Policy and policies on Water Protection, Climate Change, and Social Integration. A European approach is required
and has been set up in the globally emerging aquaponics research field building on the foundations of Europe’s status as a
global centre of excellence and technological innovation in the domains of aquaculture and hydroponic horticulture. The EU
Aquaponics Hub aims to the development of aquaponics in the EU, by leading the research agenda through the creation of
a networking hub of expert research and industry scientists, engineers, economists, aquaculturists and horticulturalists, and
contributing to the training of young aquaponic scientists. The EU Aquaponics Hub focuses on three primary systems in three
settings; 1) ‘cities and urban areas’ - urban agriculture aquaponics, 2) ‘developing country systems’ - devising systems and
technologies for food security for local people and 3) ‘industrial scale aquaponics’ - providing competitive systems delivering
cost effective, healthy and sustainable local food in the EU.
Objectives:
COST provides the necessary and timely forum to build a strong EU and extended world-wide network to:
• Coordinate existing aquaponics knowledge and expertise;
• Coordinate existing aquaponics research, exploit scattered expertise, capacities and financial resources and develop common
approaches and standards necessary;
• Develop common EU standards and methods;
• Develop a common research agenda/facilitate new research with industry contributing to regional, national, EU and
international research programmes;
• Be a catalyst for innovation; and
• Ensure the EU leads in world aquaponics and sustainable fish and crop production.
1 COST is the longest running EU protocol which funds Actions which are important to the development of science, technology and
wellbeing of people in the EU and around the world.

259
Results
The results of the Action are tabled in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by 20 EU countries and nearly 50 Management
Committee and Substitute members. The results will ensue from the 4 Working Groups (WGs) as follows:
WG 1: Aquaponics Research Today:

• Review literature/systems – define status quo and best practices;
• Develop common research agendas, in consultation with industry;
• Develop common research approaches and standardized methodologies;
• Review the laws relating to aquaponics in the EU and main practitioner/market countries.
WG 2: Evaluation of Hydroponics for Aquaponics

• Review literature/data on ‘state of the art’ hydroponics;
• Develop sustainable and safe technologies and strategies for reducing risks in drain water recycling;
• Analyze the energy economy and develop options for climate neutral production in different regions in the EU;
• Assimilate data/arrive at past best practice to carry forward;
• Review best plants/vegetable products for EU.
WG 3: Evaluation of Aquaculture for Aquaponics

• Review literature/data on ‘state of the art’ aquaculture;
• Develop efficient, sustainable water recycling management strategies using standardized guidelines;
• Review potential/best fish species to be cultured in aquaponics systems, taking into account direct competition and market
demand;
Assimilate data/arrive at past best practice to carry forward.
WG 4: Commercialisation and EU/COST Country Legislation

• Develop best practices on automation coupling aquaculture with hydroponics;
• Develop best practices on up scaling and economisation;
• Assess indicators for the ecological, social and economic sustainability of aquaponics systems;
• Develop best practices on marketing and strategies to manage price competition with cheap imported products;
• Review EU/others laws relating to aquaponics.
Conclusions
The EU Aquaponics Hub is an extremely important EU intervention in the research in developing alternative sustainable food
production in the EU and around the world. The paper sets out the aims and objectives of the Action and invites interested
parties to become involved at the start of this exciting venture.
260
RANGE-WIDE POPULATION STRUCTURE OF ALLIGATOR GAR
Sandra Bohn, Brian Kreiser*, and Gregory R. Moyer
The University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS 39406
Brian.Kreiser@usm.edu
The alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) has recently received heightened attention from a conservation and management
perspective. Conservation efforts are needed across much of the range where there are declining populations. The active
management of larger populations may be needed since this fish is increasingly popular as a target of recreational fishermen,
especially bow-fishing. An understanding of alligator gar population structure is necessary to guide both restocking and
management efforts.
To this end, we acquired alligator gar samples from 16 sites across much of its current range and genotyped them for 8
microsatellite loci. The Texas and Louisiana populations had higher genetic variability than the rest of the range. The
STRUCTURE analysis (Fig. 1) detected five genetically differentiated regions: the Rio Grande River and Choke Canyon
Reservoir, the Brazos River, eastern Texas, the Mississippi River drainage, and the northern Gulf Coast. The eastern Texas
region included coastal Texas and the Trinity River, and the northern Gulf Coast region included the coastal sites from southern
Louisiana to the Florida panhandle. These results should prove useful in guiding restocking efforts and developing management
plans for this species.
261
GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF SUPER INTENSIVE Litopenaeus vannamei BFT CULTURE

SYSTEM USING FISH MEAL ANALOG
Dariano Krummenauer, Andre Freitas, Carlos Augusto Prata Gaona, Aline Bezerra, Gabriel Santos
Graduate Program in Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
darianok@gmail.com
In the last years several authors have been reporting that in BFT systems is possible to decrease the total amount of protein
based on fish meal in the feeds. And besides, some of these researchers have been working in order to decrease the fish meal
concentration in the feeds. As a new strategy for shrimp production in BFT system, the present work aimed to analyze the effect
of the use of a Fish Meal Analog (FMA) in shrimp feeds in substitution to Fish Meal, in the culture of Litopenaeus vannamei
in BFT systems. The experiments were carried out in nine-35 m³ lined raceways greenhouse enclosed at Marine Station of
Aquaculture, Federal University of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil. The L. vannamei postlarvae (2.64g±0.77) were stocked at a
density of 400 m-3. The experiment evaluated three different feeds with a commercial 38% crude protein feed (1.6 mm, Guabi®,
Campinas, SP, Brazil) that included different inclusions of fish meal analog. (FMA 0) 100% fish meal and 0% fish meal analog;
(FMA 50) 50% fish meal and 50% fish meal analogy, and (FMA 100) 0% fish meal and 100% fish meal analog. At the beginning
of the study, the shrimp were fed 10% of their total biomass. To accelerate the development of the bioflocs, an inoculation
of 10% of biofloc-rich water was inserted in order to microorganisms succession and improve water quality. Furthermore,
molasses was added when the total ammonia levels reached 1.0 mg L-1. Water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO),
pH, TA-N, NO2-N, NO3-N and Alkalinity were daily analyzed. Settleable solids (ml L-1) were measured three times per week
using an Imhoff cone with readings recorded after 15–20 min. Water was collected to measure the total suspended solids (TSS)
and kept below 500 mg.L-1. The trial was carried out with three replicates and results were analyzed by one-way analysis of
variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). The water quality parameters were not influenced by the treatments (P>0.05)
and were not limiting for shrimp survival and growth. Shrimp survivals were not influenced (P>0.05) by the treatments. The
growth parameters were also not different among treatments (P>0.05) (Table 1).
These results suggested that L. vannamei can be reared in BFT system using Fish Meal Analog without losses in productivities.
The results detected are important for technical feasibility for shrimp culture in BFT system in Southern Brazil.
262
ACCUMULATION OF TOXIC METALS IN BIOFLOCS FOR SHRIMP CULTURE
David Kuhn*, Addison Lawrence, Jack Crocket

Virginia Tech
davekuhn@vt.edu
Biofloc-based systems for the production of shrimp has attracted considerable research and economic interest in recent years.
Bioflocs often contribute to improved growth rates and feed efficiency, and reduced incidence of disease for shrimp. Our
research team has been investigating using biological reactors (SBRs) external to recirculating aquaculture systems to treat
or “clean” fish effluent water while simultaneously producing nutrient rich bioflocs. These bioflocs have historically been an
adequate or superior replacement ingredient to fishmeal and/or soybean protein in shrimp diets.
Before this study we typically operated the SBR with a sludge age of 30 days (sludge age is the average time a biofloc
particle remains within the reactor) which translated to adequate to good treatment of the effluent water. In the study herein we
attempted to optimize the treatment of fish effluent in SBRs which translated to a high sludge age of approximately 60 days.
With this high sludge age we were successful in improving the treatment of the effluent water. However, the resulting biofloc
when used as a feed supplement suppressed shrimp growth by up to 30%. Analysis of the older (60-day sludge age) biofloc
showed that manganese content was between 0.9 and 1.1%, which translated into approximately 0.1 to 0.3% Mn in the shrimp
diet, depending on the biofloc inclusion level.
While manganese is an essential element for shrimp culture, further experimentation (see Figure) showed that shrimp fed with
feeds containing more that 0.02% Mn had significantly lower growth rates. It is important to consider sludge age as an important
factor for accumulating unwanted elements. These findings are also important for shrimp farmers who do not routinely remove
solids from their biofloc-based shrimp production systems because they will end up with old sludge ages as well.
263
DIRECT FED PROBIOTIC IMPROVES FISH PHYSIOLOGY: GUT HEALTH AND OTHER
FACTORS
David Kuhn*, Daniel Taylor, Stephen Smith, David Drahos

Virginia Tech
davekuhn@vt.edu
In recent years probiotic bacteria have gained attention by the aquaculture community due to their ability to enhance nutrient
absorption and increased disease resistance of fish. Fortunately, molecular and other laboratory-based tools now empower the
industry to be able to accurately characterize the benefits that specific probiotic bacteria provide. Accordingly, a feed trial that
compared a control diet to a probiotic-based diet was conducted at Virginia Tech’s Aquaculture Research Center. Seventy-five
juvenile tilapia (mean weight of 2.1 g) were stocked at a rate of 13 fish per 265 liter tank. Two Recirculating Aquaculture
Systems (RAS) were employed for this experiment. Each RAS was equipped with 12 tanks, bubble bead filter, moving bed
bioreactor, UV sterilization, and aeration. One diet was the “control diet” with no probiotics. The second diet was the “probiotic
diet” which was the control diet plus probiotic bacteria (spores of a specific strain of Bacillus sp. B1) Fish were weighed on a
weekly basis and feed rates were adjusted accordingly. At 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 14 weeks fish were also sampled for biometrics
and blood chemistry. At week 14 additional histological examinations were performed.
Gut germination of probiotics in the intestinal tract of tilapia that were fed probiotics were verified using quantitative real-time
polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Spores and vegetative cells were quantitatively differentiated. No fish mortalities occurred
during the 14 week trial. In summary, fish that were fed the probiotic diet exhibited significantly (P< 0.05) greater skin-on fillet
yields (39.6% MR) compared to fish that were fed the control diet (35.6% MR). Transmission electron microscopy (Figures 1a,
1b) revealed that fish fed probiotics had significantly (P< 0.05) longer (28%) intestinal enterocyte microvilli length. Meanwhile,
scanning electron microscopy revealed that the density of microvilli was also significantly greater (P < 0.05) by 19%. The
longer length and increased density of intestinal enterocyte microvilli can improve nutrient absorption and reduce translocation
of microbes and associated toxic compounds into the peripheral vasculature. Studies currently underway are evaluating benefits
of direct-fed probiotics for other species of fish. Results from these trials will be also reported.
264
MONITORING CARBONATE CHEMISTRY IN THE CHESAPEAK BAY: IMPORTANCE TO

SHELLFISH HATCHERIES
David Kuhn*, Joe Salisbury, Karen Hudson, A.J. Erskine, Brad Warren, Todd Capson, Daniel Taylor

Virginia Tech
davekuhn@vt.edu
Production of clams and oyster larvae in Virginia has recently been significantly lower than previously reported due to a
changing coastal environment. Accordingly, a water quality monitoring program was implemented between academic partners
in Virginia and six shellfish hatcheries. This program essentially provided the training and resources for each hatchery to
discretely monitor numerous water quality parameters including but not limited to alkalinity, ammonia-N, calcium, dissolved
oxygen, nitrate-N, nitrite-N, pH, phosphate, and silica. Synchronizing data amongst the various hatcheries has provided a
unique temporal and spatial data set that has yielded positive results by identifying issues and developing solutions to those
issues. However, the program needed to be expanded to include continuous monitoring of carbonate chemistry to accurately
characterize diurnal and seasonal changes. More specifically, a parameter that is particularly useful for the shellfish industry
is the carbonate mineral saturation state for aragonite, Ω. Low Ω values (e.g. Ω < 1 results in deformity and mortality in some
larval shellfish) can erode production in shellfish hatcheries. Accordingly, our research team was expanded and a pilot project
was implemented with a robust state-of-the art system that continuously monitors the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2).
This system was developed by personnel at the University of New Hampshire Coastal Carbon Lab. It is widely agreed that
two carbonate system parameters, plus salinity, temperature, and pressure are needed to solve the entire carbonate system
and to determine Ω. During the 2014 hatchery season we collected a time series of pCO2, which in mesohaline waters can be
particularly useful predictor of Ω. Using pCO2 data collected with other more stable carbonate system parameters we were
able to accurately calculate Ω at a low salinity site in the Chesapeake Bay. From Figure 1 it is apparent that factors other than
ocean acidification are very important for understanding carbonate chemistry in dynamic estuarine environments. In the data
set presented the Ω values fluctuate diurnally and seasonally and are influenced by factors such as algae activity, weather
events, and likely sediment interactions. The outcomes of this project will directly benefit shellfish hatcheries, the industry, and
ultimately the Chesapeake Bay, by increasing the ecological filtration services shellfish provide.
265
ADOPTION OF ALTERNATE TECHNOLOGIES IN CATFISH INDUSTRY
Ganesh Kumar* and Carole Engle
Aquaculture/Fisheries Center, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, 1200 N. University Drive,

MS 4912, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, U.S.A-71601
U.S. catfish farmers have been exploring alternate production technologies (intensive-aeration, in-pond raceways, and split-
pond systems) for several years. The acreage and numbers of farms using each alternate technology has been monitored since
2010. A multi-state (AR, AL, MS) survey was conducted to identify specific reasons influencing farmers’ decisions whether or
not to adopt these alternate technologies. The most rapid adoption has been of the split-pond systems, with split-pond hectares
in commercial production increasing from 79 ha in 2010 to 568 ha in 2013 (Fig. 1). The most frequently cited reasons for
investing in split-ponds are the increased productivity, better management, and production control. The non-adopters indicated
that they have not invested in alternate technologies because of the high upfront costs, lack of proven results, and market
risks. On-farm adoption of complimentary technologies like hybrid catfish or oxygen monitoring systems tends to promote the
adoption of alternate technologies. Understanding why farmers choose to adopt or not adopt new technologies will provide
guidance to extension personnel as they work to transfer promising technologies.
266
ECONOMICS OF CATFISH SPLIT-POND SYSTEMS
Ganesh Kumar* and Carole Engle

MS 4912, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, U.S.A-71601
Rising input costs, increasing imports and credit constraints demands improved productivity on catfish farms. Successful
industry wide adoption of newly developing technologies like split-pond systems will depend upon their productivity and cost
efficiencies. Costs and production performance of three split-pond designs (i.e. research design (at the Thad Cochran National
Warmwater Aquaculture Center), commercial water wheel design, and commercial screw-pump design) were monitored on
Arkansas and Mississippi catfish farms adopting split-pond systems.
An economic engineering approach using standard enterprise budget analysis was used to develop estimates of annual costs
and returns for producing foodsize catfish in split ponds. Investment and risk analyses were developed for the three design
split-pond designs. Estimates of breakeven prices of hybrid catfish raised in split ponds ranged from $1.72/kg to $2.05/kg. The
initial investment costs for research design, commercial water wheel design, and commercial screw-pump design were $17938,
$12063, and $8375/ha, respectively resulting in high share of fixed costs (14, 11 and 7%, respectively). Hence the yields from
these systems also have to be high to cover the associated high total costs. The economics of catfish production in split-ponds
is sensitive to the yield (Fig 1), fish prices and feed prices.
267
ECONOMICS OF INTENSIVELY-AERATED CATFISH PONDS
Ganesh Kumar* and Carole Engle.

MS 4912, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, U.S.A-71601.
The U.S. catfish industry is evolving by adopting production practices which enhance productivity. Successful industry wide
adoption of newly developing intensively-aerated pond systems will depend upon their potential to increase productivity and
reduce production costs. Costs and production performance were monitored on catfish farms using high levels of aeration (15,
20, and 25 hp/ha) in ponds in Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi. Breakeven prices of hybrid catfish raised in intensively-
aerated pond systems were estimated to range between $1.83/kg to $2.31/kg with the lowest costs associated with the 20 hp/
ha rate of aeration. Cost analysis suggests that the share of fixed costs increases with procurement of additional aerators. The
economics of raising catfish in intensively-aerated ponds is sensitive to yield, fish prices and feed prices. For any given fish
price, the 20 hp/ha aeration strategy could afford higher feed prices than the 15 and 25 hp/ha aeration strategies (Fig. 1). Similar
analyzes suggest that 15 and 25hp/ha aeration strategies would require high fish prices to operate profitably while the 20hp/ha
aeration strategy could afford lower fish price.
268
EFFECTS OF ISOLATED Jatropha curcas-PHYTATE ON MINERALS COMPOSITION OF

NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus L.)
Vikas Kumar1,2*, Harinder P.S. Makkar2 and Klaus Becker2
1
Aquaculture Research Center, Kentucky State University, Athletic Drive Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
2
Institute for Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics (480b), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart,
70599, Germany
*Email: vikas.kumar@kysu.edu and vikaskr.mhn@gmail.com
Jatropha curcas seed kernels are rich in oil (55–60%), which is used for biodiesel production. The defatted Jatropha kernel
meal (DJKM) contains 58–65% crude- protein and 9−11% phytate. A phytate rich fraction was isolated from DJKM by
sequential extraction using acetone and carbon tetrachloride in different proportions. The fraction obtained contained 66%
phytate and 22% crude-protein. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of dietary supplementation of Jatropha-phytate
and of commercial phytase on growth and minerals composition of Nile tilapia. Fish fingerlings (50; 16.2 ± 0.64 g) were
randomly distributed in five groups with 10 replicates. Five iso-nitrogenous (36% crude protein) and iso-energetic diets [control
diet containing casein and gelatin as proteins); control diet containing 1.5% and 3% Jatropha phytate (P1.5 and P3 respectively);
and control diet containing 1.5% and 3% Jatropha phytate (PP1.5 and PP3 respectively) treated with phytase (1500 FTU phytase
per kg)] were fed to Nile tilapia for eight weeks.
Highest body mass gain (BMG) was observed for the control group which were not statistically different to those for PP1.5
and PP3 groups and significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for all other groups (Table 1). On the other hand, opposite trend was
observed for the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (Table 1). Macro-minerals (Calcium, Ca; Phosphorus, P; Magnesium, Mg) and
trace-minerals (Iron, Fe) concentration in the whole body of fish were significantly highest in PP3 group whereas lowest value
was observed in P3 group (Table 1). Trace-minerals (Manganese, Mn and Potassium, K) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher
in phytase supplemented groups (PP1.5 and PP3) compared to non-supplemented groups (P1.5 and P3). Zinc (Zn) concentration
in fish body were highest in PP3 group which is significantly similar (P > 0.05) to control group, and other groups exhibited
lowest values. Lowest (P < 0.05) cobalt (Co) concentration was observed in P3 group which is similar to P1.5 group whereas
other groups exhibiter highest values. Jatropha-phytate and phyatse enzyme did not exhibit significant effects on Sodium (Na),
Molybdenum (Mo), Boron (B) and Copper (Cu) concentration in the whole body of Nile tilapia among the groups.
Blood glucose and plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the phytate enriched groups
compared to control and phytase treated groups. Supplementation of phytate in fish diets exhibited hypocholesterolemic and
hypoglycemic effects in fish.
It is concluded that Jatropha phytate at 1.5 and 3% in diet exert adverse effects on growth and minerals composition and these
could be mitigated by addition of 1500 I.U. phytase in the diet. Supplementation of phyatse enzymes in phytate containing diets
enhance the availability of macro-minerals (Ca, P, Mg and K) and trace minerals (Mn, Fe, Co and Zn) in the body of Nile tilapia.
269
COMPARATIVE FATTY ACIDS PROFILES OF YELLOW PERCH (Perca flavescens) UNDER

CONTROLLED AND NATURAL CULTURE CONDITIONS
Vikas Kumar1,2*, and Han-Ping Wang1
1
Center for Aquaculture Research and Development, The Ohio State University South Centers, Piketon, OH
45661 USA.
2
Aquaculture Research Center, Kentucky State University, 103 Athletics Road, Frankfort, KY, USA.
Email: vikas.kumar@kysu.edu and wang.900@osu.edu
The Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) has been identified as a species with high potential for aquaculture in the in the US, most
specifically in the Great Lakes region because of its strong market demand. From a nutritional perspective, yellow perch is
considered a low-fat fish, and it has a higher ω-3:ω-6 ratio, and is rich in minerals and vitamin B12, making it attractive to
consumers interested in low-fat food choices that add potential health benefits. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze:
1) comparative fatty acids profiles in muscle and liver of six strains of both sexes (male and female) of yellow perch, and 2) a
comparisons of fatty acids synthesis in yellow perch under controlled and natural culture conditions.
1st experiment: Six trains [New York (NY), North Carolina 1 (NC1), North Carolina 2 (NC2), Ohio (OH), Pennsylvania (PA)
and Wisconsin (WI)] of yellow perch were fed with a commercial diet (Purina Mills, AQUAMAX GROWER 400, crude
protein - 45%, crude lipid - 12%) in our wet lab. Individual fish weights were 203 g (♂NY), 319 g (♀NY), 134 g (♂NC1), 242
g (♀NC1), 127 g (♂NC2), 268 g (♀NC2 ), 142 g (♂OH), 225 g (♀OH), 72 g (♂PA), 172 g (♀PA), and 136 g (♂WI). Three fish
(n = 3 per treatment) of each sex were randomly sampled, and the fish fillets and liver were collected for the fatty acids analysis.
The lowest (P < 0.05) deposition of omega-3 fatty acids in muscle was observed in NY strain (♂) whereas the highest omega-3
fatty acids content in muscle was observed in OH strain (♀). The highest (P < 0.05) ω-3:ω-6 ratio in muscle was found in the
OH strain (♀) whereas the lowest (P < 0.05) ω-3:ω-6 ratio was observed in NY strain (♂). An interesting trend was observed
that ♀ from all six strains showed higher ω-3:ω-6 ratio than ♂ from all six strains. This result also concurs with general growth
trend of yellow perch wherein ♀ grow faster and bigger than ♂, which is beneficial for both yellow perch grower and human
health.
2nd experiment: Yellow perch were harvested from different sources: natural pond (NP) without supply of supplemented
feed; controlled pond (CP) supplied with commercial feed (AQUAMAX GROWER 400); indoor tanks (IT) supplied with
AQUAMAX GROWER 400 feed; and natural lake (NL) without supply of any artificial/commercial feed. Natural live foods
were collected from NP and NL water and stored at -80° C. Commercial feed (AQUAMAX GROWER 400) and natural live
food are being analyzed and will be presented. Comparative fatty acids profiles of muscle and liver of different sources of
yellow perch are being analyzed and will be presented. These results will reveal whether artificial/commercial feed accumulates
the omega-3 fatty acids in YP muscle or YP have their own omega-3 syntheses enzymes in their body system.
270
SHIFTING TRADITIONAL SHRIMP AQUACULTURE TO RECIRCULATING SHRIMP

FARMING SYSTEM IN BANGLADESH: A PROSPECT ANALYSIS
Mrityunjoy Kunda*, Shyamal K. Barman and Ratan K. Paul
Department of Aquatic Resource Management

Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University
Sylhet-3100, Bangladesh
E-mail: kunda.sau@gmail.com
Fish and fish products are the second largest export commodity of Bangladesh in which 77.4% (DoF, 2013) contribution
comes from shrimp. Among shrimp, main crop is marine water species Penaeus monodon followed by freshwater species
Macrobrachium rosenbergii and these two species have high demand in the export market. Not only in the export market, there
is a huge demand in the local market also. The country produced 0.196 m MT of shrimp from 0.28 m Hectare of lands (DoF,
2013), which is significantly low in production compare to other parts of the world. Again, in Bangladesh shrimp farms have
been flourished in the coastal areas either by destructing mangroves or by polluting croplands through salinity intrusion. Since
the lack of facility to exchange water at regular basis, the farmers are reluctant to drain salt water once they fill their shrimp
farms. As a result lands are accumulating salts day by day and greenery is losing. In this context a strong protest has been
developed against shrimp farming in the coastal region. Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS) could come up with an easy
and sustainable solution in the shrimp sector of Bangladesh. This could help to increase shrimp production by many folds as
well as keep the soil free from saline accumulation.
Bangladesh is a densely populated country in the world; as a result domiciles here always struggle to meet up their regular
necessities. Fish is one of the major food items that are also fetching challenges against growing demand. Total fish production
of Bangladesh is gradually grown up during the last 12 years. The production in 2001-2002 was 1.89 million MT, whereas the
production was increased up to 3.26 million MT in 2012-13 and fish demand would be reached at 4.55 million MT by 2021.
Horizontal expansion of aquaculture is very difficult in Bangladesh due to scarcity of land and gradual decreasing trend of water
areas. In this fact, for intensifying of shrimp culture, RAS could be one of the most promising options supplementing to achieve
the target. It is a very positive indication that many entrepreneurs’ are investing in commercial aquaculture. There is a huge
scope for recirculating aquaculture in Bangladesh, nevertheless, lacking of specialized knowledge in recirculating aquaculture
is one of the main constraints to expand this super-intensive aquaculture system.

Recirculating aquaculture system has not yet introduced in Bangladesh, so that before introducing RAS it is necessary to carry
out research on stocking density, feed management, waste management, etc. along with the demonstration of the system and
thus RAS could be promoted throughout the country to meet up the fish demand of the country.
271
HIGHLY LETHAL OUTBREAKS OF Ichthyophthirius multifiliis INFECTION IN THREE

SALMONID SPECIES IN QUEBEC, CANADA
Andrée Lafaille*, Pierre Hélie
Université de Montréal (Faculté de médicine vétérinaire)

3200 Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
J2S 2M2
andree.lafaille@umontreal.ca
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, also known as “Ich”, is considered to be one of the most pathogenic protozoan ectoparasites of
freshwater fishes. This obligate parasite is very contagious and has a cosmopolitan distribution. All freshwater fish can be
infected but with variation in the degree of susceptibility. In naïve populations, the youngest fish are the more susceptible,
especially if their immunity is decreased. Outbreaks will occur when there are enough susceptible fish in a suitable environment.
The parasite’s life cycle is at the same time simple, because it requires only one host and complex, because it involves 3
different stages of development.
In Canada, epizootics of “Ich” have been reported in BritishColumbia in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) during the
1994 and 1995 spawning seasons. In Quebec, severe outbreaks were observed in farmed salmonids from 2010 to 2013 with
mortality rates as high as 100 %. The three affected species were: brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), brown trout (Salmo trutta)
and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). With this disease, prevention is more cost-effective than treatment. Since malachite
green is prohibited in Canada, we used repeated formalin treatments at a frequency related to water temperature. We succeeded
in saving the fish when physical treatments, aimed at breaking the infection cycle and prevent reinfection, were combined with
chemical treatments. Identification of risk factors was important when recommendations for reinfection prevention were given.
272
FEEDING STRAGIES IN Litopenaeus vannamei BIOFLOC CULTURE SYSTEM
Gabriele Lara*, Alessandro Cardozo, Bárbara Hostins, Aline Bezerra, Plínio Furtado, Luís Poersch,
Post-Graduation in Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography

Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
gabilara@gmail.com
The Biofloc Culture System (BFT) is known as an environmental friendly culture in that the natural productivity is stimulated,
providing better water quality and supplementary food to the organisms. In this culture, the quantities of feed can be reduced
and consequently the FCR too. Many management techniques were used in order to feed shrimps with low costs and maximum
growth rates. However, we don’t know how many food we can reduce and how many of the natural productivity the shrimp can
fed. In this way, some studies were made in order to evaluate different management techniques of feeding for some periods of
food restriction, and a possible compensatory growth after these periods.
The first study evaluates the effects of different feeding rates for a 60 day’s period. Were used six different fixed FCR’s: 0, 0.4,
0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0. In the second study, the shrimp were fed maintaining the fixed FCR’s again (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5,
1.8, and 2.1) for 21 day’s period and, after the shrimp were reared for more 15 days to detect possible compensatory growth
effects, with the medium of the best FCR’s results in the first phase. The experiments were conducted in a biofloc recirculation
system, in tanks with 150 L. The shrimp densities used in the studies were 300 shrimp/m³.The water quality parameters were
monitored every day. In study 1, the better growth rates were observed in 1.6 and 2.0 treatments (P < 0.05). However, the
survival was affected only in T0 (18.33±7.26), where the shrimps have a 60 day’s period of total food restriction. In the first
21 days of the second experiment, the better growth results were observed since the 1.2 treatment (Table 1), indicating better
natural productivity utilization for a shorter period. The results of the compensatory growth are not presented because the study
has not been concluded at this time.
These results indicate that the shrimp cannot survive for periods of total food restriction, even in biofloc system. However, the
survival was high when the shrimp were fed with a little quantity of food, indicating the potential of the bioflocs in contribute
to the nutrition and health of the animals.
273
DRIED SEAWEED AS A PARTIAL PROTEIN REPLACEMENT FOR FISH MEAL IN PELLETED

SHRIMP DIETS
Susan Laramore*, Rolland Laramore, Bryan Gordon, and Dennis Hanisak
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University

5600 US 1 North
Slaramo1@hboi.fau.edu
Seaweeds are considered to be a good source of vitamins, minerals and proteins. One of the challenges in aquaculture from both
an economic and sustainability point of view is reducing dependence on fishmeal. Ulva lactuca produced in the land based
integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (LB-IMTA) system at HBOI-FAU perform an assimilative function, but has potential
economic value as use in animal or human nutrition. The Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, is a fed component of
the HBOI-LB-IMTA system. Protein values for the U. lactuca produced in this system have been analyzed and found to vary
from 27.6-40% dependent on season. This high protein content justifies its use in the development of balanced diets for animal
nutrition. To that end, U. lactuca, harvested on a weekly basis from the HBOI-LB-IMTA system, was dried and utilized as a
feed ingredient for shrimp diets, replacing a portion of the fish meal. Four diets were prepared that varied with respect to the
amount of fishmeal and dried U. lactuca in the diet. The protein and fat content of the prepared diets was formulated at ~ 38%
and 8% respectively.
An eight week feeding trial conducted in clear water recirculating systems is currently underway. Fifteen L. vannamei shrimp
(~ 0.5 g), were placed in one of the following four treatment groups: control diet (0% dried Ulva), 20% dried Ulva, 40% dried
Ulva and 60% dried Ulva. Shrimp were stocked in 26 L aquarium tanks, five replicates per treatment group in a randomized
block design. Salinity in the system is ~ 30 ppt and temperature is maintained at 25-26°C with a 12:12 light:dark cycle.
Temperature and dissolved oxygen are measured daily. Salinity, alkalinity, ammonia and nitrite are measured twice per week.
Survival, weekly weight gain, final weight and FCR for each treatment group will be reported. Proximate analysis, amino
acid and fatty acid content of the four diets will be compared. Proximate analysis of shrimp from each treatment group will be
conducted at the conclusion of the experiment. This study will allow us to determine whether the Ulva produced in an IMTA
system can provide both an assimilative function as well as serve as feed ingredient to be used in the manufacture of diets for
fed species, such as shrimp, that are a component of this system.
274
USE OF DRIED BIOFLOC FROM A LAND BASED IMTA SYSTEM AS A PARTIAL PROTEIN
REPLACEMENT FOR FISH MEAL IN PELLETED SHRIMP DIETS
Susan Laramore*, Rolland Laramore, Richard Baptiste and Paul Wills
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University

5600 US 1 North
Slaramo1@hboi.fau.edu
Reducing the dependence on fishmeal is a necessity for aquaculture from both an economic and sustainability point of view.
Researchers at FAU-HBOI have designed a closed Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system that uses a centralized
filtration system to deliver controlled amounts of selected waste streams to each system component, potentially resolving water
quality and flow distribution issues found in traditional closed IMTA systems. Previous studies have focused on using ex-situ
solids produced by the system to initiate and maintain the shrimp biofloc system, resulting in successful integration of a shrimp
biofloc system into the larger IMTA system. The protein value of the ex-situ solids in the HBOI-FAU LB-IMTA system has
been analyzed and found to be 38%. This high protein content justifies its use in the development of balanced diets for shrimp
and fish. Ex-situ floc has been used previously evaluated as a feed ingredient to replace a portion of the protein in shrimp diets
(Kuhn et al. 2009, Kuhn et al. 2010). This study focuses on evaluating the potential use of dried ex-situ solids collected from
our IMTA system as a partial replacement for fishmeal in shrimp diets manufactured for the shrimp in our system.
Three diets were prepared that varied with respect to the amount of fishmeal and dried ex-situ floc in the diet. The protein and
fat content of the prepared diets was formulated at ~ 38% and 8% respectively. Feed studies are currently underway in clear
water systems. Thirty PL30 (300 m2) L. vannamei shrimp were placed in 26 L tank (n=5 replicates). Treatment groups consist
of a control diet (~ 38% protein) and two prepared diets in which dried ex-situ solids biofloc replaced 25% or 50% of fishmeal
protein. Grow-out trials will run for 8 weeks. All feed offered will be individually weighed for each replicate tank based on
calculated biomass. Water quality parameters (DO, temperature, salinity) will be measured daily, or weekly (ammonia, nitrites,
nitrates, alkalinity). Tanks will be checked daily for mortalities. Growth will be assessed weekly using a subsample of shrimp
(N=10). At harvest, survival, growth rates and FCR will be determined. Proximate analysis, amino acid and fatty acid content
of the three diets will be compared. Proximate analysis of shrimp from each treatment group will be conducted at the conclusion
of the experiment. This study will allow us to determine whether the ex-situ solids produced in our IMTA system can serve as
a feed ingredient in the manufacture of diets for fed species, such as shrimp, that are a component of this system.
275
STEWARDSHIP OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN AQUACULTURE
Andrew Lazur
University of Maryland Extension

1212 Symons Hall
lazur@umd.edu
Aquaculture has been practiced for thousands of years in a multitude of settings and in systems and capacities that have had
varied demands on natural resources. As aquaculture evolved and production expanded significantly within recent decades, the
use of water, land and feed resources increased, and in some cases, created strains on these resources. Noteworthy examples
include mangrove deforestation for shrimp pond development, and organic deposition beneath net pens. Habitat conversion,
waste loading and water quality, benthic environment impacts, use of pelagic forage fish, pathogen transmission, fish escapes
and interactions with wild populations, are among major concerns of aquaculture development that have arisen in recent years.
This increased attention and scrutiny of aquaculture impacts on environmental resources has had significant impact on
aquaculture production likely realized initially by more stringent environmental policies and regulations, which in many cases
led to increased costs. However, the wins associated with this expanded awareness of aquaculture are numerous including:
understanding the efficiency of aquaculture species as a protein source, and the variety of systems and species produced, many
of which provide beneficial ecological services such as shellfish and algae; fostered new technologies for waste collection and
treatment, plant based feed formulations, and multi trophic culture systems mitigating impacts; new practices to reduce disease
transmission and increase resistance; and development of regional and local management plans/strategies for future aquaculture
development addressing community economic , environmental and social concerns.
276
OPTIMIZING RELEASE STRATEGIES FOR RAPID REPLENISHMENT OF COMMON

SNOOK
Kenneth M. Leber* and Nathan P. Brennan
Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34232
KLeber@mote.org
Marine fisheries agencies, universities and research organizations in Florida, the USA and world wide are evaluating use
of aquaculture-based stock enhancement technology. Marine fisheries enhancements aimed at restoration and recovery of
depleted populations (restocking) or increasing abundance in healthy populations (stock enhancement) require considerable
depth of analysis in order to design effective stocking programs. With proper planning and adaptive management, stocking
programs can be designed to benefit fisheries management.
The design of enhancement projects is often lacking in sufficient information from pilot studies that are needed to plan efficient
stocking strategies. As one example, release-recapture studies with common snook in Sarasota Bay, Florida, show the critical
need to understand the effects of release habitat, in-situ conditioning effects, dispersal patterns, and the effects of release
magnitude on post-release mortality and recruitment of hatchery and wild stocks.
Responsible marine fisheries enhancement is an iterative process that requires an understanding of population dynamics, socio-
economics, and the integrity of hatchery organisms and interactions of cultured and wild stocks. Fisheries enhancements need a
phased approach beginning with initial appraisal and goal setting, followed by research and technology development including
pilot studies, and then operational implementation and adaptive management. Helping to sustain common snook populations
using culture-based enhancement appears to be a useful additional tool for the fishery-management toolbox.
COPPER TOXICITY IN AQUACULTURE: A PRACTICAL APPROACH
Cindy K. Ledbetter*, Bradley D. Farmer, Benjamin H. Beck, Curtis Summerlin, and David L. Straus
USDA – ARS
Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center
Stuttgart, AR 72160
cindy.ledbetter@ars.usda.gov
Copper sulfate is used as a therapeutant for various applications in aquaculture. There is a great deal of information on the
toxicity of copper, especially in low-alkalinity waters; however, much of this information is fragmented, and a comprehensive
guide of copper toxicity and safe concentrations in various water chemistries is not available. Historical data does not always
include alkalinity, which is crucial when determining toxicity. This data would be particularly useful across a wide range of
species.
Experiments have been initiated to observe the toxicity and safe levels of copper sulfate in 5 reconstituted waters, per APHA
methods, on several species of fish, bacteria, parasites and algae. The alkalinity of these synthetic waters ranges from 10 – 245
mg/L, and the hardness ranges from 10 – 320 mg/L (each as CaCO3). Data include a 48h LC50 value for each species in each
water as well as the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) and Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC). Histology
will be used to compare the control fish to the NOEC and LOEC fish. This baseline information can be used to approximate
safe treatment levels; however, application must be tailored to fit specific species and individual water quality and chemistry.
277
EVALUATION OF DIETARY YELLOW LOESS AS ANTIBIOTICS REPLACER IN JAPANESE

EEL, Anguilla Japonica
Seunghan Lee*, Youngkwang Lee, Hyeonho Yun, Moon Young Yoon, Jung-Keug Park & Sungchul C. Bai

A 12 weeks of feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary yellow loess as antibiotics (oxytetracycline and
amoxicilin) replacer on growth performance, immune responses, serological characteristics and disease resistance in Japanese
eel (Anguilla Japonica). Six experimental diets were formulated to contain no antibiotics or yellow loess (CON), three graded
levels of yellow loess 5 (YL5), 10 (YL10) and 20g YL kg-1 diet (YL20), oxytetracycline at 15 g OTC kg-1 and amoxicilin at 10
g AMX kg-1 diet. Fish averaging 11.5 ± 0.4 g (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into 18 aquaria and 20 fish per each
aquariim. Triplicate groups of fish were fed one of the experimental diets at 1.5 ~ 2.0% of wet body weight per day. At the end
of the feeding trial, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) from fish fed CON diet were significantly lower than
those from fish fed YL5, YL10, YL20, OTC and AMX diets (P < 0.05). SOD activities from fish fed CON were significantly
lower than those from fish fed other diets (P < 0.05). Whereas, lysozyme activities from fish fed YL20, OTC and AMX were
significantly higher than those from fish fed CON and YL5 diet (P < 0.05). Fourteen days of challenge test with bacteria E.
tarda, fish for CON showed lower survival rate than did fish from the other dietary treatments (P < 0.05). Therefore, these
results indicated that dietary yellow loess level from 10 to 20g kg-1 could replace the dietary antibiotics (oxytetracycline and
amoxicilin) to improve the growth, immune responses and disease resistance without any adverse effects on the serological
characteristics in Japanese eel (Anguilla Japonica).
278
MOLECULAR CLONING AND TISSE SPECIFIC EXPRESSION OF CORTICOTROPIN_

RELEASING HORMONE (CRH) PRECURSOR IN OLIVE FLOUNDER, Paralichthys olivaceus
Seongdo Lee1, Minyoung Oh1, Thanthrige Thiunuwan Priyathilaka1,

Herath Mudiyanselage viraj udayanth1,Yucheol Kim1, Hyowon Kim1, Hyungbok Jeong2 ,
Changnam Jin2, Bongsoo Lim2, Jehee Lee1
1
Jeju Self-Governing province,690-756, Republic of Korea
2
Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju Self-Governing province, 690-814, Republic of Korea
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a 41-amino acid neuropeptide expressed in the brain of vertebrates. The CRH
plays an important role in the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis under stress condition in teleost. In this axis, CRH
firstly stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) derived from the precursor protein proopomelanocortin
(POMC) and then the ACTH activates interrenal cells to produce and release cortisol in head kidney. Cortisol also was
considered to typical stress hormone. Herein we characterized Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) precursor from Olive
flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) designated as poCRH precursor at transcriptional level. In this study, a cDNA coding for a
putative Corticotropin-releasing hormone was isolated using degenerated primers. The full length cDNA sequence obtained
using CapFishingTM Full-length cDNA Premix kit. In silico analysis was conducted to determine the conserve domain and to
compare the evolutionary relationship between other species. Real-Time quantitative PCR was performed to determine the
tissue distribution of poCRH precursor. The full length cDNA sequence (1098bp) of poCRH precursor contained a 510bp open
reading frame (ORF) encoding 170 amino acids, 200bp 5’-untranslated region (UTR), 388bp 3’-UTR. Amino acid sequence of
poCRH precursor was compared with its counterparts from other species. Also, genomic sequence of poCRH was composed
2 exons and 1intron. According to phylogenetic tree, the poCRH precursor showed closest evolutionary proximity with its
counterpart from European flounder. Moreover pairwise sequence alignment of poCRH precursor exhibited 97.1%, 93.0%
identity with European flounder and Rabbitfish respectively. The tissue distribution showed that poCRH precursor was highly
expressed in brain.
279
GENOTYPING-BY-SEQUENCING AND WHOLE-GENOME SEQUENCING IN

AQUACULTURE
Yan-He Li* and Han-Ping Wang
Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Laboratory,

The Ohio State University South Centers,
Piketon, Ohio, 45661, U.S.A.
li.4783@osu.edu
The use of genotyping has enabled the characterization and mapping of genes and the study of genomic evaluation, sex control
and sex determination in aquaculture as well as biomarkers for nutrition, stress and disease, and QTL mapping for marker-
assisted selection in aquaculture. High-throughput variant discovery has been made possible in multiple species by the recent
advent of next-generation sequencing technologies. New genotyping methods that are high throughput, accurate and cheap
are urgently needed for gaining full access to the abundant genetic variation of organisms. Then, such an approach, is known
as genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), which holds the greatest promise to serve the widest base of researchers because of its
ability to allow simultaneous marker discovery and genotyping with low cost and a simple molecular biology workflow.
We summarize the genotyping methods, recent advances of next-generation sequencing technologies to GBS and the promises
it holds as a genome-wide genotyping application in aquaculture. Driven by applications across human, animal and plants, and
developments in NGS, genomics platforms must be put to use for the studies in some fields of aquaculture including stress,
marker-assisted selection, genomic evaluation, and so on. The application of GBS for a whole range of diversity and genomic
studies is having an important place well into aquaculture. Additionally, we present the advances of whole genome sequencing
(WGS) in aquaculture since WGS is expected to push GBS technologies forward a real “whole genome level” and provides
more promises for applications in aquaculture.
280
TRANSCRIPTOMIC ANALYSIS REVEALS SEX-RELATED GENES AND GENE EXPRESSION

NETWORKS AMONG FEMALE, MALE AND PSEUDO-MALE OF YELLOW PERCH
Yan-He Li*, Han-Ping Wang, Eman A. Waly, Paul O’Bryant, Dean Rapp
Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Laboratory,

The Ohio State University South Centers,
Piketon, Ohio, 45661, U.S.A.
li.4783@osu.edu
Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) attract much attention for studying sex-related mechanisms since males have a single-linear
gonad while females have bilinear gonads, females grow larger and faster than males, and mono-sex value for aquaculture
in this species. In a previous study, we found that sex-reversed pseudo-males with female genotype exhibited no sexual size
dimorphism comparing to normal males in yellow perch. A comprehensive transcriptomic analysis in gonads is believed to
provide a resource for genome annotation, candidate genes identification, pathway prediction and so on.
Here, we performed the de novo assembly of yellow perch gonads and muscles transcriptomes by high throughput Illumina
sequencing. A total of 212,180 contigs were obtained, ranging from 127 to 64,876 bp, and N50 of 1,066 bp. The assembly RNA-
Seq contigs (≥200bp) were then used for subsequent analyses including similarity search program against reference protein
sequences from Zebrafish, Tilapia, Cichlid, Stickleback, Guppy and Medaka downloaded from NCBI Refseq and Ensemble
database. Each sample’s reads were mapped to the assembled trascriptome sequences. And the reads per kilobase of exon per
million mapped read (RPKM) values were calculated and the Kal’s test was used to identify the differentially expressed genes
with p-value <0.05 based on the transformed data with log2.
281
EFFECTS OF DIETARY GLUCOSE AND STARCH LEVELS ON THE GROWTH,

HEMATOLOGICAL INDICES AND HEPATIC HEXOKINASE AND GLUCOKINASE MRNA
EXPRESSION OF JUVENILE MIRROR CARP (Cyprinus carpio)
Jinnan Li, Qiyou Xu, Chang’an Wang, Liansheng Wang, Zhigang Zhao & Liang Luo
Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin 150070,
China
The effect of the different dietary carbohydrate types and levels, on growth performance, hematological indices and hepatic
hexokinase (HK) and glucokinase (GK) genes expression involved in control of glucose metabolism, was studied in juvenile
mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio). Two carbohydrates (glucose and starch) diets with two levels (250 g kg-1 and 500 g kg-1) were
fed to triplicate groups of 35 fish for 60 days. The best WGR and SGR were observed in fish fed 250 g kg-1 glucose diet and
500 g kg-1 starch diet (P < 0.05). Fish fed 500 g kg-1 glucose showed low feed utilization, with the highest food conversion
ratio (FCR) and the lowest protein efficiency ratio (PER) (P< 0.05). HSI was significantly higher in fish fed with glucose diets
and the 500 g kg-1 starch diet compared to 250 g kg-1 starch. CHOL, HDL-C and LDL-C were significantly highest in fish fed
500 g kg-1 starch than all other diets (P <0.05). Hepatic GK mRNA expression level and activity were positively related to
glucose and starch levels (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that hepatic glycogen concentration was increased by dietary
carbohydrate content (P < 0.05). These results suggest that GK may play a major role in the postprandial glucose utilization in
juvenile mirror carp.
282
DEMAND FOR ANIMAL PROTEIN IN NORWAY
Pei Liu*, Ragnar Tveterås, and Kristin Lien
Department of Research and Innovation

Stavanger, Norway
Pei.c.liu@uis.no
In this paper we study the relationships between animal protein (fish, poultry, red meat) consumptions of households in Norway
for the years 2000-2011, a period with substantial changes in meat consumption patterns. We proceed from traditional analysis
by adding additional demographic factors that may play a role consumer consumption. The most interesting results turns out to
be cat ownership and primary grocery chain option variables.
Food consumption in households are often determined by the key household factors such as household size, number of children
gross income, education, age, and etc., product innovations in recent years adjusted consumer preferences where convenience
and availability become definite roles in food selection. Food consumption choices in households are often determined by
the preferences of all the members in a family, and as the bond between the owners and their pets grow stronger, the animals’
diet is closely linked to the owners’. Having the convenience of purchasing seafood that can be consumed by both parties,
households may opt for this healthier animal protein rather than the traditional red meat. Hence, we look into cat ownership
for a relationship with healthier food choices. Furthermore, consumers may differ in their preferences if the availability of their
primary meat choice is present at the grocery of their convenience.
We estimate AIDS models using the Laspeyres price index with separate equations for 3 animal protein sources; fish, poultry
and red meat. Using a decade long Norwegian data set, we study the effects of different combination of household factors –
households with and without cats, households with different primary grocery chains - on different animal protein choices. We
also control for demographic and socioeconomic factors of the grocery manager and household.
Seafood is beneficial for human health, hence it is useful for the seafood industry look for any new or overlooked determinants
of fish product consumption in addition to the dominate factors and obvious price and expenditure elasticities.
283
IONIC ACTIVATION OF SPERM MOTILITY IN AN ENDANGERED VIVIPAROUS FISH
Yue Liu*, Huiping Yang, and Terrence R. Tiersch
School of Renewable Natural Resources

2410 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge, LA
Yliu97@tigers.lsu.edu
The redtail splitfin Xenotoca eiseni is a viviparous species distributed in Mexico and some areas of the United States. It
belongs to the family Goodeidae, which contains 40 species within 18 genera. Currently almost all of the species in this
family are considered to be endangered in the wild. There are few studies on the reproduction of these fishes, especially on
internal fertilization, and this presents great challenges to their conservation. Sperm cryopreservation could be an effective
way to preserve the germplasm and restore populations. Motility activation of sperm is the initial step for study of sperm
cryopreservation and conservation. In this study, we investigated the effects of osmolality, pH, non-electrolytes, and ions
on the sperm motility activation of Xenotoca eiseni. Hanks’ balanced salt solution (HBSS) with osmolalities ranging from
25–900 mOsmol/kg did not initiate motility (0–1%). Isotonic HBSS at pH values of 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0, and three non-
electrolytes (mannitol, sucrose and glucose) also did not activate motility. To test specific ions and their interactions, different
combinations of CaCl2 (0.1–40 mM) and KCl (2–60 mM) in isotonic TRIS-HCl buffer were tested, and Ca2+ activated motility
in a concentration-dependent fashion, while the concentration of K+ showed a potential negative correlation with motility. To
further identify the effective range of Ca2+ for motility activation, concentrations ranging from 0 to 320 mM were tested. The
first pilot observations in March, 2014, showed the highest motility (15–23%) at 1 min for a Ca2+ concentration of 200 mM,
at 1 hr for 160 mM (48–52% motility), and at 3 hr for 10 mM (35–45% motility). Motility was never activated (<1%) with
0 mM, and at or above 280 mM Ca2+ (Figure 1). Bundle-like sperm clusters were observed at 200-× magnification. When
activated, sperm within the bundles vibrated strongly. Peripheral sperm swam away from the bundles first, followed by the
interior sperm. These same treatments in July, 2014, showed lower maximum motility (13% at 1 min with 160 mM Ca2+)
and shorter motility duration (none above 1% at 12 hr) but agreed qualitatively with the initial observations. Compared to
the pattern observed in other similar-sized freshwater fishes, such as zebrafish Danio rerio and fathead minnow Pimephales
promelas, and other internally fertilized Xiphophorus fishes, sperm motility activation in Xenotoca eiseni is distinct and does
not rely upon osmolality, but instead upon the ionic composition of the activation media. Further study will focus on ionic
mechanisms during motility activation, seasonal variation of sperm quality, artificial fertilization, protocol establishment for
sperm cryopreservation, and repository development.
284
COMPETITIVENESS IN SEABREAM Sparus aurata AQUACULTURE IN THE

MEDITERRANEAN AREA
Ignacio Llorente*, Ladislao Luna-Sotorrío, and José M. Fernández-Polanco
Business Administration Department. University of Cantabria. Avda Los Castros, s/n 39005 Santander
(Spain)
llorentei@unican.es
Seabream aquaculture is one of the main aquaculture species in the Mediterranean Sea. However, despite the growing demand
in the markets, since the beginning of the last decade have occurred successive supply shocks which have affected differently
in the main production areas and caused the bankruptcy of many businesses. The location of production facilities influences
business competitiveness due to the economic and environmental factors that determines. This paper aims to analyze the
influence of the different environmental conditions in the seabream production along the Mediterranean area.
A Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm was applied to seabream aquaculture production. The algorithm is based in a
bioeconomic model that is integrated by a biological submodel of the process of farming in sea cages, which is interrelated with
an economic submodel. Distinct from previous works, a multi batch production in a finite period of time was considered. The
PSO algorithm determines for the established parameters the optimal production strategy that maximizes operational profits. It
was designed a hypothetical fattening farm on offshore cages where the only difference in the production parameters between
the cultivation locations analyzed has been the water temperature.
Depending on the water temperature recorded by each of the facilities in the different locations, the number of batches that
were developed in the same period of time and the economic results differ. In southeast Turkey with an annual average water
temperature of 21,83 °C and standard deviation thereof of 3.93, were developed five batches that produced a total of 499,070 kg
of seabream that generated an operational profit of 1,257,886 €. In southeast Spain with an annual average water temperature of
18,67 °C and standard deviation thereof of 4.10, were developed three batches that produce a total of 299,610 kg of seabream
that generated an operational profit of 771,297 €. These results indicate that the production in the oriental Mediterranean area
gets a higher operational profitability due to a higher average water temperature and a lower variability thereof during the year.
The higher average water temperature produces a faster growth rate that generates a better productivity. The worm temperature
during the winter periods prevents a significant reduction in the growth rate, resulting in higher productive efficiency.
285
BAR GRADING OF PELLET-REARED ALLIGATOR GAR IN TANKS AND RACEWAYS
Steve E. Lochmann*, Kyle T. Rachels, and Leo Mua
Aquaculture/Fisheries Center, University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff

1200 North University Drive, Mail Slot 4912,
slochmann@uaex.edu
Our objective was to determine the influence of bar grading on production of Alligator Gar in tanks and raceways. In study 1,
21-dph Alligator Gar were stocked in acrylic tanks at 3.2 fish/L and offered formulated feed at 10% of body weight/d for 35 d.
Fish were graded twice/week into three size groups. Production data were compared to data from ungraded tanks of Alligator
Gar, which served as controls. In study 2, 19-g fish were stocked in concrete raceways at 0.03 fish/L and offered Golden Shiner
at 10% of body weight/d and formulated feed ad libitum to 10% of body weight/d for 36 d. Fish in raceways were graded twice/
week into three size groups. Again, production data were compared to ungraded control groups of Alligator Gar. At the end
of study 1, fish averaged (SD) 119 (24) mm TL and weighed 9 (7) g. Growth was significantly higher, but survival and yield
were significantly lower in the control than in the graded treatment (Fig 1). At the end of study 2, fish averaged 236 (26) mm
TL and weighed 66 (24) g. Growth in length was significantly greater in the control than in the graded treatment. However,
yield, survival, and growth in weight were not significantly different between the control and the graded treatment (Fig 2). The
general lack of grading influence in study 2 is contrary to study 1 and to previous research. Unlike our previous research on
mechanical grading in raceways, we began study 2 with feed trained fish. Grading is important when gar are less than 19 g, but
not if sufficient formulated feed and live forage are offered to fish greater than 19 g.
286
CLOSING IN ON USDA ORGANIC STANDARDS FOR AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS
George S. Lockwood* and Gary L. Jensen
Carmel Valley, CA
GeorgeSLockwood@aol.com
Organic standards for aquaculture have been under development in the USA since the late 1990s. Actions taken by the
European Union and Canada to adopt organic standards for certification of aquaculture products indicate increasing global
interest. Currently organic certified and labeled aquaculture products can be and are being marketed in the US under non-USDA
organic programs and without the USDA organic seal. These standards vary among certifying bodies. When USDA standards
are approved, all domestic and imported products will have to comply with the new standards. We anticipate that USDA will
publish its proposed final rule for standards prior to February 2015 for public review and comment. This will be an important
policy milestone that initiates a pathway to a final rule.
It has been a long journey since the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) recommended aquaculture standards in 2010.
Another critical pending issue is the legal use of numerous essential materials that have been petitioned for inclusion on the
National List of Approved Materials. This petition process involves the NOSB again but with new members unfamiliar with
aquaculture. Because of the prolonged approval process and lagging behind other animal protein products eligible for USDA
organic labeling since 2002, many retailers and aquaculture businesses have diminished attention to the approval process.
Renewed efforts will be needed across the supply chain from interested organic producers to retailers to respond to the proposed
final rule and voice support for reasonable standards. This producer session will focus on market demand, size and pricing,
organic feeds, net pen systems, comparison of European Union and Canadian organic standards and steps for prospective
businesses to prepare for production of organic aquaculture products. USDA officials will summarize the proposed final rule
and issues of special interest. Discussions will conclude on actions to move the approval process forward for a final rule.
The success of organic aquaculture operations will depend in part on entrepreneurs, market forces and practical standards.
Aquaculture food products warrant access to USDA organic labeling and markets as other animal protein products. Previous
survey efforts indicated strong interest for organic seafood by retailers and consumers. Reasonable standards can provide
new business opportunities and benefits to the aquaculture sector over the long term. Strong participation of the domestic
aquaculture community will be necessary during the public comment periods for both the proposed final rule and for synthetic
substances that have been petitioned as being essential for organic production.
287
DETERMINATION OF A SUITABLE FORMULATION OF FLUOROGYSPSUM, CLASS C FLY

ASH, AND PORTLAND TYPE II CEMENT AS AN OYSTER CULTCH MATERIAL BASED ON
LEACHING CHARACTERISTICS
C. Davis Lofton*, M. Teresa Gutierrez Wing, Michele Barbato, and Kelly Rusch

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
clofto5@lsu.edu
Due to the high cost of limestone as an oyster clutch material in the State of Louisiana, an economical, locally available material
is needed to provide a binding substrate for the oysters. Fluorogypsum (CaSO4·H2O) a by-product of the hydrofluoric acid
production process, is a low cost, locally available material that is currently being utilized as road bed material. The high
solubility of fluorogypsum (FG) has limited its usage to only dry applications. Previous research has indicated that mixing
a material with similar properties to FG with Class C fly ash and Portland type II cement an economical stable underwater
material can be produced (Guo, Malone, & Rusch, 2001). The current study focused on determining a viable composition of
FG, Class C fly ash, and Portland type II cement that is be suitable as an oyster cultch material.
The dynamic leaching test (EPA Method 1315) was performed on four compositions in three different salinities. A flux of the
sulfate ion less than 0.5 mg cm-2 d-1 after 77 days will indicate compositions that are potentially viable for oyster cultch material.
The fluxes of the four compositions are shown in Table 1. Figure 1 shows an SEM photograph of the outside of one sample.
This photograph displays evidence of a possible CaCO3 coating which can further stabilize the material.
Based on the dynamic leaching test, results indicate the 62% FG, 3 % cement, and 35% fly ash composition is the most viable
candidate for application as an oyster clutch material.
288
ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND BIOENCAPSULATION OF LACTIC ACID

BACTERIA ONTO Artemia franciscana TO CONTROL Edwardsiella tarda
Jiun Yan Loh*, Yau Yan Lim, Sharr Azni Harmin, and Adeline Su Yien Ting
School of Science, Monash University Malaysia

Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor. Malaysia
jamesloh1104@yahoo.com
The use of live feed such as Artemia in fish larval culture has long been established globally. However, studies showed most
fish diseases are transmitted via oral-route, which imply that live feeds could potentially transmit diseases. Inoculating the
digestive tracts of live feed with probiotic bacteria through bioencapsulation may be a feasible approach to reduce colonization
of pathogens. Edwardsiella tarda is one of the most notorious pathogen that is transmitted through aquaculture facilities,
equipment and operational practices. In recent years, probiotics are used extensively to control fish pathogens. Ideally, probiont
should be able to withstand the harsh gastro-intestinal environment and is harmless to the host. Therefore, probiont of intestinal
nature is preferred and sourced as possible biocontrol agents to control fish diseases. This study aims to isolate, characterize
and determine the potential of intestinal lactic acid bacteria from farmed fishes for the control of E. tarda infection in fish larval
culture.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from farmed Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias batrachus, Ophicephalus striatus,
Trichogaster pectoralis, Anabas testudineus, and Pangasius pangasius. Multiple biological in vitro screenings to identify
antagonistic bacteria, and their haemolytic activity and antibiotic susceptibility assay were conducted. The LAB were
then identified using 16SrRNA molecular approaches. Subsequently, in vivo bio-assay was conducted by administrating
A. franciscana with 106, 107, 108 and 109 CFU mL-1 of LAB, and then challenged against E. tarda at 105 CFU mL-1. RPS was
calculated as 1 – (Mt / Mc) × 100.
The 16S rRNA results showed that LAB were primarily Lactococcus lactis (Table 1). Based on RPS indexes, A. franciscana
administrated to 108 CFU mL-1 for 8-h conferred the most effective protection (50%) against E. tarda infection (Table 2). In
conclusion, we suggest this intestinal strain of L. lactis subsp. lactis could be used as a potential probiotic for aquaculture.
289
A HEDONIC ANALYSIS OF BAITFISH PRODUCT PRICE IN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL

MARKETS OF THE UNITED STATES
Ignacio Lopez-Morales* Madan M. Dey, Nathan Stone, Carole Engle
235 Woodard Hall

ilopez-morales@uaex.edu
In addition to artificial lures, United States anglers have the opportunity to purchase small live fish, typically less than 100g,
to use as bait for piscivorous game fish. These live products, broadly know as baitfish, are supplied in forms with different
combinations of intrinsic attributes. Baitfish wholesale and retail prices exhibit significant variations across products and
market environments. Additionally, retail prices are known to be at least an order of magnitude higher than farm-level prices.
The U.S. baitfish industry could benefit from insight into prices of attributes intrinsic to its products. We developed two hedonic
price models using cross-sectional price, quantity, product attribute, and retail environment data from a 2013 in-person baitfish
retailer survey.
These data were available for 930 live-baitfish product observations from 204 retailers, across eight states in the Great Lakes
and Southern Regions of the United States. Raw wholesale and retail level price data, were converted from original pricing units
($/dozen, $/scoop, $/gallon, & $/pound) into $/fish. Taxon specific parameters relating length and weight, required to convert
weight or volume based prices, were obtained from fishbase.org. Wholesale and Retail Prices were regressed independently
against baitfish weight, species, quantity, and a vector of product attributes including retail environment characteristics. The
general model is:
ln(P) = b1*Weight(g) + b2* LN(# kg sold/year) + bi*Species(i) + bc*Attribute(c)
Partially deriving the price with respect to a variable yields the marginal value contributed by that variable to the total baitfish
product price. Key findings include; species vector has a greater influence on wholesale price than on retail price. Rainbow
trout and “Rosy Reds” respectively have the highest and lowest elasticities, relative to a “Wild Shiner” base (Figure 1). Ceteris
paribus, an additional month of supply shortage increases the wholesale price by 5%wholesale prices are close to 25% higher
in the TN River Drainage, retail prices were 20% higher in the Upper Mississippi Drainage, and 40% higher if used to target
Esocids.
290
PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVES ON AQUACULTURE
David C. Love*, Juan G. Gormaz, Jillian P. Fry, Marcia Erazo, Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future
Department of Environmental Health Sciences

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Baltimore, MD 21205
dlove@jhsph.edu
Nearly half of all seafood consumed globally comes from aquaculture. Increasing seafood consumption has been proposed as
part of a strategy to combat the current non-communicable disease (NCD) pandemic, but public health, environmental, social,
and production challenges related to certain types of aquaculture production must be addressed. Examining the interactions
between aquaculture, fisheries, human diet and health, and ecological health can assist in setting priorities for enhancing
human nutrition and the ecological sustainability of aquaculture. Resolving these complicated human health and ecologic
trade-offs requires systems thinking and collaboration across many fields; the One Health concept is an integrative approach
that brings veterinary and human health experts together to combat zoonotic disease. We propose applying and expanding
the One Health approach to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders focused on increasing consumption of seafood and
expanding aquaculture production and to prioritize methods that minimize risks to public health, animal health, and ecology.
This expanded application of One Health may also have relevance to other complex systems with similar trade-offs.
291
GROWTH, DIGESTIVE ACTIVITY, WELFARE, AND PARTIAL COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF

GENETICALLY IMPROVED FARMED TILAPIA (Oreoehromis niloticus) CULTURED IN A
RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEM AND AN INDOOR BIOFLOCS SYSTEM
Guozhi LUOa,b,c* Qi GAOa Chaohui WANGa,b Wenchang LIUa,b Dachuan SUNa,b,c Li LIa,b,c
Hongxin TANa,b,c
a
College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
b
Shanghai Aquaculture Engineering Technology Research Center, Shanghai, 201306, China
c
Shanghai University Knowledge Service Platform, Shanghai Ocean University Aquatic Animal Breeding
Center (ZF1206), Shanghai 201306, China
*Presenting author: Guozhi LUO gzhluo@shou.edu.cn

a
Current position and address: Hucheng Ring Road 999, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306,
China. Tel.:+86 21 61900413; Fax.: +86 21 61900402
An 87-d experiment was conducted to investigate the growth, digestive activity, welfare, and partial cost-effectiveness of raising
genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and an indoor bioflocs technology
(BFT) system. The stocking density was 8.06 kg m-3 in all tanks at the beginning of the study, and reached 44.95 kg m-3 in the
BFT tanks and 36.87 kg m-3 in the RAS tanks at the end of the study. The individual fish weight at harvest was 22% higher in
the BFT fish than in the RAS fish. The total weight gain and specific growth rate of the BFT fish were, respectively, 128% and
112% higher than those of the RAS fish. The feed conversion ratio for BFT was 18% lower than that for the RAS. There was
no significant difference in the crude protein (CP) and crude lipid (CL) content from the fish back muscle between the fish in
the RAS and the BFT tanks. The CP and CL contents of the BFT fish were 30.90 ± 9.04% and 1.27 ± 0.61%, respectively. The
activities of lipase in the stomach and intestine showed substantial differences between the RAS and the BFT fish, whereas the
activity of protease did not. There was no significant difference in the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lysozyme (LYZ)
of the hepatopancreas, head kidneys, and serum between treatments. The total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity of the
serum of the BFT fish was considerably higher than that of the RAS fish. The accumulations of ammonium nitrogen (highest:
60 ± 0.45 mg L-1) and nitrite nitrogen (highest: 119 ± 2.01 mg L-1) were observed in the BFT tanks. The phosphate concentration
in the BFT tanks (< 4.01 ± 0.34 mg L-1) was substantially lower than that in the RAS tanks. The fish survival rate was 100% for
both the RAS and BFT. Partial analysis of the cost-effectiveness of operations under experimental conditions revealed that the
BFT model was more effective than the RAS in tilapia culture.
292
SOFT-SHELL MANGROVE CRAB FARMING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
May Myat Noe Lwin
CNN Soft Shell Mangrove Crab Farms

Moo 5, Khao Nam Hoan, Ranong 85000
Thailand
noenoeinbk@gmail.com
Farming of soft-shell mud crab has been practiced for some time now in a number of Asian countries such as Thailand,
Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and recently, the Philippines. The soft-shell mangrove crab can be eaten whole
(carapace and all limbs) when cooked. Soft-shell crabs are available whole year round. Because of its profitability there is an
increasing interest to engage in this type of mangrove crab farming business venture.
The greatest concentration of soft-shell mangrove crab farms is in Ranong, Thailand, where farmers can market the crabs daily
at the numerous seafood processing plants in the area. Income is generated daily as fresh soft-shell mangrove crabs are sold to
local restaurants and frozen crabs are exported to Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Europe and the United
States.
Mangrove crabs or Mud crabs of the Scylla species collected from mangrove estuaries are the major source of stocks for
farming. Experienced fishermen using traps can collect hundreds per day. The crabs must be stocked in individual containers
every few days to replace those that molt and are harvested. Crabs grow through repeated molting. The hard outer shell cannot
stretch with growth, so the crab must molt, or shed its old exoskeleton, in order to grow. Before molting, a new exoskeleton
is formed below the old and hard exoskeleton. During the molting process the old shell splits and the crab backs out of it.
Gradually the new shell develops and hardens in 4-8 hours. If the crab is removed from the brackishwater shortly after molting
during the first four hours, it will remain in the soft shell condition when held in freshwater. Then it can be sold as a soft-shell
crab. Regular monitoring and retrieval of soft shell crabs is laborious. However, experienced staff can quickly identify soft
shell crabs while inspecting thousands of crabs as they pass by on a pulley driven pontoon.
This presentation will provide an overview of soft-shell mangrove crab farming techniques used in Ranong, Thailand. Moreover,
identification of mangrove crab species for soft-shell mangrove crab production and various farming techniques in Southeast
Asia will be discussed.
293
VIRUS INHIBITORY PROTEIN, ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM (VIPERIN) FROM ROCK

FISH, Sebastes schlegeli AND ITS RESPONSES UPON IMMUNE STIMULI
M.S.Mothishri, William Shanthakumar Thulasitha*, Navaneethaiyer Umasuthan, and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences,

Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
E-mail: thulasiwilliam@gmail.com, mothis03@gmail.com
Virus inhibitory endoplasmic reticulum (Viperin) is an antiviral gene that is induced by different viruses, which is localized
to the endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets. This protein is identical to cig5 (cytomegalovirus-inducible gene 5) and have
been identified among all vertebrates. The major function of Viperin is to inhibit the replication of diverse DNA and RNA
viruses. Several studies have been reported that Viperin has involved in the innate immune responses. In the current study, we
have characterized Viperin gene from rock fish, Sebastes schlegeli (RfViperin) and studied its expressional levels upon immune
challenges.
The complete cDNA of RfViperin is 2334 bp in length, containing an ORF of 1050 bp encoding a protein of 349 amino
acids (aa) with a predicted 22 aa signal peptide, ELp3- elongator protein 3 belongs to radical SAM superfamily (61-269 aa).
Theoretical molecular weight and isoelectric point of RfViperin predicted were 40.2 kDa and 6.67. In comparison of RfViperin
with other orthologs showed the highest similarity (92.7%) to that of rock bream. Generally, more than 50% similarity was
observed among all vertebrates including mammals.
The quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis was performed by SYBR Green qPCR assay and β-actin was used as internal
calibrator. The RfViperin transcripts were ubiquitously expressed in all the tissues analyzed and highest expression was observed
in peripheral blood cells (PBCs) followed by spleen. The mRNA expression significantly showed an up-regulated expression
upon poly I:C challenge. Moreover the transcript level rose in both PBCs (>50 fold) and spleen (>250 fold) of challenged
animals. These results suggest that RfViperin is modulated by the viral invasion and might be involved in the innate immune
responses, in a manner that most likely facilitating the antiviral defense.
294
DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION (INCLUDING USE OF ANTIBIOTICS)
John R. MacMillan*
Clear Springs Foods, Inc.

P.O. Box 712
Buhl, Idaho 83316
randy.macmillan@clearsprings.com
Aquatic animal diseases will occur. Some diseases will be significant but others relatively minor. Some diseases will cause
significant mortality, and some will affect animal growth and feed conversion efficiency. Diseases can be infectious with
considerable potential to move between wild and farmed populations, or between farm units. Diseases may also occur
because of poor environmental conditions, poor animal handling practices, nutritional imbalances or deficiencies, genetic
and developmental disturbances, or drug and chemical exposures. Some disease treatment chemicals or drugs have potential
to accumulate in edible portions, to cause adverse environmental or ecosystem impacts, or can foster drug resistance among
infectious organisms that have zoonotic potential. Some potential disease treatments are illegal. How we as aquaculturists
prevent and manage aquatic animal diseases will affect our economic success but also color public perceptions and potentially,
consumer acceptance of our products.
Fortunately, various elements of effective, ethical, and legal health management practices are available. Implementation of
stringent biosecurity programs help prevent the introduction of significant infectious disease pathogens. Farm site selection
and design may dictate how successful biosecurity programs can be. A protected water supply free of wild aquatic animals
is more bio-secure than an open system. Excluding fish eating birds from production units will limit the spread of infectious
organisms at the same time reduce predation. Using water of appropriate quality for the particular type of aquatic animal will
be crucial. Finding and maintaining an optimal aquatic animal stocking density will be critical. Using well balanced diets and
preventing over-feeding or under-feeding is important. The use of legally available (e.g. approved) pathogen specific vaccines
to prevent infectious diseases has proven effective in many production systems. Prompt and accurate disease diagnosis is
extremely important. Professionals (e.g. veterinarians and fish pathologists) with sufficient training in aquatic animal health
matters should make diagnoses. Professionals making treatment recommendations should account for the type of disease
and its potential economic impact. At times, no treatment may be preferred or simply improving aquatic animal handling
practices may be sufficient. If an antibiotic or other drug is used, it must be one federally approved or used under the guidance
of a licensed veterinarian. In the US, all medicated feeds will soon be limited to use only under a Veterinary Feed Directive.
Ensuring compliance with labeled medicated feed withdrawal times will go far to ensure maintenance of public health and
safety. Proactive programs that prevent aquatic animal disease and are compliant with governmental regulations have proven
their financial benefit while simultaneously demonstrating to the public and customers alike, that disease management practices
can be ethical, and sustainable.
295
DIGESTIBILITY OF DIFFERENT LIPIDS IN CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus puntatus
Andrew Maina*, Rebecca Lochmann, Steve Rawles, and Kurt Rosentrater

mainaa6448@uapb.edu
The digestibility of lipids in catfish is assumed to be high, but there is little experimental data to verify the assumption.
Numerous lipid sources have been used to supply energy and essential fatty acid requirements of catfish. However, the lipids
differ greatly in fatty acid composition, as well as other lipid classes such as phospholipids and sterol content, which can
all affect digestibility. Digestibility coefficients for lipids could be used in least-cost feed formulations to improve the cost-
effectiveness of catfish diets when different lipid sources are being considered. Therefore, the objective of this study is to
determine the digestibility of different lipid sources in channel catfish, including some conventional sources and some with
potential to improve the fatty acid profile of catfish for human health. Six diets formulated to meet the nutrient requirements
of channel catfish were supplemented with 4% lipid as soybean oil, flaxseed oil, menhaden fish oil, poultry fat, catfish offal
oil, or soybean oil enhanced with conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs)(Table 1). Yttrium oxide was used as the inert marker, and
diets were extruded at Iowa State University. Ten channel catfish (150 g-200 g) were stocked into each of six 110-L aquariums
modified for fecal collection. One diet was randomly assigned to each tank. Fish are being fed their respective diets in the
morning followed by fecal collection after 7 hours and every hour thereafter until fecal production stops. Fecal collection will
continue until sufficient feces are collected for proximate, fatty acid, and yttrium analysis. The digestibility trial will be repeated
in triplicate, with diets randomly assigned to treatment at the beginning of each trial. Results will be presented at the meeting.
296
A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM’S INITIATVE TO INTEGRATE AQUAPONICS INTO

MIDDLE AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Joseph C. Mallon*, Cherie A. Sukovich
Sustainable Earth Academy

20750 Jamie Road
North Fort Myers, FL 33917
jmallon59@yahoo.com
The Sustainable Earth Academy partnered with a local high school program which has a commercial level aquaculture facility to
reinforce the lessons taught in the classroom. The high school program teaches sustainability through aquaponics, recirculating
freshwater aquaculture, and alternative energies in its Academy of Natural Resources Program. Since the scholastic advantages
of the integration of aquaponics into a high school curriculum have already been documented, the Academy of Natural
Resources wanted to stimulate more interest in aquaponics at the elementary and middle school levels to increase background
knowledge of students before entering the Academy at the high school level. However, the benefits to the students at the lower
levels proved more than anticipated.
To accomplish this task of spreading aquaponics to other schools, the lead teacher of the Academy of Natural Resources wrote
a grant to build five mobile aquaponics systems with lesson plans to be distributed to local middle schools. The systems
were designed on utility cart to be easily moved from classroom to classroom to maximize exposure to the students. A 30
gallon aquarium on the bottom shelf was stocked with tilapia fingerlings. The top shelf contained an aquaponics float bed
constructed from a concrete mixing tub from the local home improvement store. Each school was provided with instructions,
troubleshooting guidelines, feed and additives to maintain pH, and lesson plans. The systems were distributed to four middle
schools and one elementary. The Academy of Natural Resources also served as consultant and provided equipment to one
additional elementary and one additional middle school who were willing to manage a larger, more complex aquaponics system.
The systems and materials were distributed to all schools in November and returned in May for a seven month trial. One school
returned the system in pieces and had obviously not utilized the system as intended and did not seek assistance. However, the
other four schools experienced varying levels of success. Two of the middle schools had a positive experience and were able
to produce crops about half of the trial period. The remaining middle school experienced such success that they requested to
keep the system over the summer break to expand and have more opportunities the following school year. The one elementary
school experienced significant success and was able to produce crops the entire trial period. The consultative schools returned
the fish for continued grow-out and will run the program again next year.
Although there were several successes, challenges to be addressed were also uncovered. These include proper selection of
teachers, scheduled follow-up and monitoring, and the need for a contract to ensure equipment returns in the same condition.
Even with these challenges, the overall initiative was a success and will be repeated to affect more students.
297
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VARIOUS AQUACULTURE CROPS AS APPLIED

IN A SECONDARY PUBLIC SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
Joseph C. Mallon*, Cherie A. Sukovich

20750 Jamie Road
jmallon59@yahoo.com
The care of any aquaculture crop is well known to be a twenty-four/seven, three-hundred sixty-five day a year commitment.
However, some crops are better suited for the traditional public school calendar of ten months with multiple extended breaks.
The Sustainable Earth Academy partnered with a local high school program which has a commercial level aquaculture facility to
reinforce the lessons taught in the classroom. The program teaches sustainability through aquaponics, recirculating freshwater
aquaculture, and alternative energies in its Academy of Natural Resources Program.
A traditional educational system only provides nine months of direct supervision of students. This leaves two months in summer
and several extended periods of unsupervised and unstaffed facilities which is difficult to maintain a healthy environment
for many aquaculture crops. For this reason many schools choose to cultivate tilapia which requires little care and can be
unattended for extended periods. However, other crops can provide more educational opportunities and still comply with the
constraints of the public school calendar.
One such crop is Macrobrachium rossiburgii, freshwater prawns. Although the initial mortality can be troublesome, prawns
have a high interest level with the students. Additionally, housing options and creation creates multiple opportunities for
project and inquiry based learning and research prospects. A disadvantage is the space required to successfully raise them, but
many solutions are readily available. Baitfish is another viable option that can also be very profitable. The main advantages are
that most current aquaculture systems can easily be adapted if necessary to raise baitfish, students can experience the business
side of aquaculture, and most species are quite hardy requiring little care over breaks. A less traditional option is plants, such as
mangroves (red and black perform best), pickerelweed, cordgrass and other wetland plants. The main advantage to cultivating
plants is the easy of care over weekends, breaks, and summer. Additionally, plants are less sensitive to temperature changes and
can be raised outdoors to take advantage of natural conditions, reducing the need for equipment. A significant disadvantage is
pests that require constant attention since most schools are not allowed to utilize chemical pesticides. However, proper spacing
and health can reduce or eliminate this hurdle.
Regardless of crop choice, it is important for secondary school programs to expose students to as many options are possible to
maintain a quality program that prepares our students for the future of aquaculture.
298
WOMEN AS STUDENTS AT MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY AND THEN AS

PROFESSIONALS IN MINDANAO AQUACULTURE
Arlyn Mandas* and Konrad Dabrowski
College of Fisheries
Mindanao State University (MSU)
General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines
(arlynmandas@yahoo.com)
Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines where aquaculture is so conducive thus dominates in the production of
fish over municipal and commercial fishing. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that Mindanao in
the year 2012 contributed 41.7% of the total aquaculture production in the country. Majority of those who are involved in the
aquaculture industry in Mindanao are men with women in the background. However, the training of students in the academe
has greatly helped propel women to have an active participation in Aquaculture.
Mindanao State University is a premier university in Mindanao which trains students in Aquaculture through its College of
Fisheries. This College has 13 faculty (54% are women), a 6 person staff and more than 600 undergraduate students enrolled.
Sixty one percent of students in the College are women.
As women have become more empowered, they gain confidence to take greater responsibilities and make significant impact
in the development of the aquaculture industry.The women have obtained key roles in all aspects of aquaculture in Mindanao
from seed production, grow-out culture to marketing. Women have also involvement in research and extension activities in
institutions with aquaculture undertakings.
299
BOOSTER SPROUTING: A NEW ERA OF SAVING TIME AND SPACE IN AQUAPONICS
Mostafa Mandour*, Neil Rutherford, Justin King, Dean Meredith, Craig Lawrence

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University
Ismailia, Egypt 41522
mostafa_mandour@vet.suez.edu.eg
Aquaponics was developed as an alternative to extensive farming, benefitting growers by saving land, water, and providing
food. Different aquaponics systems use water in a similar manner, but one common challenge is to maximise the efficient use
of space as defined by production per square meter. In this context, a promising system has been developed that uses a vertical
tower; in the form of an aeroponic system, in contrast to more traditional horizontal aquaponic plant production systems.
The aim of this research was to test the difference in growth between sprouted and booster sprouted lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (50 fish/tank) in 3 identical vertical towers (Figure 1). Booster sprouted refers to
plants that were grown in an aquaponic system in a greenhouse for the first 25 days then transferred to the towers.
This experiment took place over a period of 42 days, at the University of Western Australia Field Station, Aquaculture and
Native Fish Breeding Laboratory, Shenton Park, Western Australia, Australia.
Results showed the advantage of booster sprouting in a greenhouse compared with regular sprouting in an aquaponics system.
The initial weight of lettuce was 1.2 g/20 plants whilst the final average weight of plants sprouted in the traditional manner
(Figure 2) was 8.9 g and 209 g for booster sprouted ones (Figure 3).
As space requirements at early stages of plant growth is much smaller, these findings help in finding an efficient way to save
time and space while also maximising production.
300
SPRING FESTIVALS AND FISH PRICES IN EGYPT
Mostafa Mandour
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University

Ismailia, Egypt 41522
mostafa_mandour@vet.suez.edu.eg
Being salted and marketed, flat head grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) known as ‘Feseekh’ is served during spring festivities
in Egypt. Many Egyptians psychologically link spring with Feseekh and/or smoked herring (Clupea species) consumption.
Domestic consumption of fish generally increases during spring. This investigation used data published by Central Agency for
Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) from 2005 to 2014. The monthly price pattern of Tilapia (Oreochromis species)
and mullet (Figure 1) during spring had been investigated to evaluate spring effect on fish retail prices. Moreover; production,
consumption, and imports of herring during (2000 - 2001 to 2010 - 2011) (Figure 2) were examined in details. Results showed
that spring has a significant effect on fish prices in Egypt, and that a dramatic increase in smoked herring imports is prevailing
in the past few years
301
DIGITAL HISTOPATHOLOGY APPLICATIONS IN THE MODERN AQUATIC DIAGNOSTIC

LABORATORY
David Marancik*, James Hoare
Fish Vet Group

350 Commercial Street
Portland, Maine 04101
david.marancik@fishvetgroup.com
Histopathology has long been used as a diagnostic tool for human and animal diseases including aquatic species. Despite
the increased use of molecular diagnostics, histopathology still continues to play an important role in disease investigation in
aquatic species. In addition, the introduction of digital technology enhances the evaluation and sharing of material and provides
a platform for powerful image analysis tools. This presentation will explore the role and benefits of histology and digital
pathology in a modern aquatic diagnostic laboratory and their direct application for veterinarians and the aquaculture industry.
302
INTER-INDIVIDUAL GROWTH DIFFERENCES IN SPAT OF MANILA CLAM Ruditapes

philippinarum: DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION ANALYSIS
Pablo Markaide*, Jorge Langa, Enrique Navarro and Andone Estonba
Laboratory of Animal Physiology. Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology
Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country, 644 P. K., E-48080 Bilbo, Basque
Country, Spain
E-mail:ppablerass@hotmail.com
Bivalves show great intra specific variability in the growth rate, both in natural populations and cultivated, involving great
potential economic impact in aquaculture industry. Physiological processes underlying observed inter-individual growth
differences in Manila clam have been identified (Tamayo et al, 2011 (1)) as corresponding to acquisition and metabolic efficiency
models of growth differentiation proposed by Bayne (1999 (2)). However, molecular aspects of these complex physiological
traits are difficult to ascertain. Recently, massive sequencing technologies (NGS) has enabled transcriptome analysis in model
organisms. In this study, NGS is applied to compare gene expression between Fast (F) and Slow (S) growers.
A controlled spawning event was carried out for the creation of an F1 generation using ~ 200 individuals as broodstock.
Individuals were maintained in optimal nutritional conditions. After 2 months the two extremes of the size distribution were
selected for sequencing (live weight: F≈210mg; S≈50mg ). To measure gene expression in each F1 sample, individualized
libraries were created for 100bp Paired end Hiseq2000 sequencing. Parentals were also dissected to support the interpretation
of juvenile data. Four different tissues (gill, digestive gland, gonad and mantle) were sequenced, pooling apart male and female
individuals.
A mean of 60 million reads were obtained per individual, totaling 2200 million reads. After cleaning those reads with
Trimmomatic (Bolger et al, 2014 (3)), individual assemblies were made with Trinity (Grabherr et al, 2011 (4)) and the resulting
contigs were clustered in a single reference. With Blast searches against NCBI non-redundant database and result filtering,
single contigs were obtained per locus and edgeR was used for differential gene analysis. F and S transcriptome comparison
showed genes related to protein metabolism, energy metabolism and feeding regulation functions. Further studies are needed
to identify useful genetic markers in breeding clams.
(1) Tamayo D, et al. 2011. Aquaculture 321:113-120

(2) Bayne, B. L. 1999. Phys. Biochem. Zool, 72705-713
(3) Bolger A, et al. 2014. Bioinformatics. doi: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btu170
(4) Grabherr MG, et al. 2011. Nat Biotechnol. 15;29(7):644-52.
303
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT’S FISH HATCHERY BIOSECURITY AND

ANS PROTOCOLS: DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
Juan G. Martinez*, Carl Kittel
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Athens, Texas 75752
Juan.martinez@tpwd.texas.gov
The recent confirmation of Zebra Mussels Dreissena polymorpha in Texas waters has highlighted the need for effective
biosecurity for Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) hatcheries and equipment used for stocking public waters. Hatcheries stock
fish into public water by draining hauling units or by netting. Before stocking, fish are often tempered in the hauling tanks using
water from the stocking sites. As a result, there are many opportunities for spreading aquatic nuisance species among water
bodies or back to the hatcheries. Using a HACCP process to develop procedures and protocols to reduce risks is discussed. The
TPWD protocol is reviewed, including discussion of fingerling stocking and related equipment sanitation, stocking split loads
of fish to multiple sites, transfers of fish among hatcheries and introduction of fish from the wild or commercial suppliers into
the hatcheries.
304
THE EFFECT OF Glomus intraradices AND Trichoderma asperellum IN GROWTH AND YIELD
OF HABANERO PEPPER Capsicum chinense PRODUCED IN AN AQUAPONIC SYSTEM
Romy Martinez and Manuel Segovia
Investigación Científica y Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana No.

3918, Zona Playitas, C.P 22860, Ensenada, Baja California, México
romartin@cicese.edu.mx
The aquaponics systems are currently used to produce plants using the high concentration of nutrients produced by the recirulating
aquaculture system where the fish are grown. The plants cultured in the aquaponic systems are affected by root pathogens and
have a direct effect in survival and yield. An ecological approach to root diseased caused by fungus is the use of antagonistic
fungus (Glomus intraradices and Trichoderma asperellum). In this experiment we use four treatments to study such effect: 1)
habanero pepper plants (HPP) inoculated with G. intraradices, 2) HPP inoculated with T. asperellum, 3) HPP inoculated with
G. intraradices and T. asperellum, and 4) control or non inoculated HPP. Throughout the experiment we evaluate water quality
(NAT, NO2, NO3, PO4, T, pH, EC, TDS, DO and alkalinity). In the root system we evaluated G. intraradices colonization rate
and in plants the effect of this fungus in HPP growth and yield. HPP inoculated with G. intraradices and T. asperellum showed a
higher vegetative and more homogenous growth (113 ± 6.12 cm) (Figure 1) with a 42% root colonization. In this treatment HPP
absorbed 90.43% of PO4 and 65.11% per pass. The higher yield was obtained in HPP inoculated with T. asperellum (25,599 kg
fruit per system, 1.66 kg per plant). No root pathogens were detected in the root system throughout the experiment.
305
GROWTH RESPONSE AND BODY COMPOSTION OF Labeo rohita AND Oreochromis niloticus
FED WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PROBIOTICS
Abdul Mateen* and Misbah Noureen
Department of Zoology and Fisheries

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Pakistan.
*mateen117@uaf.edu.pk
To cope with the ever-increasing demand of aquaculture production many efforts have been made in the field of fish nutrition,
especially under semi-intensive and intensive culture conditions. Use of probiotics in fish feed is a new and effective tool to
ehance fish health and growth by providing better microbial balance in intestine and maximum utilization of feed without the
risk of disease. Considering this key fact, a sixty days experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplemented
feed on growth rate and body composition of Labeo rohita and Oreochromis niloticus. A mixture of four bactarial strains, i.e.
Lactobacillus acidophillus LA-5, Bifidobacterium BB-12, Lactobacillus debrueckil ssp.bulgericus LBY-27, Streptococcus
thermophilus STY-31, was used at the levels of 2, 4, 6 and 8 % of 30% CP feed given @ 6% of body weight daily to fish.
The experiment was conducted in glass aquria of 80 liter water capcity, having 15 fishes of each species with three replicates.
Average total weight gain (WG) increased highly significantly with the increased levels of probiotics in the case of both species.
With refrence to species, O. nilticus, highly significantly gained almost double body weight than L. rohita. At the highest
selected level (8% of feed) L. rohita gained 177.14 % and O. niloticus gained 372.79 % body weight. Level of 8% probitic
inclusion showed significantly better gain in body weight in the case of both species. Maximum specific growth rate (SGR)
2.78, was shown by O. niloticus under 8 % probitic level, L. rohita also showed maximum SGR i.e. 1.82 under the same level.
Maximum protein contnets i.e. 26.6 % for L. rohita and 25.9% for O niloticus were recorded at highest selected probiotic level
(8 % of feed). Fat contents remained under 1.9% in the case of both species and all the treatments.
306
DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS OF AQUACULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE SOUTH OF

RUSSIA
G.G. Matishov & E.N. Ponomareva
Federal State Institution of Science the Sothern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
344006 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
E mail: kafavb@mail.ru
Because of the loss of marine biological resources under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors in the basins of
the southern seas of Russia, the transition to the management of fisheries by means of aquaculture, the cultivation of aquatic
organisms under controlled conditions both for the obtaining of high-quality food product and the preservation of the gene pool
of fish species becomes promising (Morkovtsev, 2008; Matishov, Ponomareva, 2014).
Available raw material base of the Russian fishery is about 40 million tons; however, the annual Russian catches in recent years
are limited to the value of 4-4.3 million tons (2013). In the Volga-Caspian fisheries basin the total catch in 2013 amounted to
39.6 thousand tons. In the Azov-Black Sea fisheries basin the catch of all aquatic bio-resources in 2013 totalled 30.1 thousand
tons. These basins give up to 0.7-0.8% of the total catch in Russia.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the rise and development of aquaculture, the
increase of food production in this sector, on average by 9-10% per year has been observed in the world in recent years (FAO,
2013).
The southern regions of Russia take the second place by the number of hatcheries located in the country – 18%. The average
annual number of people employed in the fisheries sector in Russia is 9,159 thousand people, of them in the South – 4,158
thousand people (45.3%).
The analysis of climatic and economic factors and consumer demand in the South of Russia indicates that a variety of areas of
aquaculture develops rather actively: pond, industrial fish farming in the heated waters of HEPS and TPS and trout farming in
foothill areas, pasture based in lakes, limans, and reservoirs, as well as mariculture in the Sea of Azov, Black and Caspian Seas.
The issues of aquaculture objects’ cultivation in the modular water recirculation systems have been actively discussed recently;
the sites have been selected, projects and novel approaches to and methods of obtaining such valuable products as caviar –
developed.
SSC RAS comprehensive biotechnology for the production of environmentally-friendly and -clean sturgeon fish products in
recirculation system, preventing climatic risks, is a set of techniques and methods of fish cultivation under fully controlled
conditions and according to intensified production principles.
Latest developed and modernized methods allow producing the final product (commodity fish, caviar) stably within the specified
time with the required size-weight characteristics, which are in demand on the market.
“Green” biotechnologies are highly relevant for the southern regions of Russia: the cultivation of aquatic organisms in water
recirculation systems using the vertical design of cultivation of fish, hydroponics (plants), crayfish, and vermiculture. Such
integrated bio-complexes with the application of novel technological methods occupy a small space and can be used at family-
run fish farms.
307
MOBILE PHONE USE IN UGANDAN AQUACULTURE: FARMER EXPERIENCES AND

ASPIRATIONS
Moureen Matuha*, J. J. Molnar, G. Atukunda, M. Beraho, J. Walakira, S. Namatovu, T. Huhya, J. Bukenya,

S. Naigaga
AquaFish Innovation Lab Uganda-Kenya Project

301 Comer Hall
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849-5406
mzm0091@auburn.edu
Improving fish culture productivity is one of the most pressing issues for African aquaculture. Although mobile phones are
no silver bullet, their widespread availability and flexibility position the technology as a necessary component of sustainable
improvements in farm practice. Coupled with corresponding innovation in existing social and institutional arrangements,
mobile phones have the potential to make significant contributions to increase income for small-scale fish farmers. As mobile
phones converge with other mobile devices such as netbooks and tablets, the opportunities proliferate. Affordability will remain
an issue, but cell phone capability and market penetration grow. Old style extension approaches must be supplanted (or at least
supplemented) by mechanisms that provide for widespread dissemination of technical information to stimulate and support the
adoption of productivity increasing practices. Technical guidance, product assembly, and price discovery are but three of the
many fundamental applications of cell phones in aquaculture. Fishers and farmers use cell phones to get market prices to know
where to sell products. Fish farmers use them for extension support and to arrange for feed and seed.
The present study develops baseline information about the needs and interests of fish farmers in order to induce public agencies,
nongovernmental organizations, and cellular service provides to facilitate the use of cell phone as a means to guide, coordinate,
and instruct fish farmers. Focus group discussions with Ugandan fish farmers were conducted in five Uganda districts: Masaka,
Mukono, Mpigi, Bushenyi and Kalungu, These discussions took place in the months of May, June, July and August 2014.
A focus group interview guide was used to explore experiences and aspirations of 48 Ugandan fish farmers (14women and 34
men) about the use of mobile phones in aquaculture. The main focus was on knowing how fish farmers have used mobile phones
to acquire fish farming information and technical guidance; and obtaining inputs on the content and design of information for
improving and expanding existing cell-based system. The main findings reveal that cell phone use is common among fish
farmers, but that intermediary farmers play an important role in connecting producers to markets and suppliers.
308
IMPACT OF CHILLER FAILURE ON THERMAL SHOCK IN THE INCUBATION OF SOCKEYE

SALMON (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Desmond Maynard*, John Colt
National Marine Fisheries Service

2725 Montlake Blvd. East
Seattle, WA 98112
des.maynard@noaa.gov
In salmon recovery programs it is commonly necessary to

chill incubation and early rearing temperatures to match wild
development times. Two common types of chiller systems are
shown in Figure 1. The most common failure mode for a chiller
system is failure of the chiller or loss of site power. Loss of the
primary water supply is less common because this system generally
has a back-up motor generator set. Sharp increases in incubation
water temperature can result in embryo deformity or death. The
objective of this research is to document the temperature variation
of the two types of chiller systems and develop design criteria for
chiller systems used in salmon incubation/early rearing. Current
work is based on examination of the buffered chiller systems at
Burley Creek Hatchery; additional work will be conducted on the
direct-coupled chiller systems.
During normal operation, the chiller cycles on and off every 60

minutes and the temperature in glycol reservoir varies between
2.9 to 4.6°C (Figure 2). This temperature variation is transmitted
through the cold-water reservoir and into incubation buckets. The
magnitude is reduced and delayed as it moves to the incubation
buckets.
After chiller failure, the temperature rises from about 5°C to above
13°C over about 350 minutes. When the chiller is turned back
on, the temperature decreases rapidly. The maximum temperature
changes for 30, 60, 90 minutes for chiller failure and recovery are
presented in Table 4. For this system, the maximum temperature
change occurs when the chiller is turned back on.
309
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY IN AQUACULTURE – INTRODUCED SPECES AND/OR

EXOTICS
Patricia M. Mazik *
U.S. Geological Survey

West Virginia Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Units
West Virginia University
322 Percival Hall
Morgantown, WV 26506-6125
pmazik@wvu.edu
Non-native species (also called introduced species or exotics) may be raised in aquaculture to meet a market demand, to
diversify products, or for their beneficial aquaculture characteristics. There are also concerns about the potential effects of non-
native species on the environment if they escape from culture systems. These concerns include introduction of pathogens and
parasites, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and genetic alterations of indigenous species.
The above topics will be discussed and will include identifying real and perceived ethical conflicts that aquaculture currently
faces pertaining to non-native species, potential concerns in the future and suggestions on how to avoid or minimize these
concerns.
310
IODOPHOR DISINFECTANT IS TOXIC TO GOLDEN SHINER Notemigonus crysoleucas AND

FATHEAD MINNOW Pimephales promelas EGGS
Kayla McCoy* and Nathan Stone
1200 North University Drive
mccoyk@uapb.edu
An iodophor solution (polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine, PVP iodine) is commonly recommended for surface disinfection of fish
eggs. However, eggs of some fish species have been reported to be extremely sensitive to iodine. Golden shiners Notemigonus
crysoleucas and fathead minnow Pimephales promelas are major farm-raised baitfish species. The objective of this study was
to test a buffered 10% PVP iodine product on fertilized eggs of these two species to determine if it could be safely used as a
disinfectant at the current recommended rate of 100 ppm for 10 min. In May 2014, golden shiner and fathead minnow eggs
were removed from spawning materials using a 1.5% sodium sulfite solution. Aliquots (1 mL) of eggs were photographed
and egg numbers determined. Each aliquot was then transferred to a hatching tube. Water flow (35 mL/min) in each tube was
controlled by the use of a peristaltic pump. Golden shiner eggs were exposed to flow-through treatments of 0, 100, or 200 ppm
iodophor solution, and fathead minnow eggs were exposed to 0, 50, or 100 ppm treatments, for 10 minutes after being put into
the hatching tubes. Each treatment had four replicates. After two hours and after 24 hours, eggs of both species in all treatments
were treated with 500 ppm formalin solution for 15 minutes. Fry hatched after three days, and fry from each tube were collected
in a screened bottom cup, euthanized with an overdose of MS-222, photographed and counted. Golden shiner egg counts per
1-mL aliquot averaged 564 ± 105 (mean ± SD), while fathead minnow eggs per 1 mL averaged 487 ± 44. Percent mortality data
were arcsine transformed. The iodophor treated golden shiner and fathead minnow eggs both had significantly higher mortality
rates than the controls (P <0.001) (Table 1).
A
311
EFFECT OF CONTRASTING AGENTS ON SURVIVAL, PERFORMANCE, AND CONDITION

OF LARVAL HYBRID STRIPED BASS Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis IN TANKS
Matthew McEntire *1, Marty Riche 1, Benjamin H. Beck 1, and Doug Carter 2
1
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center
Stuttgart, Arkansas, 72160 USA // Matthew.McEntire@ARS.USDA.GOV
2
KaMin, LLC, Macon, GA, USA
Turbidity is important in the tank culture of larval cannibalistic fish. The principal goal of these studies were to characterize the
utility and feasibility of select contrasting agents, either algae or inert soil, at improving sunshine bass survival and uniformity
of size at time of weaning to an artificial diet. The two concurrent experiments evaluated the impact of algal density, i.e.
greenwater, or the impact of dispersed kaolin relative to greenwater or clearwater on hybrid striped bass fry performance. Four
day post hatch (dph) larvae were cultured on L-type rotifers, micro-cyst and regular cyst Artemia with their respective tank
water treatments applied once daily. Prior to feeding on 19 dph (experiment 1) or 21 dph (experiment 2), sub-samples of fish
(n > 70 per tank) were photographed under a dissecting scope for morphometric analysis. The fish were measured for standard,
fork, tail, and total length along with body depth (immediately posterior to the swimbladder). On day 20 dph (experiment 1)
or 22 dph (experiment 2), fish in each tank were bulk weighed to the nearest 0.1 mg and four sub-samples collected, weighed,
and enumerated to determine average fish weight per tank as well as survival.
The optimum tested range of greenwater culture for hybrid striped bass using algae paste once daily was between 629 - 1127
mg/m3 (350 - 583 cell/mL). Dispersed kaolin worked as well as greenwater culture. Using contrasting agents improved fish
length, condition, tail length ratio (TLR), and uniformity of the fish at the time of weaning onto prepared diets. Increasing
turbidity appears to skew fish length and TLR toward larger values. Tail length ratio shows promise as an early indicator of
cannibalism. Increasing turbidity appears to decrease the size advantage of the largest fish in the tank, which allows the smallest
fish to catch-up.
312
COLOR ENHANCEMENT IN THE FALSE PERCULA CLOWNFISH Amphiprion ocellaris

(CUVIER 1830)
Ewen McLean,* Steven R. Craig, Frederick (Rick) T. Barrows and Stephen Craig
Claflin University
400 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
emclean@claflin.edu
Amphiprion ocellaris, also known as the false clown anemonefish or common clownfish, is a tropical marine species of the
family Pomacentridae. These reef-associated, non-migratory fishes are distributed across the Indo-West Pacific, with a range
that extends north to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands and south to Queensland. Depending on location, A. ocellaris can vary
in color from orange to reddish-brown to black. The species has three white bands on the head and body which are delineated
from the main body color by black margins that are sometimes difficult to discern. The relative hardiness, swimming behavior,
coloration and symbiotic relationship with anemones, has made clownfish popular aquarium species and many countries export
them to the EU and North America. A decline in natural populations resulting from over-exploitation and coral reef habitat
degradation due to pollution, climate change and anthropomorphic challenges, has resulted in a growing aquaculture of the
species. A major problem hindering ornamental fish aquaculture is the production of animals that accurately replicate the
colors of their wild counterparts. This is important since the retail value of clownfish and other ornamental reef fishes is highly
dependent on coloration; with more vivid specimens being of greater worth.
To determine whether a Nereid worm meal (Lyo-P Gold®) could augment body coloration, a 12 week feeding trial examined
the effect of adding two levels (20 and 35% of the diet by weight) of the supplement to experimental feeds. The study was
divided in two viz. 8 wk. feeding supplemented diets and a 4 wk. recovery period to establish whether enhanced color was
sustained without further additions of supplement. Body color was assessed using a Minolta CR2000 chroma meter, by a
12 person panel and a custom image analysis program. Results demonstrated that supplemental Lyo-P Gold® significantly
enhanced fish coloration (Fig. 1) when compared against an OtohimeTM fed control group.
313
A PALEOLITHIC GENESIS FOR AQUACULTURE
Ewen McLean* and Khalfan Al-Rashdi
Claflin University
400 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
emclean@claflin.edu
Humans express the prime encephalization quotient (7.44). Our augmented brain size and associated “rewiring”, which began
in earnest some 6 MY ago, could only have occurred with improved nutrition. Because docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and
arachidonic acid (AA) are critically important to brain growth, it has been suggested (see: Cunnane and Stewart {2010} Human
Brain Evolution: The influence of freshwater and marine food resources. Wiley-Blackwell) that our ancestors derived these
nutrients through coastal living. Indeed many archaeological sites, encompassing 2 MY of hominid antiquity (Homo habilis,
H. erectus, H. sapiens, and H. neanderthalensis), record the presence of aquatic animal remains. Sometimes, these remnants
occur as so-called køkkenmødding: that is heaps of refuse that substantiate hominid activity and, in the case of sedentary
communities, for extended periods of time. Occasionally, køkkenmødding are dominated by marine shells which have accrued
over many hundreds of years; other sites, comprising 20,000 m3 or more of shells (megamiddens) accumulated over thousands
of years, are believed to represent processing sites; it is these remains that are of particular interest when considering the origins
of aquaculture.
Paleolithic hunter-gatherer (HG) societies are generally portrayed as practicing gender and age division of labor, with females,
the young and aged being exclusively engaged in gathering while healthy males hunted. This image has recently been revised
and it is apparent that large game hunting was limited; scavenging perhaps was more significant. Thus, it is likely that all
members (children through adults) of a HG group participated in gathering food and supplies. Under these circumstances,
one might anticipate significant variations in shell size for collected marine mollusks yet, while shell middens are extremely
complex and difficult to excavate, it does appear that shell size was constrained. Evidence to substantiate selection for size
at harvest, which represents and incipient element of aquaculture, is the prolonged time that active mollusk harvesting was
sustained. Organisms that inhabit the intertidal zone of rocky shores are some of the most susceptible to over-exploitation and
even extinction. Vigorous indiscriminate harvesting over hundreds of years would assuredly have led to ecological imbalance
that would be discernible in the midden record; but it is not. We present an analysis of shell length/size from a number of
archaeological sites, and other data, in an effort to draw nearer to the origins of aquaculture.
314
GROWTH INHIBITION OF Aeromonas salmonicida AND Yersinia ruckeri BY DISINFECTANTS

CONTAINING PERACETIC ACID
Thomas Meinelt*, Sascha Behrens, Lars-Flemming Pedersen, Dibo Liu, and David L. Straus
* Department of Ecophysiology and Aquaculture, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland
Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 301, 12587 Berlin, Germany
Peracetic acid is a therapeutic agent used for disinfection, but it must be investigated in order to mitigate diseases without
harmful effects to the fish. These agents should not leave dangerous residues in the environment in order to successfully
contribute to sustainable aquaculture. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of six commercial PAA products
with different molecular PAA: H2O2 ratios to reduce bacterial growth of A. salmonicida and Y. ruckeri, and to determine
effective concentrations and exposure times.
All products reduced CFUs of A. salmonicida and Y. ruckeri. Products with a higher concentration of PAA (versus H2O2)
did inhibit growth better than products with lower PAA and higher H2O2 concentrations; H2O2 is not the driving force in the
reduction of A. salmonicida and Y. ruckeri growth by PAA in vitro. The practical application of the products with high PAA
concentration should be prioritized if these pathogens are diagnosed.
315
EFFECT OF MICROORGANISMS WITH PROBIOTIC POTENTIAL IN WATER QUALITY

AND GROWTH OF THE SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei (Decapoda: Penaeidae) IN INTENSIVE
CULTURE
Carolina Esther Melgar Valdes*, Alfonso Castillo Domínguez, Everardo Barba Macías,
Carlos Alfonso Álvarez-González, Cristian Tovilla Hernández, Alberto J. Sánchez,
Martha Alicia Perera García, Carlos Cuenca-Soria.
Laboratorio de Acuacultura, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Mexico. carolina.melgar@ujat.mx
The use of probiotics has gained acceptance in aquaculture, particularly in maintaining water quality and enhancing the growth
of organisms. This study analyzed the effect of the commercial (EMTM, Japan) added to the water, in order to determine its
effect in water quality, sediment and growth of L. vannamei under an intensive culture. This study indicated the positive effect
obtained with the use of this commercial probiotic, to improve culture conditions and growth parameters in an intensive culture
of L. vannamei.
Shrimp aquaculture, as well as other industries, constantly requires new techniques due to increasing production yield, mainly in
the control of diseases. Probiotics are defined as a live microbial adjunct which has a beneficial effect on the host by modifying
the host- associated or ambient microbial community, by ensuring improved use of the feed or enhancing its nutritional value,
by enhancing the host response towards disease, or by improving the quality of its ambient environment. This study analyzed the
effect of the commercial (EMTM, Japan) natural product composed by (Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Lactobacillus plantarum,
Lactobacillus casei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) added to the water, in order to determine its effect in water quality, sediment
and growth of L. vannamei under an intensive culture.
The evaluation included three treatments with a weekly addition of EM: i) tanks without probiotics (C), ii) tanks with a dose of
4L/ha (EM1) and iii) tanks with a dose of 10L/ha (EM2). A total of 4 350 shrimps were measured for total length and weight.
The survival rate was estimated. The use of probiotics allowed a shorter harvest time in treatments EM1 (90d) and EM2
(105d) with relation to the treatment C (120d). Treatments EM1 and EM2 were within the recommended intervals for culture,
with respect to treatment C. The use of probiotic bacteria significantly regulated pH (EM1, 8.03±0.33; EM2, 7.77±0.22; C,
9.08±0.35) and reduced nitrate concentration (EM1, 0.64±0.25mg/L; EM2, 0.39±0.26mg/L; C, 0.71 mg/L). Water pH mostly
explained the variance with respect to the treatments. The shrimp growth was influenced by dissolved oxygen, salinity and pH
in the sediment, establishing that salinity was the most important variable in the weight with a negative association.
316
WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL OF PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVES IN AQUACULTURE?
Rui A. Gonçalves*1; Gonçalo Santos*
*
BIOMIN Holding GMbH, Industriestrasse 21, 3130 Herzogenburg, Austria
1
contact: rui.goncalves@biomin.net
Aquaculture feed industry faces several important challenges in terms of efficient use of the raw materials, health management
and environmental impact. In recent years, high raw material prices and the awareness of consumers about food safety, enforced
producers to start pursuing solutions in order to improve the production performance through sustainable aquaculture practises.
Recently, phytogenic feed additives have gained considerable attention as an answer for those challenges. These phytogenic
active compounds can be applied through different strategies in order to improve feed efficiency, growth performance, disease
resistance and to reduce the ecological footprint.
Phytogenics can improve feed digestibility, especially for proteins and

amino acids. These effect is very well illustrated in a trial made with
gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) where dietary supplementation with
Digestarom® showed a significant reduction of FCR from 1.28 up to
1.12 (Figure 1); an improvement of weight gain (from 3.17 to 3.40g)
and specific growth rates (from 1.76 to 1.82 %.day-1). The results
also showed that a significant reduction of total nitrogenous losses,
which was clearly associated with lower metabolic losses (Figure 2).
Additionally, phytogenics can also be used as a tool for preventive
health management. The effect of Digestarom® on disease resistance
in white shrimp was evaluated in a trial performed in China. After
a supplementation period with Digestarom®, shrimps were injected
with 0.2 ml of Vibrio parahaemolyticus of 5 x 107 ind/ml. Results
showed that shrimp fed Digestarom® had increased resistance against
Vibrio parahaemolyticus in comparison with the control (Figure 3).
Through trials with different target market species, it is concluded

that Digestarom® significantly improved feed efficiency, growth
performance, fillet quality and disease resistance. The results have
implications for the rational use of raw materials in aquatic species but
also economic advantages and reductions in environmental impacts.
317
NEW, CONVENIENT, SIMPLE AND HIGHLY RELIABLE SETUP FOR REARING LARVAE
OF FRESHWATER FISH USING LIVE ROTIFERS
MacKenzie Miller*, Konrad Dabrowski, Radin Judith
School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, U.S.A.
miller.5039@osu.edu
The culture unit utilizes stagnant system of low volume allowing for replicated experiment with high density of larval fish,
continuous feeding and low maintenance. This system was tested with bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) larvae
obtained from Osage Catfisheries Co. (Osage Beach, MO) and shipped to Columbus. Three-day old larvae were counted into
6L containers, 40 larvae/L. Water in the rearing containers was maintained at 4 ppt salinity (Instant Ocean, Blacksburg, VA) and
light was provided 24h. Rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) were added several times during the day and were present and alive
24h. Food for rotifers was also provided (yeast and algae) that maintained high turbidity.
o
Three containers had direct illumination and this resulted in higher water temperature (26.9+0.7 C) (T26) in comparison to
shadowed containers (24.8+1.0) (T24). Samples of fish were taken after 1 week, and density was decreased to10 juveniles/L.
Survival after 1 week was 83+3, and 90+1%, respectively, and no mortality was recorded in week 2. The mean fish weight
was 168+37 and 161+8 mg (T26 and T 24, respectively) after 14 d of rearing, and this is fastest specific growth rate
(40-45%/day) ever recorded for larval fish.
Rotifer density was maintained at 118+41 and 57+10 ind/mL (just after feeding and prior to the next feeding) and turbidity
varied between 13.6+3 and 9+1 NTU, respectively. Gill development was examined histologically to address the
question regarding feeding mode of larvae and juveniles. Specifically, the filtering apparatus of juveniles at 14 mm in length
(L) was composed of elongated gill rakers that further developed into an elaborated branchial sieve in larger individuals (Fig.
1). Inter-raker distance of 52+14 um allowed efficient filtering of rotifers of lorica size 220 x 160 um.
318
THE 2014 NOAA BEAUFORT LAB ALGAL EATING CONTEST: FILTRATION RATES OF
DIPLOID AND TRIPLOID EASTERN OYSTERS Crassostrea virginica
Jacqueline Mitchell*, James A. Morris, Jr., Carol Seals Price

One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809
jmitchell103@g.rwu.edu
Previous research found that triploid oysters can grow faster than diploid oysters, but the mechanism behind the faster growth
rates is uncertain. One possible explanation is that triploid oysters filter food particles from the water column faster. In addition
to implications for optimizing oyster growth for aquaculture, the use of triploid oysters for water quality management and
mitigation is also of current interest. It would be beneficial to use oysters with the greatest filtration rate to extract excess
nutrients from coastal waters.
To examine this question, I tested the filtration rates of 6 groups of oysters to determine differences in algal filtration rates.
Captive diploid and triploid oysters from three different NC estuaries were used in replicate experiments. At the initiation of
each trial, individual oysters were offered a known quantity of a uni-algal food solution, and algal depletion was measured
every hour for 2-6 hours until the oysters had cleared all or most of the initial feed.
There were no significant differences in filtration rates between diploid and triploid oysters, among the three estuaries, or the
6 combinations of ploidy and location. However, there was variation in filtration rates between trials. It took between 2 and 6
hours for the oysters to clear the algae, but no clear reason for this was evident.
The results of this experiment do not demonstrate a higher algal filtration rate by triploid oysters, suggesting that another
mechanism may be contributing to the observed increased growth rates. The data collected will be useful in ongoing efforts to
parameterize local and regional bioenergetic production and ecosystem models for the eastern oyster.
319
DETERMINING THE OPTIMAL DIETARY RATIOS OF T- Isochrysis lueta AND Chaetoceros

muelleri ON THE CULTURE PERFORMANCE AND FATTY ACID PROFILE OF Parvocalanus
sp. COPEPODS
Jacqueline Mitchell*, Bradford Bourque, Joseph Szczebak, and Andrew Rhyne

One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809
jmitchell103@g.rwu.edu
Copepods are considered the ideal diet for cultured larval fishes because they are the fishes’ natural prey in the wild. However,
despite being considered an ideal diet, there are drawbacks to culturing copepods in intensive systems. Copepods, especially
calanoid species such as Parvocalanus sp., can only be cultured in relatively low densities, especially compared to other live
feeds (e.g. rotifers). While rotifers can be cultured at densities >1000/mL, copepods can only be cultured in densities of about
2-3 adults/mL. In addition, copepods do not produce resting eggs that can be purchased and hatched out in bulk like rotifers or
Artemia. Copepods do have a notable advantage over rotifers or Artemia as a live feed: they have a significantly higher ratio of
docosahexanoic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA:EPA), which is essential for larval development. Larvae that have been
fed copepods exhibit significantly higher survival and growth rates than those that have been fed rotifers. This difference in
survival has been attributed to differences in the fatty acids (DHA and EPA) present in the live feeds; the fatty acids available
to fish larvae.
The fatty acids present in live feeds is typically introduced through enrichment of the live feed. For copepods the fatty acids are
obtained from the microalgal diets they are fed, thus copepod culture performance is affected by the type of diet fed. Typically
multialgal diets result in higher populations than unialgal diets. However, conflicting results in the literature have led to the
conclusion that optimal diets may be species specific. T-Iisochrysis lueta (CCMP 1324) and Chaetoceros muelleri (CCMP
1316) are two microalgal live feeds widely used in aquaculture. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal dietary
ratio of T- I.. lueta and C. muelleri for the culture performance of Parvocalanus sp. copepods.
Copepods will be fed T- I. lueta/C. muelleri in the following ratios: 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 0/100. Culture performance
will be quantified by monitoring eggs, nauplii, and copepodites over a 12 day period. Using gas chromatography, fatty acid
analysis will be conducted on the algal diets and on the copepods at the conclusion of the experiment. By determining the fatty
acid profiles it will be possible to ascertain whether the copepods assimilate the fatty acids present in the diets into their bodies
or if they exhibit differential storage of the fatty acids.
320
ESTIMATION OF PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF WILD AND CULTURED NILE TILAPIA

Oreochromis niloticus POPULATIONS, EGYPT
Walid Nagy Abd El-Kader
Department of Animal and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba basha), Alexandria University
Alexandria, Egypt., Mobile: +201227865696
Email: w76nagi@aol.com
Egypt, the 8th world aquaculture producer is also the 1st Mediterranean Sea, Arab and African aquaculture producer (FAO,
2012). Egypt is the 2nd world tilapia aquaculture producer. Egypt aquaculture production (986820 tons) divided to 61.88%
tilapia, 11.55% mullets, 20.64% carps, 1.80% sea bass, 1.43% sea bream, 1.23% meager and 0.08% shrimps (GAFRD, 2011).
FAO reports described tilapia as ‘the fish of miracles’: one that can solve the protein problems of developing countries while
satisfying the increasing demand for fish in the developed world (Josupeit, 2005). Nile tilapia is one of most important species
among Cichlidae family. Almost 80 species of fish are referred to be the common name tilapia but only eight or nine species
feature significantly in aquaculture (Schoenen, 1982; Pullin, 1983 and Hickman et al., 1989). The present study was carried out
at Animal and Fish Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba-Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
The study aimed to investigate the proximate composition factor of fifty individuals of each of cultured and wild populations
of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were randomly collected from Cultured (Site.1), Lake Edku (Site.2), River Nile (Site.3),
and Lake Manzalah (Site.4) by professional fishermen. Three samples from each population with equal number of fish were
chosen randomly for body chemical analysis. Fish body moisture, crude protein and crude fat contents were determined
according to A.O.A.C. (1984) methods.
The results of proximate composition of different Nile tilapia, O. niloticus populations on dry matter basis are presented in Table
1 and Fig 1. The highest mean value of moisture content (80.32 ± 0.39%) was shown by cultured population (Site.1) and differ
significantly (P≤0.05) from those of the other populations studied. Moreover, the highest mean value of protein (58.14±0.51%)
was achieved by cultured population (Site.1), but did not differ significantly (P≤0.05) from that of (Site.3)population. Lipids
content showed higher mean (23.52 ± 0.40%) by (Site.2) population, but did not differ significantly (P≤0.05) from that of
(Site.4) population. In these connections, Abdel-Aziz (2006) found that Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) from (Site.3) contains about
80.08% moisture. The same results were obtained by Abo-Raya (1975) and El-Akel (1983). Galhom (2002) reported that,
moisture. fishing seasons (Saleh, 1986; Salama, 1990; El-Ebzary and El-Dashlouty, 1992; Keshk, 2004). Distribution of fat in
the carcass is an important economic trait. It is very difficult to ascertain the optimum level of fat in a carcass. Generally, it is
felt that fat percentage of 16 to 18% in a fillet is too high. Excessive fat deposits reduce the quality of the fish. Increase in fat
depots increases waste in processing. Dissection in and around the intestine is a standard method for checking the fat deposit of
a fish. There are several other methods available to measure fat content in a fish carcass (Wold and Isaksson, 1997; Sahu et al.,
2000). Moreover, Sahu et al. (2000) reported that protein content and com-position are stable during development. The wide
variability in the characteristics of muscle and connective tissues in commercial fish is related to their mode of development.
Proximate composition differences among Nile tilapia, O. niloticus populations may be due to some environmental factors.
321
EFFICACY OF BLACK SEED Nigella sativa AND ITS OIL EXTRACT AGAINST COLUMNARIS
DISEASE
Haitham H. Mohammed *, and Covadonga R. Arias

Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
hhm0003@auburn.edu
Columnaris disease is currently the most important bacterial diseases affecting both wild and cultured freshwater fishes
including commercially raised channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Despite the worldwide and the far-reaching negative
impacts of columnaris disease, safe and effective preventatives and curatives are not yet available. Conventional treatment of
columnaris disease using antimicrobial agents has known different success rates. Moreover, the extensive use of antibiotics in
aquaculture in recent years has resulted in the acquisition of drug resistance by some fish pathogens including Flavobacterium
columnare, the causative pathogen of columnaris disease. The growing concern over the presence of antibiotic residues in
foods and the emergence of drug resistant microbes has led to a desperate interest in alternatives to antibiotics for treatment and
prevention of diseases affecting aquaculture fishes. Black seed, Nigella sativa, is a medicinal herb growing in Mediterranean,
African and Asian countries that has been proven to effectively treat a wide range of diseases. Black seed contains strong anti-
hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-oxidant, anti-histamine and analgesic properties.
Recently, we have discovered the antibacterial effect of black seed oil against F. columnare. The objectives of this study were
to fully determine the antibacterial activity of black seed oil against 25 F. columnare strains representing three genomovars (I,
II and III) by disc diffusion assay and to further evaluate the protective efficacy of dietary supplementation with black seeds
or black seed oil against experimental columnaris disease in zebrafish and channel catfish. Black seed oil showed a strong
antibacterial activity against all the strains of F. columnare, and yielded significantly larger zones of inhibition than that of
oxytetracyclin. Although the 25 F. columnare strains varied in their susceptibility to oxytetracyclin, black seed oil was very
effective in inhibiting the growth of all the strains. To test the effect of black seed oil in vivo, 375 zebrafish juveniles were
divided into 3 treatments (25 fish/tank, 5 replicas per treatment): (I) fed control/basal diet, (II) fed diet containing 5% black
seeds, and (III) fed diet containing 5% black seed oil. Fish were fed the experimental diets (2% of their body weight) for 21 days
before being challenged with a high virulent F. columnare strain by immersion following standard protocols. Supplemented
diets were protective with percent mortality values 76.8, 52.8 and 44% for control (I), seeds (II) and oil (III), respectively. For
channel catfish, 300 fingerlings were used (20 fish/tank, same experimental design as in zebrafish experiment). After 21 days,
fish were challenged with a high virulent strain of F. columnare. Our results were similar to previously obtained results in
zebrafish, with percent mortality values 70, 18 and 32% for control (I), seeds (II) and oil (III), respectively. The results suggest
that black seeds and black seed oil possess a potent antimicrobial activity against F. columnare and have the potential for
application as an antimicrobial in fish feed.
322
PRETREATING CHANNEL CATFISH WITH POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE DISTURBS

SURFACE MICROBIOTA AND INCREASES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO COLUMNARIS DISEASE
Haitham H. Mohammed * and Covadonga R. Arias

Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
hhm0003@auburn.edu
Columnaris disease is a widespread acute to chronic bacterial infection, caused by the fish pathogen Flavobacterium columnare,
affects all species of cultured and wild freshwater fish. Typically, columnaris disease is an external infection, attacking primarily
the fins, skin and gills of fish resulting in fin erosion, skin lesions and gill necrosis. Fish skin and gills represent the first dynamic
defense barrier against colonization and invasion of pathogens. Healthy microbiota on the skin and gills of fish was reported
to benefit their hosts and prevent many infectious diseases by hindering the invasion of opportunistic pathogens or stimulating
the fish immune system. Disturbance of these functions by an imbalanced microbiota may contribute to the development of
disease conditions. Moreover, different strains of commensal bacteria isolated from normal microbiota of fish skin mucus
showed strong antagonistic effects against many fish pathogens, including F. columnare, in in-vitro studies. Survival and
infectivity of F. columnare declined in the presence of other competitive species of bacteria as well. Therefore, it seems logical
to hypothesize that disruption of surface microbiota could increase susceptibility to columnaris disease.
The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of disrupting the surface microbiota of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
on their susceptibility to columnaris disease. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is an oxidizing agent that has been used
for many years in aquaculture to disinfect the external surfaces of fish through destruction of skin and gill pathogens. We
disrupted the surface microbiota by exposing channel catfish fingerlings to KMnO4 followed by experimental challenge with
F. columnare. Fish were divided into four treatment groups: (I) negative control (not treated nor challenged), (II) treated with
KMnO4 and not challenged, (III) not treated with KMnO4 and challenged with F. columnare, and (IV) treated with KMnO4
and challenged with F. columnare. Surface microbiota was analyzed by ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA) and
pyrosequencing. The mortality of fish treated with KMnO4 and challenged with F. columnare (86.1%) was significantly higher
than the mortality of fish not-treated with KMnO4 and challenged with F. columnare (61.1%). No mortality was recorded in
non-challenged groups (0%). RISA produced complex profiles from skin and gill samples of each individual fish (27 bands
on average) reflecting the structure of the microbial communities. ANOSEM was used for statistical analysis of the clustering
data. Global R values indicated that treatment grouping was the most significant variable affecting group separation. Results
of analyzing the pyrosequencing data (from 21 skin samples) will be discussed. Overall, our results demonstrate that the
composition of surface microbiota was altered by exposure to KMnO4 and disruption of the microbiota significantly increases
channel catfish susceptibility to columnaris disease.
323
AQUACULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS: WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY

REALLY MEAN TO FEDERAL RESEARCH, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY PRIORITIES?
James A. Morris, Jr., Kenneth L. Riley, Carol S. Price, and Suzanne B. Bricker
NOAA National Ocean Service

National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
Coastal Aquaculture Planning & Environmental Sustainability Program
101 Pivers Island Road
Beaufort, North Carolina 28516
james.morris@noaa.gov
The term “sustainable” is used to describe production practices that cause little harm to the environment, make efficient use of
renewable resources, and provide long-term benefits for society as a whole. The environmental sustainability of aquaculture, and
the definition thereof, has been debated for decades. Aquaculture proponents believe industry stakeholders are environmentally
conscious stewards who work to safeguard nature, habitat, biodiversity, and ecological services. Among the public, however,
concerns still exist about the sustainability of aquaculture, especially given the large scope for industry growth and the potential
for cumulative impacts. We will discuss sustainability initiatives in the National Strategic Plan for Federal Aquaculture
Research, which seeks to resolve these questions through long-term investment in research and development. Additionally we
will present an overview of the status and diversity of research at federal laboratories focused on understanding aquaculture and
environmental interactions. Research needs, challenges, and opportunities will also be highlighted.
324
INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT AND MUNICIPAL DISCHARGE EFFECT ON THE FISH FAUNNAL

DIVERSITY IN WADI HANIFAH: A CASE STUDY
M. Golam Mortuza1,2*and Fahad A. Al-Misned1
Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
1
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life and Earth Science, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6205,
2
Bangladesh
Corresponding author’s Address: Department of Zoology, College of Science,

1*
King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia

Tel: +966-46-97797, Fax: +966-46-78514; Mobile: +966-538078262
E-mail: mmortuza@ksu.edu.sa; mortuzaksu@yahoo.com
Effluent discharges from industries and municipal sewage from the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and adjacent areas are partially
carried out through a stream channel known as Wadi Hanifah. At present the main sources of water are sewage effluent,
agricultural runoff, pumped shallow ground water from the city of Riyadh and seasonal rainwater. Monthly samples were
collected from three sampling area (Namar, Azizia and Hair) from Wadi Hanifah during September 2012 to August 2013.
Results indicated that the industrial and municipal effluent impacted negatively on water quality and consequently the fish
community structure. A total of 17 fish species were recorded throughout the year with the lowest number of 11 species recorded
in the most impacted Azizia area. Species richness indices were highest at the Namar dam (recreation park area) and lowest at
Azizia, the most affected area, where vehicle mechanical industries are established and petrochemicals are damping through
sewerage channels. Tilapia is dominating in Wadi Hanifah specially at recreation park area where this species is culturing, while
carps species diversity is found throughout the channel. Due to high petrochemical pollution, dead fishes are usually found at
Azizia site. Low dissolved oxygen, pH, secchi depth and high electrical conductivity, total phosphorous, and total nitrogen,
heavy metals were strongly associated with the effluent impacted sites and greatly influenced the fish community structure. This
study recommends the use of fish as valuable biological indicators in aquatic environmental pollution assessment
325
EVALUATION OF A NOVEL SINGLE CELL PROTEIN FOR AQUACULTURE FEED USING

THE COMMON CLOWNFISH Amphiprion ocellaris
Matthew Muscara*, Avery Davis, Bradford Bourque, Larry Feinberg, Joseph Szczebak, and Andrew Rhyne

One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809
mmuscara642@g.rwu.edu
KnipBio created a commercially viable single cell protein product (KBM) containing proteins, amino acids, and low-cost
carotenoids. Two experiments were conducted on the common clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris, to determine if KMB is a
viable replacement for fishmeal in aquaculture feed. Four different diets were evaluated; diet 1 (control 1) was a fishmeal-based
diet, diet 2 (control 2) was identical to diet 1 but with pigment added (80 ppm astaxanthin), diet 3 consisted of 95% control 1
diet and 5% KBM, and diet 4 consisted of 75% control 1 diet and 25% KBM. The effect of each diet on fish feed efficiency,
survival, growth, and coloration was examined.
Both experiments were conducted in closed recirculating systems at a constant temperature (28±0.5˚C) and salinity (31±1.5
ppt). Fish were fed four times daily until satiation. In the first experiment, juvenile clownfish (1.08±0.13 g) were stocked in
10-gallon tanks at 17 fish per tank with four replicates of each diet. In the second experiment, juvenile clownfish (0.60 ±0.02 g)
were stocked in 6 L floating mesh baskets within 30-gallon tanks at 18 fish per basket with three replicates of each diet. After
the completion of the experiment (day 100 for experiment 1; day 75 for experiment 2) the weight (g) and length (mm) of each
fish was measured and each fish was placed on a high-resolution digital scanner to generate a digital image. With this data, fish
growth, feed conversion ratio, and percent red color ratio was determined using Photoshop.
There was no significant difference in feed conversion, growth, or survival between the diets (ANOVA test followed by post
hoc analysis). The effect of diet on coloration will be explained in detail. These preliminary results suggest that KBM may serve
as a partial fishmeal replacement in aquaculture feeds.
326
DETERMINATION OF TRANSCRIPTIONAL RESPONSES OF TWO MyD88 PARALOGS FROM

DISK ABALONE Haliotis discus discus AGAINST BACTERIAL AND VIRAL INFECTIONS
Navaneethaiyer Umasuthan, William Shanthakumar Thulasitha*, SDNK Bathige, and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
thulasiwilliam@gmail.com, navaumasuthan@gmail.com
Myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) is the common adaptor that transduces the signals from toll-
like receptors (TLRs) to downstream cascades. It is an essential component for the activation of innate immunity by most of
the TLRs. MyD88 interacts with theinterleukin-1 receptor associated kinase (IRAK) family and induces the expression of
NF-kB-dependent cytokines. In the current study, two MyD88 (HdMyD88-1 and HdMyD88-2) variants were identified from
commercially important abalone species, disk abalone, Haliotis discus discus.
Sequences of HdMyD88 cDNAs were identified from a transcriptomic database. The ORFs of HdMyD88-1 and HdMyD88-2
were 1299 bp and 1062 bp were respectively encoded proteins of 433 (48.8 kDa) and 354 (40.2 kDa) amino acids. Both of them
had a death domain (DD; 28-112 and 19-100) in N-terminus and a TIR domain (175-311 and 216-352) in C-terminus, with
3 conserved boxes (Fig. 1). Homology assessment revealed a comparatively high conservation in TIR domain as supported
by the alignment studies. The 3D modeling studies showed a quite similar globular folding nature of abalone and human
MyD88s. In evolutionary view, molluscan MyD88 homologs demonstrated a closer relationship among them. Seven different
tissues of healthy abalones and hemocytes from stimulated- (LPS, poly I:C) and infected- (Vibrio parahemolyticus, Listeria
monocytogens and VHSV) animals were collected and qPCR technique was employed to quantify the mRNA levels.
In healthy animals, HdMyD88 mRNAs showed a differential expression pattern (Fig. 2). While HdMyD88-1 mRNA was higher
in muscle and mantle, HdMyD88-2 was highly detected in hemocytes and gills. Transcriptional response of HdMyD88s in
hemocytes was also distinct from each other. Except poly I:C, all the other challenges strongly induced the HdMyD88-1 mRNAs,
where LPS caused prominent response. Meanwhile, all the immune challenges triggered the transcription of HdMyD88-2 in
hemocytes, among which poly I:C induced the strong transcription. These results imply that MyD88 is a structurally conserved
element from invertebrates to vertebrates, and may play a vital role in abalone immunity.
327
MOLECULAR INSIGHTS OF TWO MAPK GENES OF FISH ORIGIN IN RELAVENCE TO

THEIR GENE ARRANGEMENT AND TRANSCRIPTION
Navaneethaiyer Umasuthan, William Shanthakumar Thulasitha*, SDNK Bathige, and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, South Korea
thulasiwilliam@gmail.com, navaumasuthan@gmail.com
Four types of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs: a, b, g and d) playing important roles in cellular response
to extracellular stimuli are present in vertebrates. Herein, we report two p38 MAPK homologs, MAPK11 (OfMAPK11) and
MAPK14 (OfMAPK14) which were identified from rock bream Oplegnathus fasciatus through transcriptomic analysis.
Genomic sequences of both OfMAPKs were derived by means of a genomic BAC library and found to contain 12 exons. The
coding sequences of OfMAPK11 (1086 bp) and OfMAPK14 (1083 bp) encoded proteins of 361 and 360 amino acids. There was
a characteristic serine/threonine protein kinase (S_TKc) domain in both OfMAPKs, which harboured an activation loop with a
dual phosphorylation site of Thr-Gly-Tyr (TGY) motif and a substrate binding site Ala-Thr-Arg-Trp (ATRW) (Fig. 1).
They shared highest homology (>90% identity) with corresponding tilapian homologs. In phylogeny analysis, they showed
a closer connection with other teleost counterparts. The 3D molecular models of OfMAPK proteins were similar to those of
human counterparts suggesting that they may perform similar biological functions. Comparison of vertebrate MAPK11 and
MAPK14 homologs in terms of genomic arrangement clearly indicated that they are structured with 12 exons with exactly same
lengths, except the exons in termini. The 5’-flanking regions of OfMAPK11 and OfMAPK14 contained binding sites for Oct-1,
C/EBP, HSF, Cdxa, AP-1, c-Myb and MZF1 transcription factors, suggesting that their expression is well-regulated. Differential
roles of OfMAPKs were evidenced from their transcriptional distribution in rock bream tissues, where OfMAPK11 was highly
expressed in brain and head kidney, in contrast to OfMAPK14 which was mainly expressed in heart and brain. To examine
the modulation of these OfMAPKs during the pathological conditions, we administered different stimulants such as flagellin
(FLA), LPS, poly I:C, and pathogens including bacteria (Edwardsiella tarda and Strepatococcus iniae) and rock bream irido
virus (RBIV), and examined the OfMAPK gene expression. Highest FLA-mediated expression of OfMAPK11 and OfMAPK14
was detected in blood cells and head kidney, respectively. Other immune challenges were also differentially modulated the
hepatic expression of OfMAPKs. These findings highlighted (1) the conservation of p38 MAPK across the vertebrates, (2) their
expressional feature in teleosts, (3) and their putative involvement in the immunity of rock bream.
328
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF AN ADAPTABLE OOCYTE STAGING SCALE TO

ASSESS REPRODUCTIVE CONDITION IN COMMON SNOOK Centropomus undecimalis
Carole Neidig*, Harry J. Grier, Kevan L. Main, and Nicole Rhody

874 WR Mote Way
Sarasota, FL 34240
cneidig@mote.org
In fields such as aquaculture, determining the reproductive condition of captive broodstock is important for administering
hormonal therapies and inducing ovulation and spawning. Numerous techniques and corresponding staging methods are
available for documenting and interpreting gonadal development. However, not all the staging descriptions use the same
terminology nor have the techniques been validated with precise methods like histology. The aims of this study were to describe
oocyte maturation in common snook and, secondarily, to evaluate a new staging scheme for use in aquaculture to assess
reproductive condition among captive female broodstock.
Wild adult common snook were caught from three locations in Manatee County and transported to Mote Aquaculture Research
Park, Sarasota, Florida. Collected broodstock (n = 66) were divided between two separate, indoor, photoperiod (9-15h light) and
temperature (20-30 °C) controlled recirculating tank systems (28 m3). Sixteen broodstock sampling events took place between
2010 and 2012 where during each event, fish were anesthetized, weighed, measured and an ovarian biopsy was obtained from
every female (n = 26 fish). A small portion of the biopsy was prepped for observation as a wet mount by placing the biopsy on
a glass slide. The biopsy (n = 20 oocytes/biopsy) was immediately staged, photographed and oocyte diameter recorded (n =
4,780 oocytes). The remaining portion of the biopsy was placed in Trump’s fixative and prepped for histological observation for
later evaluation using light microscopy. The terminology for staging oocytes used letters rather than numbers where stages are
indicated by uppercase letters and their subdivisions (called “steps”) are indicated by lowercase letters. A total of six “stages” of
ovarian development were identified: (1) Mitotic Division of Oogonia, (2) Chromatin Nucleolus Stage (initiation of meiosis),
(3) Primary Growth (designated by basophilic ooplasm and first meiotic arrest), (4) Secondary Growth (vitellogenesis), (5)
Oocyte Maturation and (6) Ovulation. Each stage was subdivided into “steps”, where the One-nucleolus, Multiple Nucleoli,
Perinucleolar, Circumnuclear Oil Droplets and Cortical Alveolar Steps were identified in the Primary Growth Stage. The
Secondary Growth Stage consisted of the Early, Late and Full-Grown Steps while the Oocyte Maturation Stage consisted of the
Eccentric Germinal Vesicle, Germinal Vesicle Migration Germinal Vesicle Breakdown and resumption of meiosis.
In conclusion, oocyte maturation in captive common snook was described. Further, use of the wet mount technique with a tiered
and adaptable staging scheme has been validated for aquaculture applications with common snook. Results indicate that use of
the side-by-side comparison of the wet mount and histological preparations could serve as guide for researchers in aquaculture
to conduct similar validations for species of interest in addition to common snook.
329
ELECTROPHORESIS AS A TOOL TO ESTIMATE THE POLYPEPTIDE CHAIN IN TILAPIA

WASTE HYDROLYSATE
Ligia M. Neira*, Adriano M. Gonçalves, Luiz F. J. dos Santos, Caroline C. Santana, Rafael R. Colosio,
Hellen Buzollo, Lidiane C. G. de Sandre, Thiago M. T. do Nascimento, João M. Pizauro,
and Dalton J. Carneiro
UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, Brazil

Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castelane s/n 14880-900
Jaboticabal – São Paulo, Brazil
Email: lmneira@zootecnista.com.br
The protein hydrolysate is an ingredient with high quality protein resulting from the anaerobic fermentation of processing waste
and has been used as a supplement in diets for many animals. This product shows high digestibility coefficient of nutrients
when compared to fish meal, and has high potential for use in aquaculture, since it has the same amino acid composition of the
raw material.
The protein hydrolysis and the end point of the product during the ensiling process are monitored by measuring pH, hydrolysate
liquefaction, water activity, and enzymes activities but the characteristics of protein hydrolysate in different production
condition remain to be clarified. Therefore, the purpose was to study electrophoresis as a tool to estimate the polypeptide
chain in tilapia waste hydrolysate using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate - poliacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). This is an
analytical method used to separate protein mixture based on their molecular weight. The technique is based upon the principle
that a charged molecule will migrate in an electric field towards an electrode with opposite charge.
The fermented silage was produced in 3L covered plastic containers, by the addition of 15% (w/w) sugar cane molasses, and
5% (w/w) of Lactobacillus sp, and stored at room temperature (30-32° C). The hydrolysates samples were denatured by heating
in the presence of the 2-β-mercaptoethanol which broke the disulfide bonds and the SDS which conferred negative charges to
the proteins. The separation occurred in the gel by the difference in molecular weight, depending on the number of amino acids
in the chain.
The electrophoresis proved to be an useful and precise tool in monitoring the protein hydrolysis of tilapia ensiled waste,
contributing to obtain information about the molecular weight of molecules in the final product and better quality to feed fish.
The origin and increase of 150 kDa protein during the hydrolysis period are probably due to the proliferation of microorganisms
in fermentation process. More studies are being conducted at our laboratory to further clarify the exact end point of hydrolysis
to immediate use of the product in supplementation of fish diet.
Fellowship: FAPESP 2013/16773-9

330
BMPS FOR VIRGINIA FRESHWATER SHRIMP Macrobrachium rosenbergii PONDS WITHOUT

HARVEST BASINS
Brian L. Nerrie
Virginia Cooperative Extension

Box 9081, Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA 23806
bnerrie@vsu.edu
Product quality is important for the shrimp farmer and the consumer. Many limited-resource farmers considering freshwater
shrimp production have existing ponds and are unwilling to construct internal basins or have ponds situated such that external
harvest basins cannot be constructed. In addition to the best management practices followed by farmers with external basins,
additional steps are recommended for those lacking this structure. These requirements exist in the planning, during the harvest
and in post-harvest handling of the shrimp.
Harvest planning includes setting the date and an alternative in case of inclement weather. Water temperature should be
monitored and harvest planned accordingly. As temperatures approach 15oC shrimp become lethargic and may fail to migrate
to a harvest section. Market plans should be in place with advertising/pre-sales if shrimp will be sold directly to the public.
Harvest is labor intensive so minimizing harvest time lowers labor costs. Sump pumps to increase the discharge rate of water
allowing for efficient use of labor should be positioned in a mesh baskets or buckets. Uninhibited flow of water to these
pump areas can be encouraged by clearing a channel through any bottom aquatic vegetation. “Litter-picker” sticks should be
provided to labor to minimize strain on the backs of harvesters. Activity should be limited to the perimeter of the water surface.
This will minimize shrimp seeking refuge in mud holes resulting from foot-prints.
Post-harvest handling of shrimp in ponds without harvest basins must be conducted with efficiency due to the additional
stress place on the shrimp, water quality issues, accumulated silt/debris on the shrimp and the need to transport shrimp up
embankments out of ponds to the wash station. Sufficient freshwater and crushed ice must be available to provide consumers
with high quality.
331
COMPARISION OF CRYSTALLINE LYSINE AND INTACT LYSINE USED AS A SUPPLEMENT

IN PRACTICAL DIETS OF CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus
Lay Nguyen*, D. Allen Davis, D. William Daniels
School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849
lnh0013@tigermail.auburn.edu
Lysine is an essential ammino acid commonly deficient in practical diets especially those contain high levels of plant protein
ingredient, resulting in reduced growth and feed efficiency. Supplementation of Lysine in the formulated diets is essential
to improve the nutritional values of feed. This study was conducted on channel catfish to evaluate the relative performance
of fish to increasing levels of Lysine from crystalline and intact Lysine supplemented in practical diets. A high Lysine corn
protein concentrate (LystoTM, Cargill) was used as the intact Lysine source. Nine dietary treatments with four replicates were
assigned randomly in which first five diets were designed to contain increasing levels of dietary Lysine. Analyzed values of
1.21%, 1.34%, 1.45%, 1.56%, 1.72% using a crystalline Lysine supplement were tested. The remaining diets were formulated
using increasing levels of Lysto which diets were analyzed to contain 1.40%, 1.57%, 1.77%, 1.91%. A total of 780 fish were
randomly stocked into 39 aquariums with 20 fish per/tank. Fish were fed based on percent body weight twice a day for a 10
week period. The effect of different levels of Lysine on growth rate, feed conversion ratio was studied. The results obtained
after ten weeks indicated that channel catfish have positive performance with increasing Lysine supplement. Fish fed with the
higher levels of Lysine had the highest weight gain and lowest FCR. Based on the growth data obtained from this experiment, it
can be concluded that the effectiveness of using Lysto as a Lysine supplement is not significantly different from purified Lysine.
332
THE IMPORTANCE OF LIVE-FEED TRAPS - FARMING MARINE FISH SPECIES
Rasmus Nielsen*, Max Nielsen, Tenaw Gedefaw Abate, Benni Winding Hansen, Per Meyer Jepsen,
Josianne Spøttrup and Kurt Buchmann
Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen

Rolighedsvej 25, 1952 Frederiksberg C, Denmark. RN@IFRO.KU.DK
In this article we analyse the challenges of different live-feed regimes and discuss alternative live feed items for substitution,
which can prevent a future live-feed trap (equivalent to the fishmeal trap) for the benefit of the aquaculture sector in terms of
species diversification, reduced risk through lower price volatility, and increased production through increased productivity.
The demand for fish is growing (FAO 2012) and a growing number of fish species are produced in aquaculture, as the potential
yield from wild fish stocks are fully- or even over-exploited (FAO 2012). Aquaculture is the fastest growing animal food
producing sector in the world (FAO 2012). The main factor causing this development is widely recognized to be the control of
the biological production process, which has led to remarkable growth in productivity (Anderson 2002, Asche 2008, Asche et
al. 2013). However, for species depending on fishmeal and –oil for feed it has been questioned if this tremendous growth can
continue due to the limited resources of fishmeal and -oil, also referred to as the fishmeal trap. So far the sector has managed
to avoid the fishmeal trap by, to some extent, substituting fishmeal and –oil with vegetable ingredients. This has prevented a
shortage of feed for the growing industry and has lowered the risk of larger price fluctuation.
For some marine species, such as, turbot, grouper, flounder, halibut and tuna live-feed are vital for their survival in the first
stages of their life cycle. At the moment, the most commonly used live-feed items in commercial fish farming are Rotifers and
Artemia (Bengtson, 2003; Lavens and Sorgeloos, 2000). However, the harvesting of Artemia cysts is heavily dependent on
one natural source, the Great Salt lakes in the US, where 90% of the Atemia cysts are harvested today. The high dependency
on one natural source is risky, as the Artemia crises in the mid 1970’s showed, where prices were sky-rocketing. Harvesting
of unsustainable quantities or environmental changes can affect the production and thus result in high price volatility, which
can affect the aquaculture industry negatively. Another problem concerning Rotifers and Artemia are that they do not have
the optimal biochemical composition of nutrients that the fish larvae need to survive and develop into a healthy fish fry. To
overcome part of the nutrient problem both Rotiferes and Artemia need enrichment with fish oil (Barclay and Zeller, 1996;
Sargent et al., 1997), and as such, they become a part of the fish-oil trap. In other words, the competitiveness of Rotiferes and
Artemia in comparison with other live-feed items will be dependent on the price of fish oil, and prices will be more volatile due
to the dependency of a scarce resource.
Copepods are an alternative to the above mentioned live-feed regime. They do not need enrichment before use, and is as such
not a part of the fish-oil trap, because of their superior biochemical composition of nutrients (Drillet et al., 2006). Furthermore,
studies on the use of Copepods as live-feed have shown a significant increase in survival and growth rates (Olivotto et al.,
2008; Støttrup and Norsker, 1997; Sun and Fleeger, 1995) compared to Rotiferes and Artemia. Furthermore, it has been shown
that production of Copepods for the aquaculture industry is economically feasible (Abate 2014) in a semi-intensive production
system.
333
Reference:
Abate, T.G., Nielsen, R., Nielsen, M., Drillet, G., Jepsen, P.M. and Hansen B.W. (2014) Economic Feasibility of Copepod
Production for Commercial use: Result from a Prototype Production Facility. Aquaculture, forthcoming 2014.
Anderson, J.L. (2002). “Aquaculture and the Future: Why Fisheries Economist Should Care.” Marine Resource Econmics. 17,
15-35
Asche, F. (2008). “Farming the Sea.” Marine Resrouce Economics. 23, 527-547
Asche, F., Guttormsen, A. and Nielsen, R. (2013). “Future challenges for the maturing Norwegian salmon aquaculture industry:
An analysis of total factor productivity change from 1996 to 2008” Aquaculture 396-399, 43-50
Barclay, W. and Zeller,S. (1996). “Nutritional Enhancement of n-3 and n-6 Fatty Acids in Rotifers and Artemia Nauplii by
Feeding Spray-Dried Schizochytrium sp.” Journal of World Aquaculture Society. 27, 314-322
Bengtson, D.A. (2003). “Status of Marine Aquaculture in Relation to Live Prey, Past, Present and Future”. In: Støttrup, J.G.,
McEvoy, L.A. (Eds), Live-Feeds in Marine Aquaculture. Blackwell Publishing, pp. 1-16
Drillet, G.; Jørgensen, N.; Sørensen, T.F.; Ramløv, H. and Hansen, B.W. (2006). “Biochemical and Technical Observations
Supporting the Use of Copepods as Relevant Live-Feed Organisms in Marine Larviculture.” Aquaculture Research. 37,
756-772
FAO (2012). “The state of Word Fisheries and Aquaculture 2012.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,
Rome.
Lavens, P. and Sorgeloos, P. (2000). “The History, Present Status and Prospects of the Availability of Artemia Cysts for
Aquaculture.” Aquaculture. 181, 397-403
Olivotto, I., Avella, A.M., Sampaolesi, G., Ruiz, N. P., Carnevali, O. (2008). Breeding and rearing the longsnout seahorse
Hippocampus reidi: Rearing and feeding studies. Aquaculture 283, 92–96.
Sargent, J.R.; McEvoy, L.A. and Bell, J.G. (1997). “Requirments, Presentation and Sources of Polyun-saturated Fatty Acids in
Marine Fish Larval Feeds.” Aquaculture. 155, 117-127
Støttrup, J.G., and Norsker, N.H. (1997). Production and use of copepods in marine fish larviculture. Aquaculture 155, 231-247.
Sun, B. and Fleeger, J.W. (1995). Sustained mass culture of Amphiasacoides atopus a marine harpacticoid copepod in a
recirculating system. Aquaculture 136, 313–321.
334
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF FRESHWATER FISHES OF OGUTA LAKE, IMO STATE,

NIGERIA
Godwin S. Adaka and Anthony A. Nlewadim*
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management

College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
Nigeria
nlewadimanthony442@gmail.com
The present investigation was carried out on Oguta Lake, Imo State, Nigeria from January, 2012 to December, 2013 at five
stations to study the fish diversity and distribution. Fish samples were collected twice per month using hook and line, Gill net,
cast net, Bag net and local traps. This was carried out in view of the fact that natural water bodies serve as reservoir for most
cultivable fish species, there is the need to regularly assess the diversity of fish resources in the wild.
A total of 1,989 fishes were caught made up of 32 species recorded in 20 families.
Among the collected fish families in Oguta Lake, Cichlidae was most abundant accounting for 16% of the catch while
Pantodontidae had the lowest with 1%. The result of the investigation revealed a Shannon-Weiner index (H) of 0.0224 in station
4 followed by station 2 with 0.0156 and lowest in station 5 with 0.0080. The Simpson’s dominance index (D) was highest at
station 4 with 0.0744 followed by station 1 with 0.0471 and lowest at station 3 with 0.0136. In the study the Simpson’s index
of Diversity (1-D) for the stations shows 0.9529, 0.9477, 0.9864, 0.9256 and 0.9733 respectively.
The findings further showed that fish diversity and distribution of the study area is reducing with increased human activities.
This is evidenced by the fact that the species composition of the study was lower than the results obtained by earlier studies in
the same water body by previous researchers.
335
A GENOMIC APPROACH TO THE MANAGEMENT AND CULTURE OF RED SNAPPER,

A NON-MODEL SPECIES CANDIDATE FOR STOCK ENHANCEMENT
Adrienne Norrell*, Kenneth L. Jones, Eric A. Saillant
*The University of Southern Mississippi, Department of Coastal Sciences, Thad Cochran Marine
Aquaculture Center, Ocean Springs, MS, USA
The red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) is a reef fish of major economic importance in the Southeast United States. Fisheries
harvests of this species are severely restricted due to a recent decline in abundance throughout its range in the United States.
Aquaculture of red snapper is being investigated for captive propagation as a means to provide additional fishing opportunities
to anglers, and also to supplement the food market through commercial production. Management of genetic resources is
needed to avoid the negative impacts associated with releasing hatchery-reared fish on the genetic diversity and fitness of wild
populations, and to support future domestication and breeding programs for the red snapper. The characterization of genomic
regions involved in local adaptation of natural populations, as well as those impacting important aquaculture production traits,
requires the implementation of high-density genome scans that can now be produced using cost effective approaches based on
next generation sequencing. The objective of this work was to develop genomic tools needed to monitor and manage genetic
resources in captive and wild red snapper.
Using P-454 and Illumina sequencing, a draft genome sequence spanning 0.77 Gb (average coverage 25X) was generated for
red snapper. In this project, the obtained assembly was used as a reference to map Restriction Site Associated DNA (RAD)
Tags and characterize associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). RAD-sequencing of 2 full-sib, outbred families
(n = 60 progeny per family) conducted on the Illumina HiSeq2000 platform resulted in an average of 2.2M mapped reads per
individual (range: 0.3-3M). Sequencing of an additional 3 families is underway. The SNPs identified in the families will be
used in conjunction with 99 microsatellite loci to construct a high-resolution linkage map, which will facilitate orienting and
ordering scaffolds, characterizing linkage disequilibrium, and localizing genes impacting phenotypic traits in red snapper. A
survey of regional populations spanning the distribution range of red snapper is also in progress to evaluate neutral and non-
neutral variation and assist in the design of management units for the release program. Anticipated developments include a
panel of targeted SNPs, selected for genetic monitoring of genome wide variation in populations during stock enhancement.
336
AN INNOVATIVE “FISH HARVESTER” TECHNOLOGY FOR THE HUMANE SLAUGHTER

OF FARMED FISH AT AQUACULTURE FACILITIES
Martin O’Farrell,* Robin McKimm and Carl Burger
*Smith-Root Europe
4 The Nurseries, Avondale Road
Killiney, County Dublin, Ireland
mofarrell@smith-root.com
We describe a novel technology recently developed and tested in Europe for the humane slaughter of farmed finfish (R.
McKimm, developer). This innovative design uses a convoluted series of plastic tubes that quickly move large numbers of
farmed fish past strategically placed electrodes to first sedate each fish before euthanization. The Fish Harvester (Fig. 1) uses
unique waveforms of electric gradients to accomplish sedation and euthanization during the rapid conveyance of fish pumped
through the tubed system. Fish are killed by the time they exit the final circular tube whereupon they drop into an ice slurry
container for subsequent transport to market.
Rigorous testing has been conducted to perfect this system. There are currently four of these units in use in the U.K. Each can
typically process between 6,000 to 10,000 blemish-free, portion-sized fish per hour. During the testing phase, some 2,000,000
Rainbow Trout were processed using the Fish Harvester. These fish were subsequently filleted and examined by approving
authorities. Occasional, minor hematomas were observed in less than 1.5% of fish subjected to this system and all were deemed
very mild and acceptable by inspectors for re-sale purposes.
This system provides large-scale fish farmers with a process that considerably reduces labor, and hence processing costs. The
first device was purchased and installed in Scotland in 2012. Further benefits include its suitability for use in either fresh or
seawater on fish up to 5.5 kg in weight. Tilapia, trout, pollock, salmon and sea bass have all been successfully euthanized.
This method offers significant animal welfare improvements over traditional approaches that have used asphyxia in air, thermal
shocks and CO2. The processors and supermarkets involved in the trials and unit sales to date are extremely satisfied with the
Fish Harvester’s performance in the humane slaughter of large numbers of farmed fish.
337
LINKING FATTY ACIDS IN THE DIET AND TISSUES TO QUALITY OF LARVAL SOUTHERN
FLOUNDER (Paralichthys lethostigma)
Erik W. Oberg* and Lee A. Fuiman
Marine Science Institute

University of Texas at Austin
750 Channel View Dr.
e.oberg@utexas.edu
Essential fatty acids are necessary for growth, survival, and development of larval fishes, but there is limited information
on the essential fatty acid requirements of larval southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma). This knowledge is important
because the species is considered a good candidate for marine aquaculture and state agencies have implemented larviculture
programs for stock enhancement purposes. The objectives of this study were to elucidate connections between dietary supply of
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) and deposited fatty acids in the head or body, and then link diet and
stored fatty acids in the head or body with larval quality traits. From 4-15 days posthatch (dph), southern flounder larvae were
fed rotifers enriched with four different combinations of DHA-rich Algamac 3050 and ARA-rich Algamac ARA. Fatty acid
concentrations in the head and body were measured at 15 dph, and relationships between fatty acids in head or body and in the
diet were determined. Larval quality traits, including specific growth rate (SGR), survival, and eight behavioral performance
variables were measured. Results showed that concentrations of DHA and ARA in the head and in the body were correlated
with concentrations of DHA and ARA in the diet (Figure 1). Growth rate did not vary among the four diets, but survival
was positively correlated with the amount of lipid in the diet (Figure 1). Responsiveness to a visual stimulus was positively
correlated with the concentration of DHA in the diet, the ratio DHA:EPA in the head, and total energy content of the diet (Figure
1). Turning rate during routine swimming was correlated with body DHA (Figure 1). This study demonstrates the influence of
DHA content, total lipid content, and energy levels in the diet of southern flounder and provides a foundation for future studies
examining causal factors of larviculture production success.
338
AN ANALYSIS OF PROFITABILITY AND RESOURCE UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY LEVELS

OF AQUACULTURE ENTERPRISES IN KOGI STATE, CENTRAL NIGERIA
Ogbe, Friday Garba* and Unekwu Onuche
Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University

Anyigba, Nigeria.
Nigeria remains largely animal protein deficient, importing over 75% of the fish consumed although aquaculture could produce
over 90% of her need. In this paper we investigated the profitability, resource utilization and constraints to aquaculture in
Kogi state, North Central Nigeria. Data on the socioeconomic characteristics and production/sales activities were obtained
from 180 randomly selected Catfish farmers from the four agricultural zones of the state through questionnaire method. First
the state was purposively selected for the study due to the surge in fish farming it is presently experiencing. Then, a stratified
sampling technique was applied in the selection of 3 local government each form the 4 agricultural zones. This was followed
by a random selection of 70% of the fish farmers from each of the resulting twelve local governments resulting in the 180
respondents. Gross margin analysis, financial ratios and production function analyses were employed in data analysis. Results
revealed that the venture was largely dominated by the male folk who were mostly married and within the productive age of
41-50. The farmers were fairly inexperienced (11.5 years) and mostly uneducated, mostly operating on a part time basis with
finances mainly sourced from personal savings. Their fish farms range between 0.1 and 1.2 hectares. The average gross margin
of about N 902,178.3 per year showed that fish farming in the area was profitable but the financial performance indices like
gross ratio i.e the ratio of total revenue to total cost (0.8) and rate of returns of invested capital (0.3) showed that the enterprise
in the area performed poorly and will be unsustainable unless resources are optimally utilized. Also, coefficients for fingerlings
(0.58), quantity of feed (0.3) and labour (0.12) were positively signed and significant. Furthermore, number of fingerlings
(efficiency index - r=8.5), size of fish farm (r=4.2) and labour (r=1.94) were underutilized, while quantity of feed(r=0.52),
and water (r=0.03) were overutilized. Since under utilization and underutilization indicate lack of optimality (inefficiency) in
resource allocation, strategies that will make the farmers more efficient in their allocation of resources i.e appropriate reduction
in quantities of underutilized resources as well as appropriate increment of overutillised resources are canvassed. These should
include an invigorated sector-specific extension delivery system that will bring ideas on optimal allocation of resources to fish
farmers. Finally, the study identified inadequacy of access to finance as a major constraint to the venture. We also recommend
the minimization of this problem through the formation of cooperatives and provision of soft loans.
339
LUNGFISH Protopterus dolloi MARKETING: DETERMINANTS OF FORWARD VERTICAL

INTEGRATION IN IKORODU AREA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Oluwole I. Ogunyemi*, Isaac Ojeleye, and Olusola A. Babalola
Agricultural Extension and Management Department, School of Agriculture

Lagos State Polytechnic, Sagamu Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria
woleoguns@yahoo.com
Fish is a cheap source of protein and important to Nigerians in their diet. Lungfish (Protopterus dolloi) marketers are faced with
different decision making problems which include integration. The study investigated forward vertical integration in lungfish
marketing with the object of establishing the factors that influence a producer going into retailing. Multiple stage random
sampling technique was used. The Local Government Area was purposely selected and five towns were chosen in the area.
110 lungfish marketers were randomly administered with questionnaire and 100 were used for analysis. Data were analyzed
with descriptive statistics and logit model. Majority of the respondents were between the ages of 30 and 40 years, 39% were
male and 63% were either married, divorce or widowed. 70% had minimum of secondary education, 35% had 6 to 10 years
experience in fish marketing and 33% belonged to cooperative societies. Years of education and occupation type are significant
at 10% and 5% levels respectively (Table 1). Other factors are significant at higher levels.
A unit increase in age raises the log odds of a producer going into retailing by 0.55. If year of education increases by 1 unit, the
log odds of a producer likely going into retailing reduces by 2.60. However, as one moves from farming to non-farm occupation,
the log odds of a producer moving into retailing declines by 4.31. Households size increase and membership of cooperative
group reduce the log odds of becoming a retailer by 0.59 and 2.69 respectively. The results indicate that marketers prefer being
producers rather than retailers. Traditional lungfish retailing should be transformed into modern methods to stimulate the
younger producers into retailing.
340
CLONING AND CHARATERIZATION OF HEPCIDIN FROM SEA HORES (Hippocampus

abdominalis)
Minyoung Oh*, Seongdo Lee, Sukkyoung Lee, Eunyoung Jo, Jiyeon Ko, Wan Qiang and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Science

Jeju National University
Jeju special Self-Goverming province 690-756
Republic of Korea
Lucky5153@naver.com
Hepcidin is called as liver expressed antimicrobial protein (LEAP-1), involved in antibacterial activity and iron homeostais.
In this study, we have characterized a hepcidin from seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) named Shhepcidin in molecular
and functional level. Hepcidin of seahorse had an ORF (Open reading frame) of 261 bp which encoded 86 aa including signal
peptide of 24 aa, prodomain of 35 aa and mature peptide of 24aa. We found that Shhepcidin exhibited antibacterial activity
against Edwardsiellea tarda. Highest mRNA levels of Shhepcidin transcripts were detected in liver from healthy seahorse.
Pathological challenges were carried out using E.tarda, Streptococcus iniae, Poly I:C and LPS and the mRNA expressional
profile was detected in liver and kidney (Fig. 2 and 3). E.tarda showed the highest mRNA expression level at 72 h post injection
(p.i) in kidney tissue (Fig. 2). Furthermore, significantly higher levels of mRNA levels were detected at 72h p.i in liver tissue
upon S. iniae and E. tarda challenge (Fig 3). The up-regulated mRNA expressional level of Shhepcidin in kidney and liver upon
both gram positive and negative bacteria suggest that Shhepcidin plays an important immune role in seahorse against bacterial
infection.
341
EVALUATION OF COASTAL FLORIDA LIVE MARINE BAITFISH RETAILERS AND THEIR

ATTITUDE TOWARDS AQUACULTURE PRODUCED BAITFISH
Cortney L. Ohs*, Audrey H. Beany, and Matthew A. DiMaggio
School of Forest Resources and Conservation
Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
2199 South Rock Rd.
cohs@ufl.edu
The marine recreational fishing industry in Florida has an economic impact of $7.6 billion dollars owing to the expenditures of
its 2.4 million licensed anglers. Laudable advances have been made in the development of aquaculture techniques for marine
baitfish species; however, a dearth of descriptive market data has served as an impediment to the further progression of this
industry. The objective of this survey was to evaluate and describe the live marine baitfish market of Florida coastal regions,
with a focus on pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) and pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera), and then to assess the potential market
for a cultured marine baitfish.
A survey was designed and distributed to 280 bait retailers in 37 counties along the coasts of Florida. The survey was
developed to gather information vital to market evaluation. Survey questions focused on business location, baitfish species sold,
shortcomings of wild baitfish, preferred baitfish characteristics, perception of aquaculture, and specific questions with emphasis
on quantities of pinfish and pigfish sold along with their wholesale purchase prices, purchasing patterns as related to season and
size, perceived market demand by region and species, and market potential for aquaculture produced baitfish.
A total of 119 surveys representing 31 counties were returned for a 42.5% response rate. Over half of all respondents (69.6%)
carried live marine baitfish. Lack of infrastructure was cited as the most common reason (30.3%) for not carrying live bait.
Overall perception of captively propagated baitfish was encouraging, with 48.8% reporting a positive connotation with cultured
bait and 36.6% were undecided. Analysis of demand data revealed seasonal shortages in supply of wild caught pinfish and
pigfish, with respect to size class and region. The shortages may be used by potential live marine baitfish producers and retailers
to help gain market share and develop pricing strategies. The results of this market survey will serve as valuable resource for
current and potential producers who market live marine baitfish to retailers throughout coastal Florida.
342
INDUCED SPAWNING AND LARVAL CULTURE OF GOLDEN TREVALLY Gnathanodon

speciosus
Jason S. Broach, Cortney L. Ohs*, Andrew T. Palau, Bryan Danson, and Daniel Elafante
2199 South Rock Rd.
cohs@ufl.edu
The golden trevally, Gnathanodon speciosus, is a member of the carangid family and commonly found in tropical waters of the
Indo-Pacific region. This species is targeted by recreational fisherman and is a high-value food fish, but is most popular as an
ornamental for the aquarium trade. Golden trevally are often marketed as “pilot fish” in the aquarium trade and juveniles may
retail over 50 $US. Golden trevally are farmed extensively in regions they occur, however, information regarding aquaculture
technologies for the species is scarce. As part of the Rising Tide Conservation Initiative, the University of Florida, Indian River
Research and Education Center (IRREC) Aquaculture Research Facility received a group of twenty mature golden trevally
from SeaWorld Orlando to determine their aquaculture potential.
A group of 10 broodfish were distributed into two 4670-L recirculating aquaculture system at IRREC. After 8 months of being
conditioned and daily water temperatures were consistently 26°C, Ovaplant® was administered to all ten broodfish. Broodfish
spawned 3 times up to 96 hours after hormone administration, with spawns yielding 30,000-60,000 eggs each. Eggs were
827.50 ± 25.00 (SD) μm in diameter and contained a single oil globule 222.10 ± 14.70 μm dia. Development was rapid as eggs
hatched within 6 hours after collection. Larvae were 1.53 ± 0.07 mm at hatch with a 224.00 ± 11.70 μm dia. oil globule and
possessed a yolk 0.0789 ± 0.0156 mm3 in volume.
Recently hatched larvae were stocked into multiple 104-L tanks supplied with flow-through seawater to exchange a minimum
of two tank volumes of water daily. Larvae from the second spawn were stocked into three tanks at nearly 15,000 larvae/
tank. Development was rapid and larvae had fully functioning mouthparts within two days post hatch (dph). Larvae were fed
enriched (Origreen) rotifers at 10-15 rotifers/mL daily until 25 dph along with copepod nauplii (Parvocalanus sp.) up to 2
individuals/mL until 10 dph. Most larvae were able to feed on Artemia by 11 dph, and Artemia nauplli were fed at densities
up to 4.0 individuals/mL. Larval tanks were inoculated with live T-Iso at approximately 100,000 cells/mL for up to 25 dph.
Weaning onto a dry diet began around 15 dph, and after 30 dph fish were feeding solely on the dry diet (Otohime B1-B2) and
had metamorphosed. Swim bladder inflation began at 5 dph, fin ray branching at 9 dph, and flexion at 14 dph. The typical
black bar pattern and gold coloration could be seen developing as early as 20 dph. Schooling behavior was also observed
around 15 dph. Intensive spawning and larval culture methods for golden trevally appear very feasible and there is potential for
commercial-scale production.
343
FISH BIODIVERSITY AND WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS OF AGAIA-LAPAI DAM,

MINNA, NIGERIA
*Ojutiku, R.O, Bello, R. O. and Chukwuemeka, V.I.
Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Federal University of Technology, Minna,
Niger State.
*Corresponding Author: rasheedojutiku@yahoo.com
Study on fish species, generic, family diversity

and abundances of Agiae-Lapia Dam was
carried out in 2013. Five stations were located on
the Dam (Bakaje site, Spill-way, Company site,
River Kari & River Gana) and were all sampled
to determine the various water parameters and
fishes in the Dam. Fish samples were collected
from the artisanal fisher men at the landing site
bi-weekly. Eleven (11) species and nine (9)
genera belonging to seven (7) families were
identified. Cichlidae and Clariidae families have
the highest species diversity and having three (3)
and two (2) species each which includes Tilapia
zilli and Tilapia dageti, Oreochromis niloticus
and Clarias angullaris, Clarias gariepinus.
The total count of fish sampled during the study
period was 1,507. Tilapia zillii has the highest
population while Gymnarchus niloticus has the
lowest in population of 22. There is a significant
difference among the families (P≤0.05).
Cichlidae recorded the highest mean value
of 58.23±5.96 while Cyprindae recorded the
lowest mean value of 1.63±1.11. Other species
such as Clariidae is second to the highest with
mean of 28.22±3.19 followed by Alestidae and
Schilbeldae. The physio-chemical parameter
of Agaie-Lapia Dam was revealed that all the
parameters measured (bi-weekly); Temperature,
Dissolve Oxygen, Biological oxygen Demand,
Total hardness, Alkalinity, Nitrate and
Phosphorous fell within the acceptable limit for
fish and different significant (P≤0.05) among
the month
344
MORPHOMETRIC STRUCTURE OF THE INVASIVE TIGER SHRIMP, Penaeus monodon

FABRICIUS 1798 FROM NIGERIAN COASTAL WATERS
Oluwaseun T., Oketoki *, Olusesan Omidiji, Olalekan R.Oguntade
Nigerian Inmstitute for Oceanography and Marine Research

P.M.B 12729, Marina
Lagos
visittop@yahoo.com
The last decade has reflected how the Crustacean Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) suddenly became an invasive species of
interest and challenge to the global research community. Since their invasion in the Nigerian coastal water, their economic
importance in foreign exchange earnings, prospects in aquaculture and food security have exceeded their proposed environmental
threats. However, there is no clear understanding of the geographic derivation, genetic origin and relatives of this invasive
species. Deficiency of background molecular identification, population structure and prospect in aquaculture are the basis for
this research.
The objective of this work was to provide information on morphological variation on the Nigerian tiger shrimp as a preliminary
approach to molecular diversity studies. A total of 438 (average of 45 samples each of tiger shrimps were collected from 10
different stations covering the 853km coast line of Nigeria. Mean TL (17.4cm), SL (15.7cm), TW (24.122g), RL (3.5cm), CL
(1.9cm). Morphometric and Truss network analysis was employed by constructing a network of 18 landmarks determining 42
distances (characteristics). Multivariate analysis was conducted with Principle Component Analysis (PCA) to determine the
difference among all sampling stations according to morphological characters.
The result of analysis showed that PC-I accounted for 92.96% (Eigenvalue: 2.52) and the PC-II accounted for 4.11% (Eigenvalue:
0.11) of the total variations in the data with Jolliffe cut-off (0.045319). These two principal components accounted for 97.07%
of the variations in morphometric and truss measurements and were used to elucidate the variations. PC-I scores were plotted
against PC-II scores to observe morphometric variations between stations. The graph generated produced a type of clustering
which signified that morphological profiles of samples from study sites were homogeneous.
345
EFFECT OF LIVE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) CONSUMPTION ON FEED UTILIZATION

BY Clarias gariepinus
Atim C. Okoko1 Chukwuma O. Ofor2
1
Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
(atymokoko@yahoo.com)
2
Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Management, College of Natural Resources and
Environmental Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267 Umuahia,
Abia State, Nigeria.
(ofor.chukwuma@mouau.edu.ng)
The study was conducted to investigate the effect of live tilapia consumption on feed utilization by African catfish (Clarias
gariepinus). A total of 900 C.gariepinus at the rate of 10 fingerlings/tank with Means ±SD (12.78 ± 0.41g) were stocked in
90 concrete tanks of 0.6x0.76x1m2, and divided into a 5 x 5 factorial design. After 304 days feeding trial, weight gain and
specific growth rate (SGR) of C. gariepinus improved as live tilapia was introduced in combination with pelleted feed at an
incorporation level of 2.5%. Results from Haematology indicated that experimental feed components did not contain toxins
that would adversely affect experimental fish performance. Based on values of SGR, food conversion ratio (FCR) and enzyme
activities, including live tilapia feed up the level of 2.5% in C. gariepinus diets would improve optimal growth performance of
C. gariepinus. Live tilapia feed seems to improve utilization of artificial feed.
346
HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION IN TISSUES OF PERIWINKLES Tympanotonus fuscatus

(LINNAEUS, 1758), WATER AND SEDIMENTS FROM THE MANGROVE SWAMPS OF WARRI
RIVER, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA.
Okonkwo, Chidumeje Ndidi Patience*

Nwabueze Aghata Arimiche
School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
Email address: chidumejeo@yahoo.com.
The Nigerian freshwater ecosystems which remain a major habitat for fish and shellfish have increasingly been under severe
treat of pollution with its resultant public health concerns on dependent populations. Periwinkles (Tympanotonus fuscatus), a
good, cheap source of protein with high value on local food menu is now considered an important dietary threat of heavy metal
toxicity via consumptions. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals (cadmium Cd, mercury Hg and lead Pb) in Periwinkles, water and
sediments, from Warri River, Nigeria was conducted. The shellfish samples were collected from different sites of Warri River
during the dry and wet seasons, due to the environmental stress around the River. Samples were analyzed for heavy metals
(cadmium- Cd, mercury- Hg, and lead- Pb) concentrations in muscle tissues using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
(AAS) and compared with World Health Organisation standards. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd- 0, Hg- 0, and
Pb- 0.0042) observed were significant (P<.05) with diversity in different experimental locations) in periwinkle tissues, Cd-
0.1317, Hg- 0.0013, and Pb- 0.0083 in water samples, and Cd- 0.1983, Hg- 0.0013, and Pb- 0.0146 in the sediments. One way
ANOVA analysis showed that the concentrations of heavy metals detected were higher during the dry season than in the wet
season. Relating the mean metal concentrations obtained in the study with World Health Organization standard indicated that
mean concentrations of cadmium, mercury and lead were far above safe margins for human consumption. However, there is
considerable contamination of the periwinkle tissues as well as water and sediments from the Warri River with heavy metals.
It is recommended that substantial attention be paid to the heavy metal levels in freshwater shellfishes from the river. We
recommended that appropriate Measures be put in place to regulate the indiscriminate oil exploration activities, discharge of
industrial effluent into the river as well as regular public health check on the level of heavy metals among the local population
in the communities that dwell along the coast should be employed.
347
OVERVIEW OF PRODUCTION AND MARKETABILITY OF SEVERAL VEGETABLE CROPS

REARED UNDER DIFFERENT LIGHT TECHNOLOGIES IN A INDOOR AQUAPONIC
SYSTEM
Luke Oliver*, Charlie Shultz, Shawn Coyle, Leigh Anne Bright, Zachary Kupchinsky,
and James Tidwell

Frankfort KY 40601
luke.oliver@kysu.edu
In most previous research on aquaponic systems, plants were grown outdoors or in greenhouses where they receive natural light.
To develop systems for urban environments or northern latitudes they will need to be located indoors in insulated buildings,
necessitating the use of artificial lights. Several distinct options exist. Fluorescent and metal halide grow lights are widely used
in hydroponics. In recent years, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have become widely available. Another technology receiving
increased interest is induction lighting. To date, these lighting technologies have not been compared for their application to
indoor aquaponics.
The objective of this research was to compare different artificial lighting technologies on plant growth. Each of the four
replicate systems included a 415-L fish tank, a 190-L settling tank, a 115-L clarifier, and two 1.5 m2 floating raft beds. In each
trial, sub-market-size tilapia were stocked in culture tanks at 3.2 kg/m3 and plant seedlings where suspended in floating rafts at
16 seedlings per raft. There were four different types of lights evaluated, including: metal halide, fluorescent, induction, and
light emitting diode (LED). The trial utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design over the four replicate systems. There
were four replicates of each type of light, blocked by bed. Fish were fed a 32% protein commercial floating feed twice daily
according to a feed chart. The duration of the experiment was four weeks. At harvest, the four plants in the center of each raft
were separated into roots and leaves, then measured and weighed. Light effects were compared based on fresh plant weights.
Six different plant species (bibb lettuce, basil, pac choi, romaine lettuce, swiss chard and kale)were evaluated for production
over the past year of operation.
Production data were similar among all six trials whereby average fresh weights of plants raised under light emitting diode
lights (LED) were significantly greater (P<0.05) than weights of plants raised under florescent, induction, or metal halide
lights which were not significantly different from each other. These results indicate superior performance by LED for plant
production under indoor aquaponic production.
348
BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION IN DIFFERENT PARTS

OF Synodontis membrane (CATFISH) and Tilapia zilli (TILAPIA), Macrobrachium macrobachion
(PRAWN), AND Callinectesamnicola(CRAB) FROM LAGOS AND EPE LAGOON
Olowu Rasaq Adewale*, Adewuyi Gregory, Hammed Mutalib, Amosu Oluwatobi
Department of Chemistry Lagos State university P O BOX 001 LASU post office Ojo
Email: raadeolowu@gmail.com
The level of some heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb and Cd) in Synodontis membrane (Catfish), Tilapia zilli (Tilapia),
Callinectesamnicola (Crab) and Macrobrachium macrobachion (Prawn), from Lagos and Epe Lagoon were investigated using
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), model Buck Scientific 210 GVP, the analysis on all the samples were done in
triplicates. The analysis of trace metals in Synodontis membrane and Tilapia zillii was conducted on head, gills and trunk, and
the results indicated the accumulation of metals differently in various parts of the fishes. The orders of accumulation in Catfish
were Head>Gill>Trunk and the pattern of distribution is Zn>Fe>Mn>Cu in all the organs. In Tilapia, the accumulation follows
the order; Gills (Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu)>Head (Zn>Fe>Mn>Cu)>Trunk (Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu). The mean values of heavy metals in
Crab ranged from 19.67±1.70- 24.67±7.72 Fe, 11.63±1.25- 8.00±2.45 Zn, 10.33±1.25- 2.67±0.94 Cu, 5.00±2.94-1.67±0.47
Mn. While that of the Prawn is; 6.33±1.89-4.00±1.63 Fe, 6.33±2.87-8.00±2.45 Zn, 2.00±1.89- 9.00±3.27 Cu, and 3.00±0.82-
1.67±0.47 Mn for Lagos and Epe Lagoon respectively. Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) were not detected (ND) in all the samples
which may be attributed to the existence of few or no industrial activities around the locations The high concentrations of iron
and zinc in the fish parts could be associated with the fact that these metals are naturally abundant in Nigeria soils and since the
source of metal depositories are the aquatic systems. The general trend of accumulations in all the organisms were Chrysichthys
nigrodigitatus>Tilapiazillii>Callinectesamnicola>Macrobrachiummacrobrachion. The analysis of the Crab and Prawn shows
that concentrations of Zn and Fe in the samples are lower than the permissible limits set by WHO and FEPA, while Mn and Cu
concentrations were above the limits, hence it is pertinent to regularly monitor the activities on both lagoons.
349
ENHANCING THE CENTRE OF THE PLATE THROUGH EFFECTIVE MARKETING –

A CASE OF CATFISH MARKETING IN LAGOS STATE
Omitoyin Siyanbola and Feyisayo Okeowo
Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Management, Bowen University, Iwo

sbomitoyin@yahoo.com, sadewumiomitoyin@gmail.com
Fish marketing is one of the few livelihood activities that hold great potential for income generation and poverty reduction
especially among communities and households living near water resources or those engaged in fish farming. About 90% of
fish produced in Nigeria both captured and farmed (catfish) is sold in the local market as a source of protein to the growing
population improving their diet and contributing to the country’s food security. However, fish gets to the consumers at a very
exorbitant price and at a lower quality. The accusing finger is pointing to marketing which is the whole process between
production and consumption. The study therefore examines the marketing strategies of Catfish in Lagos state Nigeria.
Structured questionnaire were given to 150 fish marketers in Lagos state using multi-stage random sampling technique to
obtain information on demographic characteristics, marketing outlets, challenges and problems associated with fish marketing
and their profitability. Analytical tools used were descriptive statistics market margin and linear regression. The result shows
that 55.4% of respondents still sell their fish in open market. The major means of advertisement (56.2%) is the word of mouth
while their major limitation is inadequate finance. It is observed that marketing has not been incorporated into most aquaculture
processes. It is therefore recommended that marketing concept in aquaculture should be strengthened so as to make catfish
available to the consumers at an affordable price
350
IDENTIFYING SEAFOOD CONSUMER SEGMENTS BASED ON FOOD LIFESTYLE
Yuko Onozaka
UiS Business School, University of Stavanger, N-4036 Stavanger, Norway

yuko.onozaka@uis.no
Seafood consumption decisions are affected by immediate factors, such as price and availability, as well as perceptions and
knowledge about and experience with seafood products. However, as seafood being one of the many food items that consumers
consider for their meals, there are broader sets of factors at play, such as consumers’ general level of interest about food and
health, importance of convenience, and enjoyment of cooking. A recent study by Onozaka, Hansen and Sørvig (2014) explore
the relationship between perceived qualities and salmon consumptions using general food lifestyle segment as a mediating
factor and find differential effects from shifting key perceptions about salmon (healthiness, convenience and value for money)
on consumption frequencies. This implies that marketing efforts should be tailored to different segments, but the study did not
explore how consumers in different segments can be identified.
In this article, we aim to fill in this gap and explore the observable characteristics of consumers in different lifestyle segments.
We utilize an original survey conducted for multiple countries (UK, Germany, France, Russia and Sweden) to inform the
similarities and differences within the international markets. The data contains rich sets of individual information that can be
used to characterize segment membership.
We will adopt the food lifestyle segments found in Onozaka, Hansen and Sørvig (2014). They find that each market can
be divided into three segments (only exception is Germany, divided into four segments) based on the general involvement
with food measured in seven dimensions (taste, health, freshness, price/quality relations, importance of product information,
enjoyment of cooking, and convenience) as illustrated in Figure 1. Although this segmentation is not directly based on seafood
consumption or attitude towards seafood, significant differences in seafood consumption frequencies among segments are
detected
The focus of the current article is to identify the determining factors on segmentation membership. We will test if socioeconomic
characteristics (age, gender, country of residence, ethnic background, income, education, household composition, etc.) can
significantly explain who are in each segment. Moreover, we will cross-reference with consumptions and attitudes towards
other protein sources (e.g., chicken) to deepen the understanding of the segmentation formation that can inform how seafood
marketers can reach the target groups in each market.
Reference:
Onozaka, Y., H. Hansen and A. Sørvig. 2014. “Consumer Product Perceptions and Salmon Consumption Frequency: The Role
of Heterogeneity Based on Food Lifestyle Segments” Marine Resource Economics, 29(4)
351
TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF AQUACULTURE FIRMS OF KOGI STATE, NORTH CENTRAL

NIGERIA
Unekwu Onuche* and Friday Garba Ogbe
Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University

Anyigba, Nigeria.
Agricultural production in developing countries is usually besieged with a number of problems. These problems always
lead reduced productivity (output/input). In this regards producers realize outputs that usually fall far short of the maximum
obtainable output (the production frontier). Part of this productivity problem is accounted for by the farmers’ socioeconomic
factors. That is, part of the blame for low level of supply, poor productivity and poor profitability of agricultural ventures rest
on technical inefficiency of the production outfits. But individuals and organizations are quick to pass the blame on to other
factors e.g. governments. It is important therefore to understand the level of technical efficiencies of firms in order to identify
priority intervention areas. This work was designed to describe the socioeconomic characteristics, determine the technical
efficiency levels and identify the sources of technical inefficiency of aquaculture units in Kogi State, North central Nigeria.
A three stage stratified random sampling procedure was employed in the selection 216 respondents from the four agricultural
zones of the state for questionnaire administration. First, Kogi state was purposively chosen due to the fact that aquaculture
was a fast emerging venture there. From the four agricultural zones of the state, 80% of aquaculture outfits were selected from
the local governments. Analytical technique used was the Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier production function. Findings
reveal that the population of aquaculture farm operators was an economically active one (mean age =41 years), with an average
family size of 7 and low level education (8 years of formal education). These operators have spent an average of 12 years in
aquacultural production with an average pooled pond size of 0.12ha and low level of extension support (3extension visits/year).
The production inputs comprising fingerlings stocked (t= 4.2) feed (t=1.98) pond size (t=2.5) liters of fuel utilized (t=1.2) labour
(t=2.4) were all positively related to the volume of fish cropped. Furthermore, there was a generally moderate level of technical
efficiency among the farmers with a least specific farm level technical efficiency of 0.42 and a highest specific farm level
technical efficiency of 0.74. The mean technical efficiency level was 0.53 implying that there exists room for 47% increment
in the output using the present levels of resources. Number of extension contacts (t=-3.4) and education (t=-2.69) were found
to decrease technical inefficiency while family size (t=2.1) and age (t=3.3) were found to decrease technical inefficiency. In
order to reduce technical inefficiency and hence reduce the shortfall of 47%, increase in extension services delivery through
a sustainable on-the-farm extension visits and the establishment of a robust adult education system are recommended. Since
house hold size and age increase technical inefficiency, it is also recommended that incentives by way of soft loan be provided
youths in order to encourage youthful participation in the venture.
352
RESPONSIBLE REPORTING IN US MARINE FISHERIES STOCK ENHANCEMENT

RESEARCH
Joseph Serafy & Refik Orhun
NOAA Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami FL 33149
This paper reviews 50+ research articles and reports on stock enhancement conducted from 1986 to 2011 to examine the
reporting frequency of key information and metrics from which program performance can be assessed. This information
included several measures and characteristics identified in papers advocating a “responsible approach” to stock enhancement.
Among these metrics are details on pre-release habitat and population dynamics assessments (e.g., predator-prey abundance,
evidence of recruitment limitation) as well as information on: (1) total numbers, sizes and ages of released and recaptured
individuals; and (2) quantitative estimates of the degree to which focal stocks or fisheries have been augmented. Most studies
were narrowly focused on a small subset of release and recapture events and did not compare growth, survival and condition
of recaptured organisms with their wild counterparts. As performance assessment relies on the design, scale and sampling
intensity of post-release monitoring, bottom-line questions surrounding the efficacy marine fisheries stock enhancement remain
largely unanswered. Even in recent studies, information on either absolute or relative costs of hatchery production, tagging and
post-release monitoring continues to be elusive.
353
PERFORMANCE OF A MEDIA FOR A BIOFILTER IN THE ALBINO RAINBOW TROUT

PRODUCTION
Selene Ortiz-Velazquez*, Ivan Gallego-Alarcon, Ivan Cervantes-Zepeda, Rodolfo I. Rodriguez-Aguilar,

Tolkin Rossel-Mendoza, Daury Garcia-Pulido
Biotic Resources Research Center

Faculty of Science, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico
Instituto Literario #100, Col. Centro.
Toluca. CP 50000.
Mexico.
ovseln7@yahoo.com.mx
Aquaculture in the State of Mexico has been developed within a framework of environmental and legal pressures; competition
for water resources has negatively impacted activities like trout culture. Social and governmental pressures are increasing to
such an extent that water use titles are harder to get and are stricter than in past decades.
To find alternative solutions under this scheme, it was proposed on this research to work with the use of RAS to treat and reuse
water, minimizing water usage taking aim conceive develop an albino rainbow trout production a recirculating aquaculture
system in order to evaluate the efficiency of the biological media in a biofilter for trout farms.
A 120 days experiment was carried out in a recirculating aquaculture system comprising a circular pond and wastewater
treatment consisting of a biofilter (trickling type) and a sand filter. The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were stock at an
initial biomass of 17.36 kg, a density of 2.53 kg/m3 that were grown up to 7.6 kg/m3; fish growth of 4.42 g/d; at a flow rate of
1.66 L/s.
Removal efficiency of the water quality parameters was evaluated, 71.39%, 30.57% and 4.73% for TAN, NO2-N, NO3-N was
obtained respectively; TSS generation in the system was 28.59%.
Mathematical models were found in this study for volumetric conversion rate (VCR) were, for the trickling filter: 63.96 ± 38.39
g NH3-N/m3 d with removal percentage of 33.83% and the sand filter 106.99 ± 140.11 g NH3-N/m3 d with removal percentage
of 32.47%. The sand filter presents a linear dependence between the concentration of total ammonia nitrogen at the inlet and
the VCR with R2 = 0.8745 so the sand filter showed a higher performance than the biofilter.
In conclusion although the performance of the new media was better than previously used; is even lower than the rates reported
for the sand filter because it’s contact surface is significantly higher than the biofilter media.
354
TRENDS IN AQUACULTURE STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION
Cormac O’Sullivan
SAI Global, 20 Carlson Court, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, M9W 7K6
There has been a significant development of Aquaculture Standards in recent years, with even more due to be released in the next
12 months. These range from Second Party Private Label Standards to Third Party Accredited Standards. Aquaculture Standards
are covering everything from Environmental Responsibility, Food Safety, Traceability, Organics, Worker Welfare, Community,
Social Responsibility and Fish Welfare. Consequently, Standards convey different messages to retailers and consumers. Some
markets have very specific requirements and consequently the need for a range of standards exists. Some retailers have clearly
defined Seafood Sourcing policies and very clear direction on which standards are preferred when supplying the public. There
are differences between Auditing and Certification of the various Standards and different approaches have been taken by
Standards Owners and Accreditation Bodies. There has been a move to rationalize the Standards and achieve some equivalence.
Frameworks for establishing a common ground for benchmarking standards are to be welcomed.
Cormac O’Sullivan Bio

Cormac O’Sullivan is the Technical Manager for Seafood with SAI Global’ s Americas Operations. Cormac has a degree
in Applied Ecology and a Masters Degree in Environmental Protection and has been involved in Aquaculture, Fisheries,
Environmental Consultation and Seafood Certification for over 20 years in both the government and private industry. Cormac
has been a speaker at conferences, workshops and forums in Europe and North America on all aspects of Seafood Standards
and Certification and currently sits on numerous Technical Advisory Committees. Cormac has extensive knowledge of
environmental and seafood legislation in many countries with a working International experience in over 15 countries.
355
THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SELECTION IN RAINBOW TROUT SELECTED FOR

GROWTH ON GMO SOYBEAN-BASED FEEDS
Ken Overturf*
Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station

USDA-ARS
Hagerman, ID 83316
Ken.Overturf@ars.usda.gov
Replacement of fishmeal with sustainable plant proteins in aquaculture feeds has been continuing at a rapid pace for the
last decade. Studies have been performed evaluating a variety of plant materials; however, protein derived from soybeans is
considered one of the primary replacement components. Complete replacement of fishmeal with substantial incorporation of
soy products in feeds for carnivorous fishes often causes reduced growth and can negatively affect gut health. Assessment of the
precise nature of the physiological damage and the differences between strains for their ability to reduce or eliminate enteritis
when reared on an all-plant protein based diet containing soybean meal has recently received increased attention. There is also
trepidation on the use of genetically modified (GMO) soy in animal feeds, including fish, which complicates incorporation of
soy products, because the availability and rules regarding use of standard and GMO soybeans varies greatly around the world.
In the U.S., almost all soybeans commercially produced originate from genetically modified stocks. Currently, our selection
program in the U.S. has developed a strain of rainbow trout that has enhanced growth and energy retention characteristics
when reared on an all plant-based diet from which a significant amount of the available protein comes from soy products.
Furthermore, physiological and histological examination demonstrates that the selected fish do not develop the typical clinical
signs of distal enteritis that are readily visible in non-selected fish reared on a soy containing plant-based feed. Results from
this work showed that sensitivity to dietary soybean meal varies between rainbow trout strains and strongly suggests that
improvement in tolerance may be achieved by selective breeding on a diet containing soybean meal.
356
EFFECTS OF SOCIO- ECONOMIC FACTORS ON ADOPTION OF NEW PRODUCTION

TECHNOLOGIES BY FISH FARMERS IN KOGI AND NIGER STATES, NIGERIA
Oyero, J. O.,* Ajayi, O. J., Olaleye, R. S. And Adeniji, O.B.
Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology, Federal University of Technology,
Minna.Nigeria
segun.oyero@futminna.edu.ng
This study was designed to investigate the effects of socioeconomic factors on the adoption of improved technologies by
fish farmers in Kogi and Niger States, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the socio-economic
characteristics of the fish farmers, identify the improved fish technologies adopted by the fish farmers, factors affecting the
adoption of improved technologies, profitability of the fish farmers, the effect of adoption on the output of the fish farmers and
the problems faced by the fish farmers in the study area. Five Local Government Areas each from Kogi and Niger States were
purposively selected for the study because of the concentration of fish farmers in the areas. They are Lokoja, Idah, Ajaokuta,
Kabba/Bunu and Kotonkarfe in Kogi State and Bosso, Bida, Borgu, Kotangora and Suleja in Niger State. A total of 180 fish
farmers (using multi stage sampling techniques) were selected and information elicited from them using interview schedule.
Data analysis involved the use of descriptive and inferential statistics (such as frequency counts, percentages, means and
standard deviations) were used to describe the data. Farm budgeting technique was used to estimate the profitability of the
fish farmers. Result shows that the mean age of the fish farmers was 47 years. Majority (91.7 %) were married, 89.4 % had
household size of less than 11 people, 90.6 % have been into fish farming for less than 11 years and 33.9 % had access to credit.
Stocking method (98.3 %), fish feeding technique (93.2 %), harvesting (81.3 %), pond draining method (68.8 %) and concrete
pond (61.3 %) were the most adopted technologies. The profitability analysis shows that the net farm income per farmer was N
3,075.80 ($ 18) in Kogi state while that of Niger State was N 1,728.40 ($10). Binomial logit regression indicated that at 0.05
level of significance, there was a positive and significant relationship between Education and Extension visit. Capital and Pond
fertilization had a positive and significant effect on the output of the fish farmers at 0.10 level of significance. However, the
major constraints faced by the respondents were inadequate credit and high cost of input. Therefore, it was recommended that
researchers and extension agents should work closely with the fish farmers in order to proffer solutions to these problems and
thereby enhance the food security status of the study area and consequently Nigeria.
357
PRACTICAL CULTURE OF EASTERN OYSTER LARVAE (Crassostrea virginica) IN DELAWARE

USING REMOTE SET PRACTICE: SHARED KNOWLEDGE FOR COMMERCIAL SHELLFISH
AQUACULTURE
Brian Reckenbeil1, Gulnihal Ozbay1* and John Ewart2
1
Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Delaware State University, Dover, DE-19901 USA
2
Delaware Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE-19958 USA
Shellfish aquaculture has become a new hope for the coastal community in Delaware, with the approval of new regulations
allowing commercial shellfish aquaculture practices, with special interest on oyster aquaculture, in the Delaware Inland Bays
(DIB). Over the past 10 years leading up to these regulations, the DIB have been home to a small community-based oyster
mitigation program, which biennially distributes oyster spat on shell to volunteer citizen growers. The DIB have an extremely
low abundance of naturally recruiting eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. The use of cost-effective culture techniques to
culture oysters for restoration has developed into an integral part of the ecological restoration efforts for the bays. Oyster
gardening in Delaware has become a popular shellfish aquaculture practice for homeowners with waterfront property. Spat on
shell was provided to volunteer growers through a ‘remote set’, which allowed larvae from the Haskin NEH line to settle on
cultch in a closed tank system. Over the past three remote sets since 2009, simple alterations in choices of shell containment
gear were made to try to increase the settling efficiency rate, and hence overall spat set. Shell containment gears included
common diamond plastic mesh bags (2009, 2011), wire baskets (2011), and plastic aquaculture trays (2013). The aim of
this study was to estimate the number of settled spat on shell, spat set efficiency, and spat survival rate during the nursery
period. Setting efficiency was estimated at 6.25%, 8.98%, and 13.28% in the respective 2009, 2011, and 2013 remote sets
(see Table 1). For small scale growers, the stacked aquaculture trays had the highest set efficiency in our program and proved
advantageous for several reasons, including: reduced handling time, uniform shell distribution within tanks, and easy-to-clean
detritus between shell layers. Determining the success of the remote set process is often neglected, yet gathering this critical
information will inform managers of the approximate number of spat distributed in small scale programs and commercial scale
aquaculture operation alike.
358
INFECTIVITY PATTERN OF WHITE SPOT SYNDOME VIRUS (WSSV) IN THE LOUISIANA

RED SWAMP CRAYFISH Procambarus clarkii
Barcley T. Pace*, John P. Hawke, Ramesh Subramanian, Christopher C. Green

bpace@agcenter.lsu.edu
The red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, is indigenous to the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. It is
an economically and ecologically important species responsible for nearly one third of all commercial aquaculture profits in
Louisiana. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a highly pathogenic virus capable of infecting more than 90 different host
species and is responsible for mass mortalities in aquaculture operations worldwide. It was identified in the early 1990s in
Asia and first appeared as a threat to wild and cultured P. clarkii populations in Louisiana in 2007. This study aims to better
understand the infectivity of WSSV in Louisiana P. clarkii by determining the viral load and resulting cumulative mortality
curve of infection.
DNA extracted from gill tissue will be analyzed using real time PCR to ensure P. clarkii study populations are WSSV-free
before the start of trials. Viable viral particles will be isolated from infected P. clarkii gill tissue (Figure 1). The isolated particles
are quantified using a novel digital PCR approach in the biosecure aquatic facilities at the Louisiana State University School
of Veterinary Medicine. WSSV inocula are then created by serial dilution, generating five treatments with a range of 1 x 101 to
1 x 105 viral particles. Crayfish approximately 25 g will be selected for viral challenges with 30 crayfish per dilution injected
intramuscularly. Mortality will be monitored daily for 21 days in order to construct an LD50 curve.
Knowledge of the infectivity of WSSV in native crayfish populations is of critical importance to the management of the
commercial aquaculture industry in Louisiana. This will be the first study to investigate the infectivity and to determine the LD50
of the Louisiana strain of white spot syndrome virus on native crayfish. The results can be used to facilitate future investigations
on the pathogenesis of WSSV and predisposing factors resulting from physiological alterations in native Louisiana crayfish
species.
359
AMENDING REDUCED FISH MEAL HYBRID STRIPED BASS DIETS WITH BENEFICIAL
MICROBIAL MATERIAL
Michael Page* and Jesse T. Trushenski

michael.page@siu.edu
Fermented soybean meal has previously been shown to outperform traditional soybean meal as a protein source in diets for
hybrid striped bass. However, it is unknown whether the superior performance observed among fish fed fermented soybean
meal is due to its reduced antinutritional factor content, pre/probiotic effects of the residual microbial material it contains, or
a combination of the two. Identifying a mode of action has become a priority for those interested in taking best advantage of
fermented products and/or microbially derived materials as feedstuffs. We assessed the production performance of juvenile
hybrid striped bass (≈41 g, 10 fish/tank) reared under optimal versus sub-optimal conditions in a recirculating aquaculture system
for 12 weeks on diets containing different levels and sources of microbial material. Diets contained menhaden fish meal (30%
FM), standard soybean meal (5% FM SBM), or fermented soybean meal (5% FM PSG) as primary sources of dietary protein.
A direct-fed microbial product comprised of the same microbes used to prepare the fermented soybean meal product was
evaluated as a supplement to the fish meal-based (30% FM + 0.1% Nf, 30% FM + 0.3% Nf) and standard soybean meal-based
formulations (5% FM + 0.1% Nf). Feeds supplemented at the 0.1% inclusion rate were estimated to contain approximately the
same amount of microbial material as the 5% FM PSG feed. Diets were randomly assigned to triplicate tanks (N=3) within
each culture condition category, and two-way ANOVA was used to analyze production performance metrics and determine the
significance of dietary and environmental treatment effects. No significant interactions were found, and rearing condition was
only found to affect hepatosomatic index where fish reared under suboptimal conditions had lower values. Weight gain, feed
conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth grate (SGR), and feed intake were significantly or numerically reduced among fish
fed the reduced fish meal feeds (Table). Minor numeric improvements in growth performance were noted among fish fed the
30% FM feeds supplemented with the direct-fed microbial product, but equivalent trends were not observed among fish fed
the corresponding 5% FM feeds. It was unexpected that fish fed the 5% FM PSG diet performed equivalently to those fed the
5% FM SBM feed, as this conflicts somewhat with previous tests of fermented vs. standard soybean meal in hybrid striped
bass feeds. In this presentation, current and previous results of feeding fermented and microbially derived materials will be
discussed in terms of improving feeds for hybrid striped bass and potentially other species.
360
FOCUS ON GENDER - AwF
Roy Palmer*
Executive Director
AwF
Melbourne
AUSTRALIA
email: palmerroyd@gmail.com
Food insecurity and malnutrition arise from inequalities and gender is high on that list. Women play an incredibly important
role in Aquaculture yet in so many countries are not encouraged to engage.
In many countries women are the carers, have lower status, limited mobility, and are poorly represented in policy and
reconstruction processes. They are poorer as a gender and regularly face social, cultural and religious prohibitions that inhibit
their ability to respond effectively in crises. a
Rural women produce half of the world’s food, but are some of the most disadvantaged people on the planet. The number of
rural women living in poverty has doubled since the 1970s. Women produce 50% of the world’s food, but only own 1% of the
land.
Aquaculture has the opportunity to effect the status quo by giving women more focus through access to agri-food resources,
training and services, and empowering change that could increase the productivity and feed many millions of hungry people.
Additionally if we want to increase seafood sales across the world the best thing we can do is to educate women about the 1,000
Days Program and nutrition.
361
THE EFFECT OF STOCKING DENSITY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF LARGEMOUTH

BASS FINGERLINGS IN A RECIRCULATING SYSTEM
Jeonghwan Park*, Nilima Renukdas, Trevor Luna, and Luke A. Roy
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries

parkje@uapb.edu
While largemouth bass production has primarily focused on sport fish markets, there is increasing interest in food-fish
production of largemouth bass. Current production practices for largemouth bass follow the natural spring spawning cycle
resulting in 5-7 cm fingerlings that must be feed trained in raceways during the months of June, July and August. Feed-trained
fingerlings must then be re-introduced to grow-out ponds during the heat of the summer. Heat-related handling stress, low
oxygen conditions, bird predation, and subsequent harsh winter temperatures result in reduced fingerling survival and overall
production inefficiencies. The state of Arkansas is the largest producer of largemouth bass for the food-fish market in the US.
Appropriate hatchery and fingerling production strategies are needed to shorten the overall culture period and produce food-
fish in the most economical manner. This study was part of a larger project to evaluate a culture paradigm for largemouth bass
fingerling and food-fish production including out-of season spawning, overwintering fingerlings in an indoor system, and
producing advanced fingerlings in the early spring.
The effects of stocking density on largemouth bass fingerling productions were evaluated in a two-phase study by stocking 9.1
cm (Phase I, 60 days) and 14.5 cm (Phase 2, 60 days) fingerlings, respectively. An experimental recirculating system consisting
of 18 square plastic tanks (60 cm x 60 cm x 45 cm), a bubble-washed bead filter, a UV sterilizer, a down-flow oxygen contactor,
and a centrifugal pump (150 L/min) was utilized. The experimental stocking densities were set at 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40
kg/m3 for Phase I and 4.5, 9, 18, 36, 54, and 72 kg/m3 for Phase II, with three replicates per density. Water temperature was
maintained at 26oC using submersible heaters (0.75 kW). Dissolved oxygen was maintained at a minimum of 8 mg/L over the
course of the experiment. Fish were fed a formulated diet (42% protein and 16% lipid) distributed by automatic feeders and the
daily feeding ration was 5% of total body weight.
362
EVALUATION OF A BIO-FLOC SYSTEM FOR INTENSIVE CULTURE OF FATHEAD

MINNOWS Pimephales promelas
Jeonghwan Park*, Nilima Renukdas, Trevor Luna, and Luke A. Roy
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries

parkje@uapb.edu
Increasing the efficiency of baitfish production is a key area where farm production efficiency can be improved. This study
evaluated the growth performance of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and water quality changes in bio-floc systems
with different stocking densities for 12 weeks. Fifteen 550L round tanks were installed outdoors. Control tanks simulated
conventional ponds, while treatment tanks simulated bio-floc ponds with continuous aeration in order to induce bio-floc
formation. The control tanks accommodated 100 minnows/m3 (T1, equivalent to 1 million fish/ha) and the treatment tanks
accommodated 100, 200, 400, and 800 minnows/m3, respectively (T2, T3, T4, and T5, equivalent to 1, 2, 4, and 8 million fish/
ha). Fathead minnows (initial weight 0.95 g) were fed a commercial diet (32% protein) once daily by hand (4% of BW). In the
treatment tanks, an external carbon source (glucose) was maintained at a C:N ratio of 12:1.
Individual weights increased up to 2.0 g with no significant differences among the control and treatments (p>0.05), while fish
growth indicators such as feed conversion efficiency and specific growth rate tended to decrease with increasing stocking density.
The survival rate in T5 was significantly lower than those in the other treatments (p<0.05). Condition factors were not different
among the control and treatments (p>0.05). Water temperatures ranged from 0.1°C to 30.1°C throughout the experiment. Water
quality was maintained within an acceptable range in all tanks, but was slightly impaired with decreasing water temperature.
Survival rate and condition factor of fathead minnows did not appear to be significantly impaired at densities over 400 fish/ m3
under bio-floc conditions, while productivity could significantly increase by 2-3 fold. Feed conversion efficiencies and specific
growth rates were reduced in T4 and T5, indicating that the bio-floc did not significantly enhance the growth efficiency of
fathead minnows as a supplemental food source at the higher stocking densities.
363
MARYLAND SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE: INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH

CREATIVE FINANCING PROGRAMS
Matt Parker*, Shannon Dill, Don Webster, Don Meritt
College Park MD, 20742
mparke11@umd.edu
Shellfish aquaculture has been practiced in Maryland for over 100 years, however through overharvest, disease, and political
opposition by commercial harvesters; it has been limited in production for much of that time. In 2009 bipartisan support
led to the revision of the state’s leasing program with subsequent reorganization of state agencies for quicker permitting
and development of strong support programs. In addition, Maryland received federal funds for a disaster in the blue crab
resource that allowed the state’s management agency to develop the shellfish aquaculture industry by diversifying business
opportunities. They created a partnership with the Maryland Agricultural Based Resource Industries Development Corporation
(MARBIDCO) to create the Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Loan Fund to provide low-interest loans to existing and startup
shellfish aquaculture firms for shell and seed. In addition the State provided capital funds to finance capital equipment for
shellfish aquaculture operations. The program is non-collateralized but with expected repayment and features a low interest
rate for the first three years of the term with interest only payments. If the loan is in good standing at the start of the fourth
year of the term, a portion of the principle is forgiven, resulting in a de facto grant to the business. Since the inception of the
Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Loan Fund, MARBIDCO has made over fifty loan commitments totaling over $3.3 million.
364
PHYSIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF DIETARY DEFICIENCY IN n-3 FATTY ACIDS BY

SPAWNING GULF KILLIFISH Fundulus grandis
Joshua T. Patterson* and Christopher C. Green
University of Florida – School of Forest Resources and Conservation

The Florida Aquarium – Center for Conservation
Apollo Beach, FL 33572
joshpatterson@ufl.edu
Research described in this abstract was conducted at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Aquaculture Research
Station. Lipid dynamics of spawning fish are critical to production of viable embryos and larvae. The present study utilized
manipulation of dietary fatty acid (FA) profiles to examine the ability of spawning Gulf killifish Fundulus grandis to mobilize
critical lipid components from somatic reserves or synthesize long chain polyunsaturated FAs (LC-PUFAs) de novo from
shorter chain C18 precursors. An egg and multi-tissue evaluation of changes in FA concentrations across time after fish were
switched from LC-PUFA rich to deficient diets was employed. Figure 1 depicts initial baseline proportions of five FAs in tissues
of Gulf killifish fed a fish meal and fish oil based commercial diet. Results indicate that a combination of mobilization and de
novo synthesis is likely utilized to maintain physiologically required FA levels in critical tissues and embryos. Mobilization
was supported by decreases of LC-PUFAs in somatic tissues and decreases in interperitoneal fat content and liver mass.
Evidence for biosynthesis was supplied by a higher level of n-3 LC-PUFAs in the liver and ova of fish fed diets containing C18
precursors versus those fed diets with low levels of precursor FAs. The characteristic physiological plasticity of Gulf killifish
is exemplified in the nutritional domain by its management of dietary FA deficiency.
365
TECHIQUES TO SUPPORT SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN THE THREATENED STAGHORN

CORAL Acropora cervicornis
Joshua T. Patterson*
The Florida Aquarium – Center for Conservation

University of Florida – School of Forest Resources and Conservation
Apollo Beach, FL 33572
joshpatterson@ufl.edu
Global degradation of coral reefs over the past three decades has been especially pronounced in the western Atlantic and
Caribbean. Two historically important hermatypic corals of the genus Acropora – A. cervicornis and A. palmata – have
experienced declines of up to 95% in some areas of the Florida Keys and
elsewhere, with a concurrent loss of ecosystem function. These corals
reproduce asexually through colony fragmentation and sexually when
gamete bundles are broadcasted by simultaneous hermaphrodite polyps.
Fertilization requires gamete contributions from different genotypes
within each species. Increased isolation of remaining Acropora stands
has reduced the likelihood of successful natural sexual reproduction and
raised concerns about a loss of genetic diversity. Aquaculture holds an
increasingly important role in efforts to restore coral reefs. The most
successful efforts to date have involved in-situ “gardening”, which
utilizes colony fragmentation to efficiently propagate corals in specially
designed nurseries located in coastal waters. Nursery grown corals are
then out planted to reef restoration sites in an attempt to regenerate lost
or damaged habitat. Aquaculture of sexually reproduced Carribean
Acropora species has not yet been successful, but holds promise as a
means to increase genetic diversity. Techniques for gamete capture and
fertilization have been established, but current practice is limited by
post-fertilization survivorship.
Staghorn coral A. cervicornis gametes were collected from nursery

animals maintained by the Coral Resoration Foundation off the coast of
Tavernier, Florida. Following fertilization, embryos were transported
to the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin. Nine
static aquaria were arranged containing settling tiles of various treatments
distributed in a replicated fashion. Treatments included sterile tiles and
those conditioned in a coral system for 45 days, textured and flat tile
surface, and tile tops versus undersides. A significant preference for
conditioned, textured, and top of tiles existed in this experiment. The
most successful treatment held a density of 0.52 ± 0.09 (mean±SEM)
live polyps per cm2 of tile surface area.
366
TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A SMALL-SCALE AQUAPONICS SYSTEM IN IOWA
D. Allen Pattillo*, Kun Xie, and Kurt A. Rosentrater
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Ames, IA 50011
Pattillo@iastate.edu
Aquaponics combines the cultivation of crops in a non-soil medium (hydroponics) with the culture of aquatic organisms
(aquaculture). Recently, many people are becoming interested in these types of systems. Although technologies continue
to improve, potential users do not have reliable information regarding costs. The goal of this research was to evaluate the
cost-effectiveness of an aquaponics system by conducting a techno-economic analysis, by considering capital and operational
expenditures, potential revenues, and break-even points.
Growth characteristics for fish were evaluated with respect to increases in length, weight, growth efficiency, as well as survival
when grown in conjunction with high value crops (such as basil or lettuce). Crop production was evaluated for biomass growth
and yield, composition, as well as nutrient deficiencies, and moisture content. Growth parameters for fish and plants were
collected bi-weekly. Dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and specific conductance data were collected from the recirculating
water supply. Phosphorus, total ammonia nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, and total water nutrient data were also collected, while were
collected weekly. Energy and other consumptive input data were collected. The collected data were analyzed for significant
differences in growth, nutrient utilization, and consumptive inputs, and relationship correlations between fish and plant species
were evaluated to determine optimized growth parameters.
These data were then used to evaluate the economic feasibility of aquaponics systems for potential producers in Iowa. This
analysis include capital costs, operational costs, benefits (fish and plant sales), breakeven points, and rates of return. Multiple
scales were evaluated to determine the economics for both small and large production systems.
367
EFFICACY OF UV-STERILIZATION IN REDUCING FOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS IN AN

AQUAPONICS SYSTEM
D. Allen Pattillo*, Angela M. Shaw, Christopher J. Currey, Kun Xie, and Kurt A. Rosentrater
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Department of Food Science and Human
Nutrition, Department of Horticulture, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Ames, IA 50011
Pattillo@iastate.edu
Food safety is a current topic of concern in aquaponics because little is known of the status of foodborne diseases potentially
present in an aquaponics system. Foodborne diseases are responsible for approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000
hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths annually. These issues are estimated to total between $10 and $83 billion annually in pain
and suffering, reduced productivity, and medical costs. Identification and resolution of food safety hazards within the food
system is critical to the reduction of the foodborne burden in the country. The specific food safety concern with aquaponics
is the proximity of the fish culture water, containing fish excrement, to the edible plant culture component. Although fish are
generally not regarded as a food safety threat because the temperature of the culture water are low enough to not promote the
establishment of pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., the potential for survival and growth still remains.
The use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation for sterilization in recirculating aquaculture is proven to reduce pathogen loads in the
water column, without adding any chemicals into the water, thereby increasing fish health, and decreasing the need for water
exchange. Effective use of a UV sterilizer should reduce the abundance of many bacterial and viral pathogens suspended in
the water and, thus, reduce the probability of cross contamination between the water and plant tissue should those pathogens be
present. The goal of this research is to identify the presence and quantify the abundance of pathogens in an aquaponics system
and to evaluate the efficacy of UV sterilization in suppressing pathogens.
A series of trials with both fish and plants was conducted. Growth characteristics for fish were evaluated with respect to
increases in length, weight, growth efficiency, as well as survival when grown in conjunction with high value crops (such
as basil or lettuce). Crop biomass, mineral nutrient composition, and moisture content were quantified. Growth parameters
for fish and plants were collected bi-weekly. Pathogens in the water, plant, and fish tissues were evaluated throughout the
experiment and compared between UV sterilized and control treatments for E. coli/Coliform, E. coli O157, and Salmonella spp.
368
BIO-DOME AT IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY’S REIMAN GARDENS: LESSONS LEARNED

FROM ENGAGING THE PUBLIC WITH AQUAPONICS SYSTEMS
D. Allen Pattillo*, Kurt A. Rosentrater, Edward M. Moran, Nathan G. Brockman, Sarah J. Rummery,
Jacob R. Smith, J. Gordon Arbuckle, Jr.
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems
Engineering, Reiman Gardens, Department of Sociology
Ames, IA 50011
Pattillo@iastate.edu*
Iowa State University has been experimenting with a novel approach to engage the public in aquaponics systems for future
food production. The new “Bio-dome” display at Iowa State University’s Reiman Gardens looks into the future of farming.
The Bio-dome was the main attraction in the Hughes Conservatory from April 15 thru November 15, 2014 as part of Reiman
Gardens’ “2014: A Garden Odyssey” theme. Goals of the project are to: 1) create an enchanting display that enhances the
visitor experience at Reiman Gardens, 2) educate the public about aquaponics and hydroponics, 3) demonstrate various systems
to potential producers, 4) conduct basic research into various system designs, as well as plant and fish species, 5) evaluate
public perceptions and knowledge changes about aquaponics.
The Bio-dome features a variety of edible and ornamental plants as well as tilapia and redclaw crayfish. Continual circulation
of water through the 120-gallon tilapia tank, provides nutrient-rich effluent water to support the many vegetables, herbs, and
flowers. The display features four types of soil-less plant systems: Floating rafts hold plugs of lettuce and mustard greens, Dutch
buckets with expanded clay pebbles support tomatoes, channels utilizing nutrient film technique (NFT) contain cucumbers
and basil and vertical towers are home to a variety of herbs and ornamental flowering plants. Plants, including lettuce, basil,
tomatoes, stevia, kohlrabi, mustard greens, sage, rosemary, cucumbers, pole beans, and others are grown with this variety
of hydroponic technologies. The aquaponics display helps visitors realize the future challenges of humankind like limited
supplies of water, nutrients and other natural resources that need to be managed in a sustainable manner.
Public perceptions and changes in knowledge were assessed though short surveys administered by Reiman Gardens staff.
Information gleaned from these surveys may be useful to other public gardens, zoos, educators, extension specialists, NGOs
and private industry stakeholders. Lessons learned in engaging the public and their perceptions will be discussed.
369
NILE TILAPIA Oreochomis niloticus FED WITH EXTRUDED DIETS CONTAINING ENZYME
COMPLEX SSF ADDED IN DIFFERENT LEVELS AND STAGES OF PROCESSING
Marcelo M. Pedreira*, Marcelo G. Martins, Guilherme de S. Moura, Eduardo A. T. Lanna,

Sebastião T. Rezende, Rafael A. Vianna, Thiago R. Dutra and Marianne Schorer
Laboratory of Aquaculture and Aquatic Ecology, Animal Science Department, Federal University of Vales
do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
marcelomattospedreira@gmail.com
The performance of aquatic species reared in fish farm depends of better assimilation of nutrients from dietary. The use of
enzymes may be an interesting strategy in relation to the improvement in the availability of nutrients and consequently, reduction
of excretas. Thus, Nile tilapia performance fed with diet containing the enzyme complex SSF (solid state fermentation) added
at different levels and stages of the extrusion process was evaluated.
The fish with initial weight of 10.37 ± 0.95 g were submitted to five diets: no enzyme addition (without enzyme), 400 ppm of
SSF in the mixture before extrusion (BE400), 800 ppm of SSF in the mixture before extrusion (BE800), 400 ppm SSF added
“on top” after extrusion (AE400), and 800 ppm SSF added “on top” after extrusion (AE800). The trial was carried out in a
completely randomized design with four replicates and seven fish per tank. The fish fed four times a day (8am, 11am, 2pm,
5pm) until satiation during 56 days. The following parameters were obtained: initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed
conversion, survival, specific growth rate (SGR) and body composition. The results were compared using ANOVA and Tukey’s
test at 0.05 probability.
No difference was observed for final biomass, biomass gain, survival and body composition. It was verified difference for final
weight, weight gain, feed conversion and SGR. Treatments with inclusion of enzymes “on top” presented better performance
for tilapia, which can be explained by a possible protein denaturation. It is concluded that 800 ppm of enzyme complex SSF
added “on top” after extrusion improves better weight gain and feed conversion of Nile tilapia.
370
NILE TILAPIA STRAINS SUBJECTED TO DIFFERENT FEEDING FREQUENCIES UNDER

LOW TEMPERATURE
Marcelo M. Pedreira, Emília T.L. Silva, Guilherme de S. Moura, Antonio J. de A. Tessitore,

Talita A. Ferreira, Marianne Schorer, Afonso Pelli, Daiane, K.A. Pereira and Matheus P.S. Amorim
Laboratory of Aquaculture and Aquatic Ecology, Departament of Animal Science, Universidade Federal
dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Rodovia MGT 367 - Km 583, nº 5000, Alto da Jacuba, Diamantina,
MG/Brazil. CEP:39100-000 marcelomattospedreira@gmail.com
In order to prolong the production of fingerlings, during the winter period, the line and feed practice should be evaluated.
Thus, larvae performances of two Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) strains, submitted to different feeding frequencies with
temperature below the optimum range for growth were evaluated. Thai and GIFT larvae strains were distributed into 24 tanks-
4L, in the density of 15 larvae/L, under constant aeration, natural photoperiod at 23 oC. The fish were subjected to three feeding
frequencies: 2, 5 and 8 times/day in a randomized design in a factorial 2 lines x 3 frequencies, with four replicates. The water
limnological parameters were within the favorable patterns for the species. The Thai larvae strain showed better performance
in all parameters analyzed. Larvae feed in a rate of 5 times/day provided major weight, standard and total length in relation
to the frequency of 2 times/day. In early winter conditions of Jequitinhonha Valley (23 oC), Thai strain larvae, fed 5 times/day
should be cultived.
371
STRAINS OF NILE TILAPIA SUBJECTED TO DIFFERENT STOCKING DENSITIES
Marcelo M. Pedreira*, Carlos J. Otoni, Guilherme de S. Moura, Marianne Schorer, Thais G. Santos,
Regis C. Azevedo, Talita A. Ferreira, Daiane, K.A. Pereira, Aline C. Pimienta and Brenda S. de S. Matos
Laboratory of Aquaculture and Aquatic Ecology, Departament of Animal Science, Universidade Federal
dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Rodovia MGT 367 - Km 583, nº 5000, Alto da Jacuba, Diamantina,
MG/ Brazil. CEP: 39100-000
The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two strains of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles under
different stocking densities. The two strains, Thai and GIFT juveniles (4,000 individuals), were distributed in 18 tanks (400 L
of water), in three stocking densities (0.15, 0.25, and 0.35 ind./L), in a randomized design, with four replications. In a period of
120 days, the juveniles were kept in aquaria provided with constant aeration and natural photoperiod. The water limnological
parameters were within the favorable patterns for the species. There were no interaction between strains and density. The
juveniles of Nile tilápia strains, GIFT and Thai, showed no significant differences in the performance parameters, only in
the stocking densities, were total N of the higher stocking density (0.35 ind./L) showed better results than lower stocking
density (0.15 ind./L). Thus, it is possible to increase the stocking density of Nile tilapia juvenile’s strains to optimize the space
cultivation.
372
ENZYMATIC COMPLEX SSF (SOLID STATE FERMENTATION) IN DIETS FOR HYBRID

TAMBACU
Marcelo M. Pedreira*, Marcelo G. Martins, Guilherme de S. Moura, Eduardo A. T. Lanna, Thais G. Santos,
Carlos J. Otoni, Aline D. S. Prates and Regis C. Azevedo
Laboratory of Aquaculture and Aquatic Ecology, Animal Science Department, Federal University of Vales
do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, Brazil
The crossing of individuals genetically distant is called hybridization, which generates more rustic individuals and earlier than
the parental species. Thus, performance of tambacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus x Colossoma macropomum) submitted at diets
containing enzyme complex SSF was studied.
The trial was conducted in completely randomized design with four replicates, with ten fish per tank (initial weight of 0.42 ±
0.015 g), totaling 240 animals. The treatments consisting of a control diet and others diets containing five levels of enzyme
complex (200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 ppm). After extrusion, the enzymes were added “on top” using a jelly in the experimental
diets. Fish were fed four times a day (8am, 11am, 2pm and 5pm) until satiation, during 56 days. The following parameters were
evaluated: final weight, weight gain, feed conversion, survival, final biomass, biomass gain, total length and standard length.
The results were compared using analysis of variance and the effect of levels of enzyme complex SSF were measured in linear
or quadratic models, according with the best adjustment obtained for each variable.
No significant differences was observed in the final weight, weight gain, survival, final biomass, biomass gain, total length and
standard length. However, a linear effect on feed conversion was observed. It is concluded that the inclusion of 600 ppm of
enzyme complex SSF improves better feed conversion in tambacus.
or financial support.
373
EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL DIETS IN GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF SNOOK

Centropomus undecimalis
Martha A. Perera García*, Raúl E. Hernández Gómez, Maricela Huerta-Ortiz, Iris M. Romero-Caraveo,
Mateo Ortiz Hernández, Alfonso Castillo-Domínguez Carlos Cuenca-Soria, Temani Duran Mendoza,
Roman Jimenez Vera, Carolina Melgar-Valdes, Ignacio Valenzuela Córdova.
Laboratorio de Acuacultura, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Mexico

martha.perera@ujat.mx
The snook is a carnivorous fish, protein and lipid requirements should contain high percentages at different stages of growth.
Studies of these requirements are scarce, only studies have been reported regarding the growth of juvenile natural and artificial
diets in the growing stage that has helped to develop the appropriate culture-based growth and efficient artificial foods. The
present study was conducted to determine evaluate the effect of two commercial diets on growth and survival of larval stage to
pre-juvenile C. undecimalis under controlled conditions.
The organisms were obtained from the UNAM Campus Sisal Merida, Yucatan Mexico. They were later transported to the
UJAT-DAMR, remained acclimated for 10 days and kept in fiberglass tank 5000 liters (L) with temperatures between 25 and
27 °C.
The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (commercial diets: Silver Cup feed trout with
45% protein and Nutripec feed tilapia with 40% protein) and three replications. The experiment was 99 days, 30 larvae in
each experimental unit (<3cm/3g) were seeded were fed 10% of the total biomass. Growth parameters, the survival (%) and
physicochemical parameters were obtained.
Data obtained from the physicochemical parameters and water quality, were kept constant for each variable. The analysis of
variance of two way showed not significant difference between the variables (Tukey, P> 0.05). At the end of the bioassay, on
day 99, the Tukey test was applied to the growth rates between the Silvercup® and Nutripec® protein diets, done in white snook
at each developmental of growth are Summarized in Table 1.
It was found that both diets gave the best results in terms of growth rates and quality of food. However reported works
with molecular biochemical nutritional specifically help determine protein levels and not resort only adapting conventional
commercial diets on the market.
374
EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL TAURINE ON JUVENILE CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus

punctatus GROWTH AND SURVIVAL AFTER CHALLENGE WITH Edwardsiella ictaluri
Bruce B. Manning1, Monica Wood2, Corrin Flora2, Brian C. Peterson2
1
Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Mississippi State University, Stoneville, MS
38776
2
Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Stoneville, MS 38776
Juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were fed a basal diet that contained major protein (soybean meal, cottonseed
meal) and energy (ground corn grain) ingredients that were derived from plant sources. Plant-source ingredients are considered
to be low (< 5 ppm) for taurine content. In addition, one of the experimental diets (internal control treatment) contained 2%
menhaden fishmeal formulated with the same plant-source ingredients as the basal diet. The basal diet was supplemented
with 4 levels of crystalline taurine to provide 0 ppm (control treatment), 7 ppm (7 mg/kg of feed), 28 ppm, and 60 ppm
taurine. The fish were fed the five diets once daily for 49 days. The amount fed was based on individual group daily feeding
response. At 0 and 49 days the fish were weighed to obtain data for body weight gain (g). Additionally, at 49 days, feed intake,
feed conversion ratio (FCR), and percent survival were determined. At the end of the growth study, fish were challenged
with virulent Edwardsiella ictaluri and mortality was recorded for 21 days. Results indicated that there were increases in
body weight gain for each increase in dietary inclusion of taurine, with the highest level of supplementation (60 ppm) being
significantly (P < 0.01) higher than the control basal diet treatment. Although the presence of taurine in the basal diet improved
FCR, the improvements were not significantly (P > 0.05) better than the control-fed fish. Survival during the growth study was
98.3% for the control-diet fish and the fish fed the diet containing 2% fishmeal. Diets containing taurine had 100% survival.
There was no significant differences (P > 0.05) in survival due to E. ictaluri infection among the five treatments. The results
suggest taurine supplementation to juvenile catfish may improve weight gain but results do not support a role in resistance to
E. ictaluri.
375
QUANTIFYING THE DIETARY TRYPTOPHAN REQUIREMENT OF JUVENILE RED DRUM

Sciaenops ocellatus
Emily A. Pewitt*, Delbert M. Gatlin III

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
Emily_pewitt@tamu.edu
The red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, is cultured in the United States for both stock enhancement and food production. Ongoing
studies in this laboratory are quantifying optimum dietary levels of indispensable and dispensable amino acids of red drum in
order to compile a complete set of nutritional requirements. The present study was conducted to determine the optimum dietary
tryptophan requirement of red drum. Twelve red drum fingerlings, of initial average weight of 1.5- 2.5 g each were placed into
each of 28, 38-L aquaria containing brackish water (7ppt) prepared from well water and a mixture of stock salt and commercial
synthetic seawater. Seven semi-purified diets composed of red drum muscle and crystalline amino acids were supplemented
with incremental levels of tryptophan at 0.15%, 0.25%, 0.35%, 0.45%, 0.55%, 0.65%, and 0.75% of dry weight. Each diet
was given to triplicate groups of fish which were weighed every week to observe health and growth as influenced by dietary
tryptophan. Water quality samples were also observed multiple times per week. At the end of the 39-day feeding period,
the optimal tryptophan requirement of red drum was estimated based on weight gain, feed efficiency and protein conversion
efficiency. Red drum fed the basal diet without adequate tryptophan exhibited significantly (P< 0.05) reduced weight gain, feed
efficiency and survival compared to fish fed the other diets. However, no other specific signs of deficiency were observed. All
of the diets supplemented with tryptophan from 0.25 to 0.75% supported similar growth performance Table 1). Based on these
data, the minimum dietary tryptophan requirement of red drum was determined to be 0.25% of dry diet. This information can
be used in formulating diets for red drum to ensure adequate levels of tryptophan are provided.
376
INTEGRATION IN THE BRAZILIAN SHRIMPS MARKET
Ruth Beatriz Mezzalira Pincinato*

Frank Asche
Department of Industrial Economics University of Stavanger, Ullandhaug, Norway, 4036

ruth.b.pincinato@uis.no
Shrimps (mainly Litopenaeus vannamei) comprise a large share of the Brazilian aquaculture production. Although this
production nowadays is focused mainly on the domestic market, most of the farmed shrimp used to be exported until 2003,
when changed gradually towards the domestic market due to the USA anti-dumping process, combined to the strengthening
of Brazilian currency, the competiveness of China’s shrimp in other markets, and white spot disease outbreak. The domestic
market, in turn, before that, had relied mostly on shrimps from fisheries, mainly seabob (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) and pink
shrimp (Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis and F. paulensis), which are currently considered as overexploited. Considering this
scenario, this paper analysis whether (1) the farmed and wild species are in the same market; and (2) the changes in the farmed
production towards the domestic market affected its structure.
In order to answer these questions and considering the time series as stationary accordingly to the Augmented Dickey-Fuller
test, a dynamic adjustment representation of price dynamics will be applied (Asche, Gordon, & Hannesson, 2004). For two
stationary prices (in logarithm) and , we have the model specification (using here as the dependent variable)
where is a white noise error term.
The hypothesis to be tested allow us to suggest that if a joint test that all γi parameters are zero is rejected, p1 causes p2. If
causality is not observed, the markets are independent. If the evidence of causality is just in one direction, this indicates price
leadership. Another hypothesis to be tested is that the restriction βi + γi = 1 holds, if there is a long-run relationship.
Moreover, we will investigate whether the changes regarding the farmed shrimps market has affected the domestic market.
The analysis will be based on monthly prices for the three main shrimps categories (wild pink and seabob shrimp, and farmed
whiteleg shrimp) from the wholesale market and exports (Free On Board - FOB), from 1994 to 2009 (Fig. 1).
377
CULTURE OF RED DRUM IN DIFFERENT BIOMASS INTEGRATED TO TILAPIA AND

SHRIMP IN BFT SYSTEM
Luís H. Poersch1 2 *, John Leffler1, Al Stokes1, Jeff Brunson1, Jacob Richardson1, Kevin Pitts1
and Michael Denson1
Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina, Waddell Mariculture Center

1
Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Institute of Oceanography

2
Rio Grande, RS, Brazil. lpoersch@mikrus.com.br
The aim of this study was to determine the viability to produce shrimp, tilapia and different red drum biomass in an integrated
heterotrophic system.
An experiment was conducted at Waddell Mariculture Center in recirculating aquaculture systems for 75 days. Four systems
were stocked with fish and shrimp, according to:
Dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and salinity were measured daily, and total solids, total ammonia, nitrite and phosphate
were measured weekly. The shrimp and fish were fed three times a day. Results were submitted to t-test to determine differences
between treatments.
No significant variations were found about water quality and the parameters were close to optimal levels. The results are
presented in Table 1.
The best results were obtained in the system B. The results indicate the possibility to produce shrimp, tilapia and red drum in
the same system with bioflocs, in super-intensive densities and with low FCR.
378
STORIED TECHNOLOGIES AS PERSPECTIVE DIRECTION OF AQUBIOCULTURE IN THE

SOUTH OF RUSSIA
E.N. Ponomareva, G.G. Matishov, V.A. Grigor’ev
Federal State Institution of Science the Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences,
344006 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
E mail: kafavb@mail.ru
World fish production has a new record in 2013 by fisheries and aquaculture, its volume increased up to 160 million tons
compared to 157 million tons last year. According to FAO statistic, production in the aquaculture sector has increased from 67
million tons to 70 million tons, which accounted for 44% of total fish production.
The aquaculture production has 40-45% of industry market. The share of Russia in total volume of catches is about 3%. The
production of Russia is only 0.2% in world aquaculture. It is caused by the reason that, this sector of economy developed with
increasing the commercial catches of water bioresources until today.
The world and domestic

experience of aquaculture
showed that the focus on new
intensive biotechnology is
very perspective. It implied
the creation of modular system
with closed water circulation
with relatively small capital
investment, small support staff,
and maximum automatic and
modern equipment.
The complex biotechnology of

storied type has been developing
in Southern Scientific Center
of the Russian Academy of
Sciences.
The actual wastelessness

of producing will be the
unique characteristic of this
biotechnology. It means that
the metabolism products of one
biological segment can be used
on the following stages of technological process until their maximum utilization inside the recircular system. This is also
providing the high ecological security.
The main objects of storied aquaculture will be the sturgeon hybrids, African sharptooth catfish, freshwater mollusk Ampularia,
Australian crayfish, and freshwater shrimp. The block of hydroponics will be also used in this system for producing the
additional products and biological treatment.
The principal scheme of functioning of this system is represented on the figure.
New integrated methods will make a contribution in the creation of modern domestic industry in the field of fish farming,
enable to compete in the internal and international markets, improve the investment attractiveness, give the extra work area for
people and adapt the fishery of Russian South to present economic situation.
379
SPOTTED GAR CONNECTS TELEOST AQUACULTURE TO HUMAN BIOLOGY
John H. Postlethwait*, Ingo Braasch, Peter Batzel, Ryan Loker, Jason Sydes, Angel Amores,
Quenton Fontenot, and Allyse Ferrara
Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403

Email: jpostle@uoneuro.uoregon.edu
Most vertebrate aquaculture species belong to the crown group of rayfin fish, the teleosts, which experienced a whole-genome
duplication event before the teleost radiation 350 million years ago (the TGD). Genome evolution after the TGD complicates
connectivity, the sharing of biological understanding from one teleost to other teleosts and the translation of knowledge
between teleosts and information on humans and other tetrapods, the crown group of lobefin fish. Two rounds of whole-genome
duplication before the radiation of extant vertebrates (VGD1 and VGD2) 450 million years ago further complicate connectivity
due to lineage-specific genome reshuffling and reciprocal lineage-specific ohnolog loss that obscure the distinction of orthologs
and paralogs and lead to false conclusions about the origin of vertebrate genes and gene functions.
Addressing these problems requires a rayfin fish that represents a lineage closely related to teleosts but diverging before the
TGD. We developed a high-resolution meiotic genetic map for spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) with about 10,000 DNA-
based markers and compared conserved syntenies with teleost and human genomes. Results showed that 1) gars diverged
from teleosts before the TGD; and 2) the arrangement of the gar genome is more similar to the human genome than to teleost
genomes despite the close phylogenetic proximity of gar and teleosts. We collaborated with the Broad Institute to sequence the
gar genome and aligned sequence scaffolds to our gar map to develop the first chromonome for any non-teleost, non-tetrapod
vertebrate.
Genomic analyses show that 1) gar retained many VGD paralogs

that were differentially lost in teleosts and lobefins (coelacanth,
tetrapods), thus clarifying gene family evolution; 2) gar helps
identify otherwise invisible conserved non-coding elements,
thereby revealing hidden orthology among regulatory elements that
cannot be established by direct teleost-tetrapod comparisons; 3),
whole genome alignments of teleosts, gar, coelacanth, and tetrapods
identify CNEs that were gained or lost after key nodes of vertebrate
evolution, enabling the genome-wide study of the role of regulatory
sub- and neofunctionalization among aquaculture species after the
TGD; and 4) CNE functions can be tested in vivo in zebrafish using
transgenic reporter assays.
In sum, gars, Darwin’s paradigmatic ‘living fossil’, and an

aquaculture species particularly in Mexico, connects teleost
genomes to each other and to human biology in health and disease.
380
QUANTIFICATION OF GENERAL BACTERIA AND Vibrio sp. COLONY FORMING UNITS IN

COPEPOD CULTURE
Ashley L. Powell*, Bradford Bourque, Joseph T. Szczebak, and Andrew L. Rhyne
Center for Economic & Environmental Development

Bristol, RI 02801
apowell368@g.rwu.edu
Bacterial contamination is a major concern within aquaculture that indicates water quality and/or culture maintenance problems.
Bacteria, predominantly Vibrio sp., are a notorious contaminant of phytoplankton cultures, which serve as a food source for
copepod cultures. Furthermore, bacteria within copepod cultures can transfer to the larval fish consuming the copepods. As
such, an understanding of the composition and growth of bacteria colonies within closed culture systems is critical to copepod
culture development. This study involves the quantification of general marine bacteria and Vibro sp. presence in copepod
cultures of Parvocalanus sp. over the active culture period.
Over the course of two weeks, the water from eight copepod cultures will be sampled every other day to determine trends
in general bacteria and Vibrio sp. proliferation. At each sampling, a 1.0 mL sample of water will be removed from (a) the
water column, and (b) the walls of each of the eight culture tanks. Dilutions will be created as necessary to allow accurate
quantification. Samples will be plated on seawater tryptone (SWT) agar media and thiosulfate bile salts sucrose (TCBS) agar
media and incubated at room temperature for 24 hr. Colony variation and quantity will be reported as colony-forming units
(CFU/mL) per culture as obtained from direct count of colonies. Colony quantity results will be compared between cultures and
across the experimental period. This study will provide preliminary data on bacteria population growth in semi-closed culture
systems and insight to the frequency of water changes and culture cycles for an optimal copepod environment. This study is
designed to improve Parvocalanus sp. culture efficiency by determining the most effective technique of culture maintenance
with regard to frequency of water changes and culture lifespan.
381
INTENSIVE PRODUCTION OF THE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP, Litopenaeus vannamei,

FED TWO COMMERCIAL FEEDS OF DIFFERING PROTEIN CONTENT IN A NO WATER
EXCHANGE, BIOFLOC-DOMINATED SYSTEM
David I. Prangnell*, Leandro F. Castro, Thomas R. Zeigler, Craig L. Browdy, Tim A. Markey,
Darrin Honious, and Tzachi M. Samocha

David.Prangnell@ag.tamu.edu
The efficiency of shrimp production in super-intensive, biofloc-dominated, limited-exchange, systems can be improved by
optimizing the feed, particularly the protein content. Some studies suggest that protein content in shrimp feed in biofloc systems
can be reduced due to the nutrition provided by biofloc, while others indicate improved performance with higher protein diets.
The present study was conducted to test the performance of Litopenaeus vannamei fed two commercial feeds with 35% and
40% crude protein in a zero-exchange biofloc system.
A 48-day feeding trial was conducted in six 40 m3 greenhouse-enclosed raceways (RWs), each equipped with a YSI 5500
in-line dissolved oxygen monitoring system. L. vannamei juveniles (5.13-6.12 g) were stocked at 457/m3 and fed one of
two commercial feeds: Zeigler Shrimp GR Hyper-Intensive 35 (2.4 mm, 35% protein) (HI-35) to three RWs, and Zeigler
Shrimp Exp-14 (2.4 mm, 40% protein) (EXP) to the other three RWs. Culture water and biofloc used for a prior nursery
trial was re-used for the grow-out study. No water exchange was conducted, except the addition of freshwater to compensate
for evaporation. Solids concentrations were controlled with a foam fractionator and settling tank. A commercial probiotic,
ECOPRO (EcoMicrobials™), was added every three-days. Culture medium Vibrio concentrations were monitored twice-
weekly on TCBS plates. The RW water was aerated, circulated, and mixed with air lift pumps, air diffusers, a pump driven
Venturi injector, and spray nozzles. Oxygen was supplemented as required to maintain DO above 4 mg/L.
At the conclusion of the trial there was no significant difference (P<0.05) in mean survival, weight, weight gain, SGR, yield or
FCR between feed types. Survival was likely to have been reduced and FCR increased by post-stocking mortality and Vibrio
infections in both treatments, particularly towards the end of the trial. Mean temperature, salinity, DO, and pH were 29.9oC,
30.3 ppt, 5.4 mg/L and 7.5, respectively. Mean alkalinity was significantly lower (P<0.05) in EXP (142.6±1.1 mg/L of CaCO3)
than in HI-35 (158.3±2.8 mg/L of CaCO3). There were no other significant differences (>0.05) in water quality variables
between feed types. These results indicate that under the conditions of this study, increasing the protein content from 35 to
40% did not improve shrimp performance. The Vibrio infections encountered may have limited the development of significant
differences in shrimp performance between feed types.
382
Vibrio DYNAMICS IN ZERO-EXCHANGE, BIOFLOC-DOMINATED PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

FOR THE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei
David Prangnell*, Leandro Castro, Susan Laramore, Jeffrey Turner, Thomas Zeigler, Craig Browdy,
Darrin Honious, Bob Advent, and Tzachi Samocha

David.Prangnell@ag.tamu.edu
Vibrio infections are common in intensive shrimp culture, including biofloc-dominated systems. The presence of Vibrio was
monitored in two biofloc systems producing Litopenaeus vannamei through nursery and grow-out phases: one with two 100 m3
and the other with six 40 m3 greenhouse-enclosed raceways (RWs), all equipped with a YSI 5500 DO monitoring system. For
the nursery phase, postlarvae (PL5-10, 0.93±0.56 mg) were stocked at 675 and 540 PL/m3 for the 40 m3 and the 100 m3 RWs,
respectively and reared for 62-d. Culture water and biofloc used for the nursery phase was mixed and re-used for the grow-
out phase. In the grow-out phase juveniles (5.13-6.45 g) were re-stocked at 457-458/m3 and reared for 38 and 48-d in the 100
m3 and 40 m3 RWs, respectively. Shrimp were fed commercial feeds (Zeigler Bros.) in both studies. Fresh water was added
to compensate for evaporation. A commercial probiotic, ECOPRO (EcoMicrobials™) was added every third day to daily. A
commercial nitrifying bacteria (KI-Nitrifier™) and sugar were used to stimulate nitrification. Water Vibrio concentrations were
monitored 2/wk using TCBS agar plates and RambaCHROMTM agar plates for the final 2-wks.
At the conclusion of the nursery phase, shrimp survival was high (70.6-97.9%) and FCR was low (0.70-0.82). Non-sucrose
fermenting (green colony forming units- GCFU) Vibrio remained below 100 CFU/mL and <28% of sucrose fermenters (yellow
colony forming units- YCFU) concentration and were only observed on 14% of plates. In the grow-out phase, shrimp mortality
commenced in the 100 m3 RWs and GCFU Vibrio began increasing in all RWs within a week following harvest and restocking
under high temperature, TSS and low DO. Mortality increased in most RWs towards the conclusion of the grow-out phase.
Total Vibrio counts increased over time, particularly in the final week, up to 35,500 CFU/mL. Mean shrimp survival was
71.6-79.9%, mean FCR was 1.54-2.07 and growth was 2.1-2.3 g/wk. RambaCHROM plating and preliminary API results
suggested the presence of V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. alginolyticus in the culture medium (RWs), moribund
shrimp haemolymph and hepatopancreas. The stress of harvest, restocking and the disruption to the bacterial community from
draining and refilling the RWs at high temperatures and under low DO likely contributed to increased Vibrio populations and
subsequent shrimp mortality. This study demonstrates the detrimental effect of Vibrio infections on L. vannamei production in
intensive biofloc systems and the need for further studies into controlling Vibrio in these systems.
383
DEVELOPING A NATIONAL MONITORING FRAMEWORK FOR MARINE CAGE CULTURE
Carol Price*, Kenneth Riley, Alan Everson, Suzanne Bricker & James Morris

carol.price@noaa.gov
Long-term economic profitability of aquaculture industries inherently depends on environmental sustainability. Because marine
farms are net contributors of nutrients, it is crucial that we understand how aquaculture functions within the environment.
Environmental monitoring of coastal aquaculture requires standardized sample collection before cage installation and during
farm operation to assess environmental interactions. The NOAA National Ocean Service’s Coastal Aquaculture Planning and
Environmental Sustainability (CAPES) program is developing a national monitoring framework to provide guidelines for
monitoring offshore marine aquaculture operations. We are synthesizing monitoring methods and impact thresholds from
around the world to identify best approaches.
Effective environmental monitoring provides data to characterize and predict aquaculture interactions with the environment,
such as changes to water quality, benthic chemistry, and marine life. These methods are also important because high quality
monitoring data provides validation of nutrient dispersion and ecosystem assimilation models that are increasingly used to
make decisions about siting, regulations, and farm management. We present a case study from Hawaii which informs the
national framework and demonstrates how managers can use this information to address local, industry-specific concerns. Our
goal is that this work will further support sustainable development of and public confidence in marine aquaculture.
384
BUILDING HUMAN AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY IN SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE

AT CENTERS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
Caleb Price*, Stephanie Ichien, and Hillary Egna

Corvallis, OR 97331
caleb.price@oregonstate.edu
Building human and institutional capacity in partner countries is a hallmark of the AquaFish collaborative research legacy,
which has conducted aquaculture research in developing countries since 1982. AquaFish provides financial support, research
mentoring, and academic guidance for students in undergraduate and graduate programs in aquaculture, fisheries, aquatic ecology,
economics, and many other degree programs. Long-term (degree) trainees constitute a pipeline of educated professionals who
move on to careers in government, academia, and private enterprise upon graduation, building human capacity for aquaculture
research and development.
Additionally, AquaFish has helped host-country institutions develop specialized curricula and institutional infrastructure
for building local capacity. With support from AquaFish, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana
developed curricula for novel graduate programs in aquaculture and water resource management. In Mexico, at the Universidad
Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, AquaFish supported the development of laboratory facilities and five aquatic sciences courses,
which have been incorporated into curriculum revisions for degree programs related to aquaculture.
Universities in developing nations often require external guidance and training to facilitate intake and administration of
international research awards. The capacity to process awards from US universities tends to be underdeveloped. Basic research
administration structures, such as Institutional Review Boards and indirect cost rate agreements are seldom in place. Despite
good intentions, funding delays hamper effective, timely research and can have serious implications for would-be graduate
students, whose education can be delayed for months or years as a result. In order for US-sponsored collaborative research to
contribute to long-term development goals most effectively, institutional capacity in partner countries must be developed to
allow for efficient and accountable transfer of funds.
385
DIFFERENTIAL FEEDING AND METABOLIC RESPONSES OF FAST AND SLOW GROWER

Mytilus galloprovincialis SEEDS SELECTED IN DISTINCT FOOD QUALITY CONDITIONS
Daniel Prieto *, Iñaki Urrutxurtu, Irrintzi Ibarrola, Miren B. Urrutia & Enrique Navarro
Laboratory of Animal Physiology. Department of Genetics, Physical Antropology and Animal Physiology.
Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country, 644 P. K., E-48080 Bilbo, Basque
Country
E-mail: Dani.prieto.perez@hotmail.com
Growth rate differences have been widely studied in many bivalve species and an endogenous component to growth variability
has been described (Dickie et al. 1984, Brown 1988, Tamayo et al. 2011). Size differences between Fast (F) and Slow (S)
growers can be physiologically explained due to three mutually nonexclusive models (Bayne 1999b): i) acquisition model,
ii) allocation model and iii) metabolic efficiency model. In this work we studied the interaction between environment and
phenotype to analyse as to which extent endogenous capability to grow is dependent of abiotic conditions, through a selection
of specific physiological parameters.
400 mussels of similar size and age were collected in an intertidal area and maintained in the laboratory under different
nutritional conditions. 200 mussels were fed a high organic content diet (f≈0,8) whereas the other 200 were fed a low organic
content diet (f≈0,35). Mussel lengths and weights were measured twice a month. After 3 months, top and low size distribution
12.5 percentiles (n=48) were selected in each group and denoted as F and S respectively. These groups were divided in 4
subgroups of 6 individuals.
Selected mussels were conditioned during one week to 4 diets (High/Low quality; high/low concentration: i)Hl, ii)Hh, iii)Lh
and iv)Ll) and the physiological parameters that determine Scope for Growth (SFG: J/h) were measured (Clearance rate (CR:
l/h), Absorption efficiency (AE: %), Oxygen consumption (VO2: mlO2/h)).
Significant differences were found in CR, AE, Absorption rate (AR : mg/h) and SFG when comparing F and S subgroups.
These parameters were higher for F in most of tested diets. Registered differences pattern in physiological parameters between
subgroups varied within tested diets. Moreover, F and S mussels, selected after maintenance in different food quantity and
quality regime, showed non significant differences in SFG in some of the tested diets, which suggest the existence of an
environmental constraint in defining the phenotypes developing as F or S.

Given these results we conclude that: i) when animals are full time submerged, acquisition and metabolic efficiency models
determine growth variability. ii) Environment establishes growth rate, and also selects individuals with a certain physiological
profile. Experiments that aim to compare the models beneath F and S phenotype selection when mussels are maintained in same
conditions as the ones described in present experiments but also facing an air exposure of 7-8 hours/day are currently underway.
386
EXPRESSION PROFILE OF ATYPICAL 2-CYSTINE PEROXIREDOXIN ISOFORM FROM

JAPANESE EEL (Anguilla japonica) IN HOST PATHOLOGY WITH RESPECT TO ITS
STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES
Thanthrige Thiunuwan Priyathilaka, Minyoung Oh, Yucheol Kim, H. M. V. Udayantha, Seongdo Lee,
Seong il Kang, Hyung-Bok Jeong, Jehee Lee and Bong-Soo Lim
Department of Marine Life Science,

School of Marine Biomedical Sciences
Jeju Special Self Governing Province 690-756
Republic of Korea
thiunuwan@gmail.com
Peroxiredoxins (Prdx) are thiol specific antioxidant enzymes that catalyze reduction of toxic peroxide compounds into less
reactive products. Six different Prdx isoforms have been identified in all kinds of living organisms. Depending on the active site
cysteine (Cys) residues, the Prdxs are sub divided into typical 2-Cys Prdx, atypical 2-Cys Prdx and 1-Cys Prdx subfamilies. The
Prdx5 is a member of atypical 2-Cys Prdx subfamily which is pivotally localized in mitochondria, peroxisomes and cytosol.
Primarily, Prdx5 is involved in protection of mitochondrial DNA against oxidative stress. The Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)
is an important aquaculture fish species in Korea and Japan. Hence study about Japanese eel’s immune system and its responses
against pathogenic conditions is important for facilitate the disease management strategies.
The Anguilla japonica Prdx5 (AjPrdx5) contains a coding sequence of 570bp encoding a 20.1kDa protein with 190 amino acids
and theoretical isoelectric point of 9.01. The deduced protein bears a characteristic redoxin domain profile (residues 31-186)
and both N-terminus and C-terminus conserved active sites. According to the pairwise sequence alignment, the AjPrdx5 showed
greatest amino acid identity to that of Salmo salar (84.2%). Constructed phylogenetic tree affirms that the AjPrdx5 is an indeed
homologue of atypical 2-Cys Prdx subfamily. The AjPrdx5 mRNA transcripts were constitutively expressed in all the tissues
we tested. After stimulation with Edwardsiella tarda (E.tarda), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Polyinosinic:polycytidylic (Poly
I:C) up-regulations and down-regulations of AjPrdx5 mRNA transcripts were observed in liver (Fig. 1). Interestingly, AjPrdx5
was down-regulated in spleen upon E.tarda and Poly IC, while LPS induced up-regulation of AjPrdx5 at the early phase of
experiment.
387
LUTEINIZING HORMONE INACTIVATION FOR TRANSGENIC STERILIZATION OF

CHANNEL CATFISH, Ictalurus punctatus, USING ZINC FINGER NUCLEASES TECHNOLOGY
Zhenkui Qin*, Yun Li and Rex Dunham

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849
*
Corresponding author email: zzq0004@tigermail.auburn.edu
Transgenic fish with desirable traits such as rapid growth have been produced, but have not been applied commercially because
of concerns regarding potential risk if these fish escaped into the environment. This problem might be overcome by producing
transgenic fish that are sterile by editing their key reproductive hormone genes. In vertebrates, luteinizing hormone (LH), the
member of the glycoprotein hormone (GpH) family, is essential for reproduction both in females and males, as the rise of LH
triggers ovulation and stimulates the synthesis of testosterone.
We induced the modification of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) LH gene using the Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN) technology
to initiate sterilization of catfish, which could theoretically, be spawned upon demand with hormone therapy. In the present
study, ZFNs were used to generate site-specific double strand breaks, leading to insertions or deletions via DNA repair by the
non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. Three sets of ZFN plasmids were designed and transformed into the channel
catfish embryos using electroporation, which were then incubated in Holtsfreter’s solution till hatch and then reared in aquaria.
Mutations were detected with CEL-I assay using the surveyor® mutation detection kit and demonstrated with electrophoresis
(Fig.1). Positive individual sample were TA cloned into construct and sequenced. For total of 54 fish, the mutation rate was
20.37%. Multiple tissues were discovered to be gene edited for each fish, indicating the possibility of inducing sterilization in
the P1 generation.
388
EFFECTS OF DIETARY PHYTASE SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE

AND APPARENT DIGESTIBILITY COEFFICIENT OF PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP, Litopenaeus
vannamei
Xuan Qiu*, D. Allen Davis, Hinglidj De Carvalho Muller
School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849
xzq0006@auburn.edu
A five weeks growth trial was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary phytase supplementation on growth performance of
Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. The experiment was conducted in indoor tank system in Auburn. Six diets were
formulated in the Aquatic Animal Nutrition Laboratory at the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences. All test
diets share an equal protein and lipid basis (35% protein and 8% lipid). The first diet did not contain phosphorus and phytase
supplements, whereas the next five diets contained phytase at increasing levels (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 U / Kg) with replete
phosphorus levels. Thus evaluating the effects of phytase supplements independent of phosphorus requirements. Juvenile
shrimps with initial weight around 0.22 g were stocked in a semi-close recirculating system with 15 shrimps in each tank. At
the conclusion of growth trial, no significant differences were detected in biomass, final mean weight, weight gain, FCR, and
survival. A confirmation growth trial that will be terminated at the beginning of October is being conducted to double check the
growth result. In September, there will be a digestibility trial to evaluate the impacts of phytase supplementation on apparent
digestibility coefficient of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.
389
CONSTRUCTED NATURALISTIC STREAMS: AN EFFECTIVE METHOD OF TREATING

HATCHERY EFFLUENT
Dakota J. Raab *, John R. Foster, Brent C. Lehman, Justin J. Campbell, John R. Kelso
Department of Fisheries, Wildlife & Environmental Science

State University of New York
Cobleskill, NY 12043
Raabd782@cobleskill.edu
The discharge of hatchery effluent into surface waters is of increasing concern to the aquaculture industry, regulatory agencies,
and the public. Increasing effluent regulations have put pressure on the industry to develop new strategies for treating hatchery
effluent. An effective pollution elimination system must meet discharge permit requirements, while also being cost effective.
Commonly used methods of treataing hatchery effluent are often costly or have aspects that limit their usefulness. Constructed
wetlands are effective during the growing season, but are less so during the winter months. Rotary drum micro-screen filters are
an effective method of removing solids and reducing nutrients, but require large inputs of water and electricity. Settling basins
can sequester solids and nutrients, but are costly and need to be pumped out on a regular basis.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Program at the State University of New York has experimented with a unique approach to
develop a low maintenance, low cost method of reducing the discharge of solids and nutrients. A constructed naturalistic stream
coupled with a settling basin has the potential of effectively controlling nutrients and solids year round without the capital and
resource requirements of mechanical filters. In this study, a redesigned, second generation naturalistic stream was used to treat
the effluent from the campus’ 40,000 gallon recirculating trout hatchery. Primary solids removal was accomplished with a
3000 gallon settling tank. Hatchery effluent was then discharged at 20 gal/min into a 65 m long rubber lined excavated stream
channel. The stream was filled with cobbles and 7 waterfalls were installed to help maintain high oxygen levels, a problem
with the first naturalistic stream. Plants, such as water crest, filamentous algae and diatoms were used to reduce nutrient wastes.
Water quality parameters were sampled throughout 2013 and 2014 at the beginning and end of the constructed naturalistic
stream. Unlike its predecessor; the second generation effluent stream was very effective in increasing dissolved oxygen and
reducing nitrogenous wastes (NH4, NO2). It even reduced phosphorus significantly in the winter. The new design, with a heavy
reliance on cascades and riffles, had a much more limited reduction in total dissolved solids and biological oxygen demand than
the previous design with equal proportions of pools and riffles. These parameters were more effectively controlled by doubling
the size of the pre-stream settling tank.
390
SCREENING, PRODUCTION AND ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF L-ASPARAGINASE

PRODUCING Bacillus sp. FROM Oreochromis mossambicus
THIRUMURUGAN RAMASAMY*1,2, ATHIRA MUKUNDAN, VIGNESH VENKATASAMY

AND ALLEN DAVIS
1
*Laboratory of Aquabiotics/Nanoscience, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences,
Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli – 620024, India.
2
* School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Objective: To screen and isolate anticancer agent L-asparaginase producing bacterium in Oreochromis mossambicus, and
assess its anticancer activity in A549 lung cancer cell line.
Methods: L-asparaginase, an anticancer enzyme produced by Bacillus sp. was isolated from
O. mossambicus from Kauveri river, Tiruchirappalli. Out of 15 morphologically distinct colonies, one was showing positive for
L-asparaginase production. The colony VT65 was aseptically streak plated on to sterile plates containing nutrient medium to
obtain individual colonies. The strain VT65 was screened for L-asparaginase production using Czapek dox medium containing
L-asparagine and phenol red as indicator. The effects of incubation period, temperature, biomass concentration were studied.
VT65 was identified by morphologically and followed by 16S rRNA sequencing and the L-asparaginase production ability
was tested by both quantitative (enzymatic assay) and qualitative (Plate assay) methods. Protein estimation was done using
Lowry’s method. Molecular weight was determined using SDS-PAGE. In vitro anticancer activity was performed using MTT
assay, DAPI staining and AO staining against A549 lung cancer cell line.
Results: The L-asparaginase activity was detected by the presence of pink colour around the colony. The maximum enzyme
activity was obtained with incubation period of 48h, incubation temperature at 320C and maximum biomass concentration
at 40th hr. The crude enzyme contains 0.512mg/ml of protein. It has a molecular weight of around 43-66 KDa. In In vitro
anticancer activity was shown promising results on the reduction of cancer cells.
Conclusion: Present study indicates that the strain VT65 Bacilllus sp. can be used as a potential source of L-asparaginase.
Furthermore, L-asparaginase showed potential anticancer activity in A549 cell line and should be considered for further
pharmaceutical use as anticancer agents.
Keywords: L-asparaginase, Bacillus sp., A549 cell.
391
DEVELOPMENT OF HYPO-OSMOTIC TOLERANCE IN JUVENILE GULF KILLIFISH

Fundulus grandis
Shane Ramee*, Christopher Green, and Peter J. Allen
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture

P.O. Box 9690, Mississippi State, MS 39760
sramee@cfr.msstste.edu
The Gulf killifish Fundulus grandis is a euryhaline fish species native to coastal estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico. This species
is a popular baitfish and could help diversify aquaculture production in the southeastern US. Established culture methods have
relied on a saline water source. Since this species is highly euryhaline, there is potential for freshwater culture via the utilization
of established inland facilities. In order to assess the feasibility of inland culture, this experiment focused on determining how
killifish hypo-osmotic tolerance changes throughout early growth. Killifish were challenged with low salinity treatments of 0,
2.5, 5, and 7.5 ppt at 2, 7, and 12 weeks post-hatch for four weeks to determine growth, survival, gill Na+, K+-ATPase activity,
and whole body ion content. Gill Na+, K+-ATPase activity and whole body ion samples were taken at 0, 2, 14, and 28 days
post-transfer for each age group.
Results indicate Gulf killifish at 2 weeks post-hatch grew and survived as well at 2.5 ppt as at higher salinities but growth was
reduced in freshwater. At 7 and 12 weeks post-hatch, freshwater survival and growth rates were comparable to other salinity
treatments (Figure 1). Gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity dramatically increased in killifish transferred to freshwater at both 7 and 12
weeks post hatch. Whole body Na+ content was significantly higher in freshwater at the end of the 2 weeks post hatch age group,
and 14 days post transfer in the 7 weeks post hatch age group. The 12-16 weeks post hatch age group showed few differences
between salinity treatments. These results suggest killifish culture is feasible at low salinities, and stocking of freshwater ponds
would be potentially more successful after 7 weeks post-hatch than stocking earlier aged fish.
392
NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF STANDARD AND NEW VARIETIES OF NON-GENETICALLY

MODIFIED SOYBEANS IN SUNSHINE BASS
Yathish Ramena*, Steven Rawles, Rebecca Lochmann, Pengyin Chen, T. Gibson Gaylord,
and Frederick T. Barrows

yramena@uaex.edu, ramenay6444@uapb.edu
We are evaluating the effects of meals made from new strains of soybeans with high protein and reduced anti-nutritional
factors (ANFs) on hybrid striped bass (“Sunshine bass”, ♀ Morone chrysops x ♂ M. saxatilis) nutrient digestibility, growth
rates, nutrient retention, gut histology, non-specific immune responses and resistance to Columnaris bacterial challenge. The
hypothesis is that new non-GMO soybeans with fewer ANFs will result in improved fish performance compared to standard
soybean meal, which should permit higher inclusion rates of soybean meals in hybrid striped bass diets and reduce reliance on
fish meal. This presentation will focus on the digestibility trial.
Diets for the digestibility trial were formulated to contain a 70:30 ratio of reference diet to test ingredient. The six test ingredients
were menhaden fish meal, soy protein concentrate, Ozark variety soybean meal (SBM), and three newly developed strains of
soybean meal (R05 1415 SBM, R05 1772 SBM, and R07 2001 SBM) derived from the parent Ozark variety at the University
of Arkansas. Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) was used as the inert marker in all diets. Seven hundred twenty sunshine bass (initial weight:
200 to 220g) were stocked in 400-L tanks (N=30), and randomly assigned to each diet (3 tanks per diet). Fish were fed once daily
to apparent satiation for three weeks, and feces were collected by manual stripping 5h-post feeding. The stripping was repeated
once each week until sufficient sample material (7 to 10 g of dry feces) was obtained for analysis. The test ingredients, diets
and feces samples are being analyzed for gross energy, proximate and amino acid composition, and Y2O3 concentration. The
apparent digestibility coefficient of nutrients in the test ingredients will be calculated and presented at the meeting. Diets for a
subsequent fishmeal replacement growth trial will be formulated on an ideal protein basis using these digestibility coefficients.
393
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COLLAGEN FROM FISH WASTE MATERIAL-

SKIN, SCALES AND FINS OF Catla catla AND Cirrhinus mrigala
Shahid Mahboob*, Khalid. A. Al-Ghanim and Salma Sultana
Department of Zoology, College of Science

P. O .Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
GC, University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
*Presenting author E-mail: shahidmahboob60@hotmail.com
The collagen of skin, scales and fins of Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala were isolated and characterised. Nine fishes of each
fish species of three weight groups were collected from a commercial fish farm. Collagen characterisation using SDS-PAGE
revealed the molecular weights (kDa) of the C. catla skin, scales, and fins which ranged from 120 kDa to 210 kDa, 70 kDa
to 201 kDa, and 68 kDa to 137 kDa, respectively. The size of the collagen of C. mrigala skin, scales and fins ranged from
114 kDa to 201 kDa, 77 kDa to 210 kDa, and 70 kDa to 147 kDa, respectively. Glycine and alanine were the most abundant
amino acid, whereas tryptophan was totally absent in all selected tissues. Thus, significant variation exists in type of collagen
and amino acid profile within the weight groups of the two fish species. The imino acid (proline and hydroxyproline) contents
estimated in C. catla and C. mrigala skin (161-165 and 160-168), scales (155-159 and 152-161) and fins (162-171 and (152-
155) residues/1000 residues, respectively. The proximate analysis was also performed for skin, scales and fins. The maximum
protein content of the skin was determined as 26.10% and 22.90% in the C. catla and C. mrigala, respectively, from the W3
weight group. The scales of the W3 weight group exhibited maximum protein contents of 25.90 and 21.77% for C. catla and
C. mrigala, respectively. The maximum protein contents (19.04% and 18.12%) were recorded for C. catla and C. mrigala,
respectively in the fins.
Collagen is a fibrous protein that contributes as a major structural protein in the connective tissue of animal skin and bone.
Generally, collagen has been applied in cosmetic, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries (Jongjareonrak et al. 2005;
Nalinanon et al. 2007). Fish skin can be used as an alternative source for collagen since mammalian collagens are associated
with several problems such as the outbreak of mad cow disease and the constraint for some religions, mainly Islam and Judaism
(Nalinanon et al. 2008).
Fifty-four fish samples of the three C. catla and C. mrigala weight groups W1 (501-600 g), W2 (601-900 g) and W3 (901- 1100
g) were obtained. The average weights and lengths of the three C. catla weight groups were 506.44±1.16, 806.8±2.44, and
1028.4±3.22 g and 38.1±0.44, 46.4±0.88, and 49.5±0.64 cm for W1, W2 and W3, respectively. The average weight and length
of C. mrigala were 515.9±1.22, 818.4±1.44, and 1016.3±1.88 g and 39.22±0.61, 46.33±0.70, and 50.44±1.1 cm for W1, W2
and W3, respectively. The collagens were isolated using the method described by Nagai and Suzuki (1999) with modifications.
An adequate amount of both ASC and PSC collagen in the skin, scales, and fins of C. catla and C. mrigala were successfully
isolated and classified as type 1 collagen. It can be successfully utilised in cosmetic, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries,
at a low or no cost. The proximate analysis indicated that the nutritional values of fish skin, scales, and fins are fairly high, and
these useful resources may be wasted with the exception of their occasional use in fish meal manufacturing. Alanine was the
most abundant amino acid closely followed by glycine in the skin, scales, and fins, whereas tryptophan was completely absent
in the skin, scales and fins of both the fish species.
394
APPLICATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTS IN BIOFLOC TECHNOLOGY
Andrew J. Ray

Frankfort KY 40601
Andrew.Ray@kysu.edu
Biofloc technology refers to intensive systems in which a dense microbial community forms in the water column and is
responsible for maintaining water quality. Biofloc–based aquaculture systems serve as a more biosecure and potentially more
environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional culture. The microorganisms in biofloc systems typically include bacteria,
algae, protists, zooplankton, and fungi. A substantial portion of the microbial community is contained on and within biofloc
particles. These particles give the systems their name and are composed of microbes, uneaten feed particles, feces, molts, and
other particulate matter, all held together primarily by microbial excretions. Some animals can consume the biofloc particles
which helps to increase growth rates and reduce feed conversion ratios.
The management tactics applied to biofloc systems have direct implications for the composition and function of the microbial
community which in turn affects water quality dynamics, especially nitrogen cycling. Some of the key management
considerations are animal density, feed composition, carbon:nitrogen ratio, biofloc particle concentration, and the amount and
type of light that systems are exposed to. By altering each of these factors a variety of different system styles can be produced.
However, in general, biofloc systems can be classified as one of three types: photoautotrophic-based, heterotrophic-based, or
nitrification-based systems.
The most common type of commercial biofloc application is photoautotrophic “green water” systems in which algae play a
dominant role. Green water shrimp biofloc systems are typically stocked below 250 shrimp/m3 and have ample exposure to
sunlight. Heterotrophic-based systems are operated at densities of about 150-350 shrimp/m3, these systems take advantage of
heterotrophic microbes that use ammonia nitrogen to build cellular proteins. The carbon:nitrogen ratio is typically raised above
approximately 12:1 to stimulate assimilation. Nitrification-based systems are typically very intensive, with shrimp stocking
densities above approximately 350 shrimp/m3.
Biofloc technology is applied to growout production systems, but can be used exclusively in nurseries, many of which are
contained in inexpensive greenhouses. This strategy can help farmers get an early start on the growing season and in shrimp
may help to reduce the probability of EMS/AHPNS development. Anecdotal reports from farms in EMS/AHPNS stricken
areas indicate that biofloc technology may prevent the occurrence of this disease.
Biofloc systems are gaining popularity around the world due to their high biosecurity level, reduced environmental impacts, high
animal carrying capacity, and versatility. As the aquaculture industry intensifies and diseases continue to threaten production,
biofloc technology is quickly becoming a viable alternative for the future.
395
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF SAPONIN AND PREVIDA® AMENDED DIETS ON GUT

MICROBIOTA OF NILE TILAPIA
Candis Ray*, Noemi Bujan, Andrea Larsen, Allen Davis, Craig Browdy, and Cova Arias
School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences Auburn University

Auburn, AL, 36849
clr0019@tigermail.auburn.edu
In effort to improve commercial fish performance and production, modern aquaculture frequently incorporates non-nutritional
feeding supplements such as prebiotics, probiotics, and immunostimulants into dietary husbandry practices. However, the true
impacts these supplements wield on the gut microbiota, and by extension the overall health of the fish, is still largely unknown.
Improvements in culture-independent, sequence-based methods have allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of those
communities. Our objective was to characterize the gut microbiota of Nile tilapia fed with the commercial prebiotic, Previda®,
both alone and in combination with saponin. After two weeks of dietary conditioning, pyrosequencing of gut microbiota
yielded more than 60,000 reads per treatment with a total of 345 OTUs. Preliminary data suggested basal diets had a higher
bacterial diversity than that found in the Previda® and saponin amended diets (and their mix). However, statistical analyses
using Mothur ver. 1.30.0, XL Stat, and Primer 6 showed no significant differences between dietary treatments on overall gut
microbial composition. In all cases, sequence coverage was ≥98%. Regardless of diet, Cetobacterium spp. dominated the gut
microbiota and accounted for more than 80% of all OTUs. The second most abundant genus was Barnesiella, followed by the
genus Parabacteroides.
396
2014 YIELD VERIFICATION RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS FROM 17 SPLIT-POND

PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN ARKANSAS
Matthew S. Recsetar
Aquaculture and Fisheries Center

recsetarm@uapb.edu
Over the past few years, Arkansas catfish farmers have been installing split-pond production systems as a means to increase
commercial production on their farms. It is the aim that these hybrid recirculating/pond aquaculture systems would increase
feed and production efficiencies over traditional pond culture while also helping improve oxygen and water quality management
on the farm. Various split-pond designs and sizes have been put into operation and have been stocked to varying densities with
hybrid catfish. These systems have been monitored since 2012 with some adjustments being made each year to try to optimize
production. In addition, 5 new split-pond production systems have been added to the study this past year to bring the total to
17. Split pond sizes ranged from 4.5 – 17.6 acres in total area and fish grow out sections ranged from 18.9 – 33.8% of total
pond area. Stocking densities ranged from 9,000 – 14,000 head per acre. All of these production systems were monitored
throughout the 2014 growing season, paying close attention to changes in ammonia, alkalinity, pH dissolved oxygen and water
flow. Aeration hours, feed rates and growth were monitored until harvest, and potential limiting factors for each individual
system were also evaluated. Food conversion ratios and production yields were assessed after harvest and variances in systems
were again compared and analyzed to determine the optimal parameters for each.
397
CONTROLLED MATURATION AND SPAWNING OF CAPTIVE BLACK SNOOK, Centropomus

nigrescens
Matthew J. Resley*, Michael Nystrom, Carlos Yanes-Roca, Kenneth M. Leber and Kevan L. Main

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, Florida 34236 USA
resleymj@mote.org
Black snook (Centropomus nigrescens) is a popular game fish and an important high-value commercial species along the
Eastern Pacific coast (from 33°N to 20°S). This species has been identified as having high potential for aquaculture because
of high demand, size, and culinary value. Currently black snook farming is limited to growout farms using wild juveniles and
limited reproduction in captivity has been achieved. The goal of our research was to capture wild black snook in Costa Rica,
and transport them to Mote Aquaculture Research Park (MAP) in Sarasota, Florida, and utilize our existing broodstock facility
to identify photo-thermal conditions and hormone therapies to spawn these fish on demand, in captivity.
Since 2005, we have been conditioning common snook to spawn in captivity, and have utilized those recirculating systems
and rearing techniques to identify the conditions needed to spawn black snook. Maturation methods include photo-thermal
manipulation and hormone induced final maturation. The broodstock population consists of wild caught fish, thirteen in total
(7f and 6m). The population was built by 20 November 2013, and was received in two separate shipments from Costa Rica.
The broodstock system (45,000 L volume) is 6.1 m diameter by 1.83 m deep tanks including biofilter, solids filter, UV sterilizers
and heater-chiller unit. Black snook were fed a regime consisting of a fresh frozen diet (50% shrimp and 50% thread herring).
Following quarantine procedures, the fish were set on a photo-thermal regime to identify their resting and reproductive phases.
Initial conditioning was a temperature of 24°C and 12 hr of light. Following the sampling in January 2014, we slowly raised
the temperature by 2oC and allowed the fish to rest for six weeks. During the first three samplings, no females progressed
in maturation, with oocytes not advancing past primary growth. Following the third sampling in April, temperature was
increased to 30°C and day length was increased to 13.5 hr. At the June sampling, we observed two females with oocytes that
had advanced to secondary growth, with full grown oocytes. Mature fish were implanted with GnRHa at 50μg/kg. The photo-
thermal conditions were maintained and in July, six of the seven females had oocytes that were staged at secondary growth
(SG) with three at SGfg. The broodstock spawned twice (24 and 48 hr) following both the June and July sampling events. A
total of 2,539,666 (1,200,200 fertilized) eggs were collected from the June and July spawns with an overall fertilization rate of
47.3% and mean hatch rate of 95.7%.
398
INCLUSION OF AMINO ACIDS AND ATTRACTANTS IN PLANT BASED DIETS TO SUPPORT

FLORIDA POMPANO Trachinotus carolinus GROWTH
Melanie Rhodes*, Igor Simone Tiagua Vicente, Guillaume Salze, D. Allen Davis, Terry Hanson
Auburn University
Mar0009@auburn.edu
Two studies were designed to improve plant based diets for the Florida pompano. In previous research, feeding an all plant
based diet resulted in depressed growth, possibly due to limiting amino acids other than methionine, lysine and taurine
which have been identified as limiting. In a number of diets, glycine, valine and histidine were reduced as animal meal was
removed from the diet. These are not typically considered limiting amino acids but all function as attractants. Based on these
observations two trials were conducted. In the first trial, a series of 7 diets were formulated to compare a reference diet
containing poultry meal (29.4% diet, control), as well as a plant based basal diet (Allout) with various supplements. The
Allout diet was supplemented individually with, valine, glycine, histidine or dry fish solubles (FPC). An additional diet was
formulated with all three amino acids supplemented to the same diet (Allin). The trial was conducted in a recirculating system
with three replicates per treatment, Fifteen fish were stocked in each tank. The fish in the trial were fed to apparent satiation and
feed intake was recorded. The trial was conducted for 6 weeks, final results in Table 1. There was no difference in feed intake
across the plant based diets, suggesting there was not a palatability issue with any of the diets. All of the growth performance
was not restored. The plant based diets containing glycine, histidine and fish solubles had numerically better performance. The
fish fed the diet supplemented with valine performed the worst suggesting valine supplementation may not be necessary. A
second growth trial is currently under testing the plant based diet (Allout) with a mixture of chemical attractants, 5% poultry
meal or squid hydrolysates (5%), current results included in Table 1.
399
GROWTH RESPONSE OF PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei FED PRACTICAL

DIETS CONTAINING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF LIPID EXTRACTED DISTILLER’S DRIED
GRAIN WITH SOLUBLES WHEN REARED IN CLEAR WATER SYSTEM
Melanie Rhodes*, Denghang Yu, D. Allen Davis
School of Fisheries Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

Auburn University, AL 36849-5419
Mar0009@auburn.edu
A practical basal diet containing 36% protein and 8% lipid was developed for shrimp using soybean meal and fish meal as
the primary protein sources. Lipid extracted distiller’s dried grain with solubles (DDGS) was then substituted for soybean
meal on an isonitrogenous basis at five levels of inclusion (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%). Additionally, the diet with 40% DDGS
was supplemented with lysine to evaluate possible limitations of lysine. The diets were offered to four replicates (15 shrimp/
tank) over an 8 week growth trial. At the conclusion of the growth trial results from 20% DDGS are similar to 0% DDGS,
and higher levels were similar to each other with or without lysine supplemented, demonstrating that DDGS can be used in
commercial feed formulations for L. vannamei without causing negative effect on growth, feed conversion, survival and net
yield. Supplementing lysine to the diet containing 40% DDGS did not result in an improved performance of the shrimp. This
would indicate lysine was not limiting.
400
SPAWNING PERFORMANCE OF CAPTIVE COMMON SNOOK Centropomus undecimalis

BROODSTOCK TREATED WITH DIFFERENT SUSTAINED RELEASE GnRHa-DELIVERY
SYSTEMS
Nicole R. Rhody*, Matthew Resley, Kevan Main, and Hervé Migaud

874 WR Mote Way
Sarasota, FL 34240
nicole@mote.org
The control of reproduction in captivity constitutes the first prerequisite to achieve sustainable commercial scale
production of emerging aquaculture species. However, this requires the development of reliable protocols for
inducing consistent spawning from captive broodstock. The absence of adequate environmental cues and the stressors
imposed by confinement can directly impact the neuroendocrine regulation of gametogenesis and therefore, the application of
exogenous hormonal treatments are routinely used as an effective method to induce spawning in captive fish. In the present
work, two experiments were conducted that aimed to investigate the effects of GnRHa-based hormonal treatment on milt
characteristics and plasma sex steroid levels in captive male common snook broodstock.
Wild adult male (mean body weight: 2.0 ± 0.1 kg, fork length: 56.6 ± 0.9 cm) and female (mean body weight: 2.7 ± 0.3 kg,
fork length: 61.7 ± 1.7 cm) common snook were collected from three locations in Manatee County and transported to Mote
Aquaculture Park (Sarasota, FL, USA). Individuals were divided into two tanks (28 m3), 36 fish per tank, with a target
sex ratio of 2:1 (male: female) in each tank system (Tanks A and B). Over the study period (20 months), broodstock
were maintained under simulated natural water temperature (20-30°C) and photoperiod (9-15h light) conditions. In
both studies three experimental groups were established. In the first experiment, males were treated 10 days prior to females
with a single intramuscular implant (100 μg kg-1 bw) of either slow or regular release GnRHa or with a ‘zero load’ implant
serving as the control (Sham). The second experiment was 21 days in length. Implants were administered to males at three
time points; at the start (day 0) and again 5 and 10 afterwards using regular release GnRHa (100 μg kg-1 bw), alone or in
combination with the dopamine antagonist, pimozide (1,000 μg kg-1 bw). Again, a ‘zero load’ implant served as the control
(Sham). In both trials, blood samples were collected at various time points and the plasma steroids Testosterone
and 11-ketotestosterone were analyzed. In addition, sperm volume, sperm motility, spermatocrit, and sperm density were
documented for each male throughout the trials. Results showed no significant differences in total expressible milt, sperm
density, sperm motility or plasma sex steroids levels between the experimental and control groups in response to the various
GnRHa-delivery systems either alone or in combination with pimozide.
401
TROPICAL ORNAMENTAL MARICULTURE TECHNICIAN (TOMT) CERTIFICATE AT

FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Patrick H. Rice*
Florida Keys Community College

5901 College Rd.
Key West, FL 33040
Patrick.Rice@fkcc.edu
Tropical marine aquaculture is increasingly used for

conservation efforts focused on coral reef species and coral
restoration projects. Increasing environmental concerns
over global degradation of many tropical marine coral
reef ecosystems, and specifically Florida Keys coral reef
ecosystems necessitates the need for immediate education of
qualified tropical marine aquaculture technicians. The Tropical
Ornamental Mariculture Technician (TOMT) certificate is
designed to develop marine ornamental entrepreneurs and
provide technician level marine aquaculture skills that will
help fill the marine aquaculture jobs of the future while
helping supply the demand for oceanic resources from a
cultured environment and not the ocean.
The TOMT certificate is a 30 credit hour program composed

of the following courses: Introduction to Marine Biology,
Survey of Mariculture, Introduction to Business, Mariculture
Systems and Design, Aquaculture Best Management Practices,
Nutrition of Mariculture Species, Disease and Parasites in
Marine Aquaculture, Tropical Ornamental Mariculture, and
a paid internship at a local marine aquaculture facility in the
Florida Keys.
Students in the TOMT program gain hands on husbandry

skills using marine aquaculture systems stocked with marine
ornamental fish species (Figure 1). Knowledge gained during
marine aquaculture courses is applied in the lab during
spawning and larval rearing.
402
CANVIS FOR AQUACULTURE: A VISUALIZATION TOOL TO SIMULATE SEASCAPE

CHANGES FOR MARINE AQUACULTURE
Kenneth L. Riley*, Mark Finkbeiner, Melissa K. Pappas, Carol S. Price, and James A. Morris, Jr.

ken.riley@noaa.gov
Among the largest barriers to marine aquaculture ventures in the U.S., is the public perception and uncertainty that aquaculture
development will conflict with other ocean uses and have significant impact to shoreline vistas and the coastal viewshed. We
evaluated adaptation and use of a visualization software package (CanVis) to assess and communicate about the visual impacts
related to marine aquaculture development. CanVis has been extensively used in coastal planning across multiple industry
sectors. Simulations can range from drawings and digitally edited images to complex models and animations. CanVis has
been used to develop policies for siting offshore windfarms, to simulate sea level rise and coastal flooding risks, to illustrate
expansion of shipping terminals and port facilities, and to protect culturally and historically important scenic landscapes. We
developed an image library of marine aquaculture equipment, boats, and other objects extracted from high resolution digital
photographs supplied by commercial fish and shellfish farms across the country. Images were processed, color corrected, and
formatted for use in the NOAA CanVis library. To evaluate use in marine policy development and decision-making, landscape
photographs from California and Hawaii were edited to simulate aquaculture development in the coastal zone. Simulations
were created for offshore marine cage culture operations in southern California and oysters farms sited within Hawaiian fish
ponds. These simulations are being used in regional workshops to support dialogue and exchange with coastal managers,
industry participants, and stakeholders. CanVis has proven to be a powerful, yet simple tool for about communicating about
development activities that can significantly affect coastal communities and economies.
403
SHRIMP BREEDING IN ECUADOR – COMMON AND SPECIFIC COMPONENTS OF A

PARTICULAR PROGRAM, TEXCUMAR
João L. Rocha*, Rafael Verduga, Hugo Mario Armijos
Texcumar
Centro de Reproducción y Mejoramiento Genético de Camarón
Km. 2 ½ Vía San Pablo-Monteverde
Provincia de Santa Elena
Ecuador
joaorocha@texcumar.com
Operating under extensive shrimp production system models at low stocking densities, Ecuador followed its own sui generis
path to rebuild its shrimp industry devastated by White Spot in 1999. When the SPF paradigm was the prevalent standard of
reference for shrimp production and shrimp health programs around the world, shrimp breeding in Ecuador turned its back
to SPF practices and ideals, and began deliberately breeding from survivors of WSSV outbreaks, contaminated and directly
exposed to the pathogens. Discouraged by the poor results and extreme susceptibilities of SPF animals to the diseases present
under the extensive production conditions, many in Ecuador believed that breeding from disease survivors, without a particular
concern for their disease carrier status (whether testing positive or negative for different disease PCR tests), would be the only
way forward if their shrimp industry was to be rebuilt around the same extensive production models and ideals.
More than a decade later Ecuador’s non-conventional and non-SPF approach to shrimp health and breeding seems to have been
successful, yielding the development of shrimp lines that cope well with diseases, enabled the full recuperation (and much
beyond) of the national industry (under conditions where WSSV is present and yields 1-2 disease events in most growouts,
especially when the temperatures drop to below 24º C in the designated Summer Season), and are viewed as tolerant/resistant or
more robust stocks which are in high demand from many different parts of the world to improve the disease tolerance/resistance
and robustness attributes of the more susceptible SPF stocks. This trend has gained particular momentum after the emergence
of the EMS/AHNPD epidemics and its recent expansion to Mexico.
New theories on the acquisition of natural disease resistance/tolerance mechanisms by shrimp have recently been proposed,
and it is likely not a coincidence that these new theories postulate that for natural mechanisms of shrimp disease tolerance/
resistance to take place, a direct exposure to the pathogens is a necessary condition, one which is obviously not present in the
context of the SPF model. Ecuador’s non-conventional shrimp health and breeding path seems to have anticipated these new
theories on the acquisition of natural shrimp disease resistance/tolerance mechanisms, and its results seem to corroborate well
the postulates of these new theories.
Under the general principles defined above, we report on the development and results of a specific breeding and genetics
program in Ecuador, established from the synergic association between the largest maturation in Ecuador and a group of large
shrimp producers with a total of nearly 5.000 hectares in production. This association establishes the Maturation as a service
center with a genetics and breeding program focused on the specific needs of their shrimp producer associates. The Program was
initiated four years ago, its genetic objectives were defined by the shrimp producer associates as the improvement of the growth
rates in their farms, survival was considered a management issue, and the Program adopted a Line-based strategy, based on
stringent mass-selections for growth at commercial harvest end points of interest for the different associates. Genetic selections
are done directly from commercial ponds, different Lines have been developed, with commercial products being in general
Line-crosses, inbreeding levels for the different Lines are monitored through genetic marker approaches, GxE interactions are
accommodated by the development of different commercial products for the different shrimp producer associates, with each
associate having at any time at least one maturation room stocked with broodstock derived and selected from his own farms.
Female broodstock are screened for IHHNV with a number of products certified as from IHHNV-free females. With these
approaches the Genetics Program has been able to yield a positive phenotypic trend indicating a 9% annual phenotypic gain
for commercial growth rates while commercial survival rates have been kept fairly constant since the inception of the Program.
404
IMPROVING HIGH SOY FEED FORMULATIONS FOR FLORIDA POMPANO Trachinotus

carolinus THROUGH ENZYME SUPPLEMENTATION
Chuck Roe*, Melanie Rhodes, D. Allen Davis, Yangen Zhou, To Pham Thi Ha Van, Terry Hanson
and Guillaume Salze

Auburn University Auburn, AL 36849
Czr0032@auburn.edu
The sustainable production of many marine species including Florida pompano is highly dependent on the reduction of
fishmeal in production diets and the consequent reduction in cost. Florida pompano preforms well on soy-based diets as long
as nutritional and palatability needs are met. However, feeds can be further improved by improving digestibility. Given the
increasing inclusion of soybean meal, it is prudent to determine if the presence of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) or high
levels of phytate could be significant inhibitors of growth in marine species. Hence, the objective of this work was to determine
if the addition of a carbohydrase improves the digestibility of NSP and if the addition of phytase increases phosphorous
availability. Two growth trials were conducted in recirculating systems at the Claude Peteet Mariculture Center, Gulf Shores,
Alabama, USA, which each consist of 12 (1.0m3) tanks. Twenty pompano juveniles (8-10 g initial mean weight) were stocked
in each tank. Fish in each tank were fed four times daily one of the randomly assigned test diets containing different levels of
carbohydrase or phytase (Table 1). The NSP trial consists of commodity soybean meal and a selected strain of soybean meal
that is lower in NSP. Digestibility and enzyme activity will be confirmed at the end of the trials. Final results are listed in table 2.
405
AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO NEAR-SHORE MARINE FISH CAGE CULTURE
Artur N. Rombenso* and Luis A. Sampaio
Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

Carbondale, Illinois, 62901
arturnr@siu.edu
In order to demonstrate the benefits of near-shore cage culture system it was launched a near-shore small-scale initiative at
Ilha Grande, an island off the Rio de Janeiro coast – Brazil through a partnership among the private, academic and government
sector. With an alternative approach based on lower stocking densities, near-shore location, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture
(IMTA) systems, and appreciation for a higher final quality product the present initiative seeks to promote sustainable
aquaculture practices, as well suit as a model for the local community as an alternative source of income.
In terms of growout protocol marine fish, cobia Rachycentron canadum, are raised in a 12 months cycle characterized by a
three-phase system in low stocking densities, fed commercial available feed and also trash-fish (fresh frozen sardines), which
are typically disposed off in public landfills. Alternatively, this ‘waste’ is used as an alternative omega-3 rich nutritional feed.
At harvest, cobia achieve an average weight of 4-5 kg. As cobia has no stablished market in Brazil, especially in the Southeast
region, where wild captures rarely occurs, this size fish has been well accepted by consumers and restaurants. Last production
of 2013/2014 cycle was around 3 tons of cobia, which most of it was destined to Japanese restaurants in Rio de Janeiro city. As
the consumer market is 3 hours away from the facility, it is feasible to delivery very fresh fish harvested in the same day that it
will be consumed. Plus, due to little-to-no regional supply of fresh cobia, the cultured fish became a health (omega-3 rich fillet)
specialty seafood. In this context the harvest varies according to demand, but usually it consists of 100-150 kg per week. It does
not seem much, however the fish is sold as whole fish for 18-20US$ to the intermediary, who sells to the restaurants for 25-28
US$. In terms of marine fish culture, it is rare to have a business that aggregates such a high value like that.
In addition, in the present facility marine fish culture is not the only focus, which is shared into the IMTA system and also the
integration between people and mariculture. The IMTA system is composed by shellfish, scallops and seaweeds that utilize the
nutrients dispersed from the fish culture, minimizing the impacts on the environment. Furthermore, as the facility is located in a
beautiful preserved region exists a natural interaction between tourists and mariculture. There, visitors can not only understand
what is mariculture, but also interact with it by feeding the fish, as well scuba diving around the cages, and choosing the fish
they want consume. This alternative approach seems to be advantageous over other more intensive systems, being able to
supply high quality protein with minimal environmental impacts, and also demonstrate to visitors the real role of a properly
done mariculture operation.
406
NUTRIENT SENSING IN ATLANTIC SALMON - EXPLORING THE SENSORY SYSTEMS

FOR AMINO ACIDS IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
Ivar Rønnestad* and Ana S. Gomes
Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Pb 7803, N5020 Bergen, Norway

ivar.ronnestad@bio.uib.no
Recent studies on chemical sensing mainly in mammals have revealed that smell and taste receptors are not restricted to the
nose and oral cavity but are also found distributed along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Many of the chemical sensory systems
are based on receptors that belong to the superfamily of guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and
monitor the presence of nutrients, including amino acids (AA), in the GIT lumen. When AA bind to these receptors this
activates neuronal and hormonal signalling pathways that mediate changes in gastric emptying and intestinal transit, release
of digestive enzymes, nutrient transport and also affect the control of food intake (hunger and satiety) and metabolism. The
recent deorphanization of GPCRs in the mammalian genomes has contributed to an improved understanding of the signalling
pathways that are involved in sensing of AA. Key mammalian GPCRs identified to be involved in AA-sensing in GIT
include: extracellular calcium-sensing receptor, CaSR; taste receptor type 1, T1R; metabotropic glutamate receptors, mGluRs;
lysophospholipid 5 receptor, LPA5 (also named GPR92 or GPR93); and GPCR family C subtype 6A receptor, GPRC6A.
AA are key nutrients in teleost diet and essential for a range of metabolic pathways including growth. AA also acts as strong
attractants in fish. In Atlantic salmon, a key commercial species in global aquaculture, inclusion of specific AA may enhance
appetite and successful feed uptake. This is important because the increased proportions of plant based protein sources in
fish feeds often reduces appetite and growth compared with fishmeal. However, little is known on how specific AA affect the
signalling pathways originating in the GIT. Knowledge about nutrient-sensing systems in fish may provide information that
could improve the AA dietary composition in farmed Atlantic salmon and ultimately maximise digestion and growth. The
goal of our study is therefore to identify and characterize luminal receptors involved in AA sensing in the GIT of Atlantic
salmon. We have identified or deduced in silico the homologues of vertebrate CaSR, T1R1/T1R3, LPA5, mGluR1 and mGluR4
genes in the salmon genome, and validated with specific PCR amplification and cloning. In silico sequence comparisons have
hitherto failed to identify the GPRC6A homologue gene in salmon genome. Comparative studies demonstrated that sequence
and structure of the identified GPCRs is generally maintained across vertebrates. We will present the spatial distribution of the
receptors transcripts along the GIT of Atlantic salmon.
407
CHARACTERIZING THE APPETITE CONTROLLING SYSTEM IN FAST-GROWING

ATLANTIC COD LARVAE
Ivar Rønnestad, I*, Rolf B. Edvardsen, Augustine Arukwe, Kristin Hamre, Ørjan Karlsen,
Terje van der Meeren, Knut H. Jensen, Ann-Elise O. Jordal
*Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Pb 7803, N5020 Bergen, Norway

ivar.ronnestad@bio.uib.no
The production of Atlantic cod depends on enriched rotifers and Artemia during the period of first feeding, but development
and growth remain inferior to larvae fed natural zooplankton. The underlying mechanisms for this phenomenon are not well
understood. In this study, our aim was to describe how the transcripts of key neuropeptides and appetite modulators are regulated
in larvae with different growth rates. We used two treatment groups of cod larvae, one that was fed natural zooplankton (mostly
copepods), and one, that was fed enriched rotifers and later Artemia. The cod larvae in the two feeding groups showed almost
similar growth until day 22 post-hatch, when the copepod group quickly increased growth rate, departing from the rotifer/
Artemia group (4.5% vs. 2.4%/day). We examined gene expression (RNA sequences, transcriptome) of two defined growth
stages (2 and 3), corresponding to 22 and 32 days after hatching, when the growth differences were largest. Using whole
larvae sampled during active feeding, we examined a key system for regulation of appetite in the brain that reportedly involves
receptor MC4R signaling that can be modulated both by AgRP (orexigen) and alfa-MSH (anorexigen; from POMC gene). In
fast growing cod, there were only minor differences in gene expression of these factors, compared with slow growing fish.
This includes MC4R and the two duplicates for both AgRP and POMC. Of other appetite stimulating genes located in the
brain - orexin was up-regulated in fast growing larvae, while NPY was not. Their presumed receptors OX2R and NPY2R were
differentially up-regulated in Stage 2 fish, but not in stage 3.
Appetite is influenced by a range of other neuropeptides and appetite modulators produced in the brain, but also in peripheral
tissues including the digestive tract. The presumed orexigenic peptide - ghrelin had similar expression in fast and slow growing
larvae. For presumed anorexigen factors, there were several genes that were consistently down-regulated in fast growing
copepod fed fish and thus, following a predicted difference. This included PYY-A, PYY, GLP2-, insulin receptor, IGF-1R, CART,
igfbp1, sstr3, prlhr. Amylin was also down-regulated together with CALCR and RAMP1, that constitutes heterodimeric partners
of its receptor. There was minor effect on LeptinA, but LepR was down-regulated for both stages of fast growing fish.
Some genes had pronounced higher expression (>3x) in the faster growing larvae, particularly at stage 2. These include -
GL-R (glucagon receptor), NMUR1 (neuromedin receptor), NPY2R (NPY receptor), and Tac4 (tachykinin). MCHR2A (melanin
concentrating hormone receptor) showed high expression levels in both stage 2 and 3. The high NPY2R expression apparently
contrasts that of mammals, where the orexigenic effect of NPY is mediated through Y1 and Y5 receptors. In conclusion, we
have identified several potential biomarkers that contributes to understanding the physiological mechanisms of fast growing
Atlantic cod larvae.
408
EXPERIMENTAL SYSTEM AND WATER QUALITY CONTROL FOR EVALUATION OF

BIOFLOC ON SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei PRODUCTION
Misael Rosales*, Addison Lawrence, Gregory Cottingham and Wendy Baxter
Texas Agrilife Research

misaelrosales@tamu.edu
Biofloc is composed of a mixture of detritus and living organisms. These organisms, such as bacteria, can be highly influenced
by culture conditions (e.g. salinity, temperature, pH, etc.) There is a fundamental need to develop an experimental system
in which biofloc can be exposed to different water parameters. Before this type of system can be designed, a standardized
methodology for rapidly forming biofloc while ensuring maximum shrimp survival must be established. The purpose of this
study is to develop an experimental system in which biofloc is formed quickly while maintaining water quality ideal to enhance
shrimp survival.
Juvenile shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (7.08±0.88 g), from the same cohort with no visual signs of disease were randomly
selected and stocked into 12 tanks (78 x 43 cm). Shrimps were stocked at a density of 35 per tank (104 organisms/m2). Tanks
were filled with filtered seawater and reversed osmosis water for a set salinity of 28.0±0.5 ppt to a depth of 30.0 cm. Zero water
exchange was performed throughout the experiment. Every 4 days 2 tanks were harvested to check for survival and growth of
the organisms (Table 1). Aeration levels were maintained at a minimal 5 mg/liter. A 24-hour electric feeder was used in each
tank. For the first 3 days (autotrophic dominance) shrimps were fed with a 40% protein feed used to start the formation of
biofloc. From day 4 to the end of the trial (heterotrophic dominance) a mixture of 18% feed and 23% feed at a ratio of 1:1 was
used to feed the organisms and maintain biofloc at its optimum level. A target FCR of 1.3 and predicted growth rate of 1.5-2g
per week was used as a baseline for feeding.
Preliminary results are shown in Table 1. Biofloc was at its optimum level in all tanks at the fourth day after zero water exchange
started. There was no apparent increment of mortality after the first 2 tanks harvested. Weigh gain of the organisms was as
expected. Once heterotrophic dominance was promoted, ammonia levels decreased extraordinarily (Figure1). In conclusion,
the experimental system used in this study is a viable system for the quickly formation of biofloc, therefore the development of
experimental trials with different treatments is feasible.
409
LESSONS LEARNED FROM EVALUATING THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING LIVESTOCK

BARNS INTO AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN THE MIDWEST U.S.
Kurt A. Rosentrater*
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Ames, IA 50011
karosent@iastate.edu
Laura Tiu
Ohio State University
Sheila Lingle
Indiana Soybean Alliance
Currently, many livestock producers throughout the Midwest U.S. are interested in pursuing new ways to generate income
so that they can maintain their livelihoods in light of changes in the animal and grain industries over the last several years.
Converting abandoned livestock barns and other agricultural buildings into aquaculture production facilities may be a viable
opportunity for them, but more information is needed. The goal of this project was to gather information, so that producers can
be informed appropriately before making the decision to pursue barn conversion. Toward that end, we examined agricultural
building conversions. First, we conducted a comprehensive literature review on conversion of abandoned livestock buildings
into aquaculture production facilities in the Midwest. Second, we interviewed and surveyed actual producers throughout the
central U.S. who have converted livestock barns to determine implementation and operational challenges, benefits, and current
status. Third, we compiled layout designs for the most common livestock barns in the Midwest, and determined minimum
conversion requirements for these designs. Typical waste management systems are shown below. All existing buildings require
extensive modifications, so this information will be critical to producers as they consider the potential benefits of converting
their existing barns into aquaculture facilities.
410
EFFECT OF PLANT-PROTEIN-BASED DIETS ON GUT-MICROBIOTA COMPOSITION OF

RED DRUM AND HYBRID STRIPED BASS
Waldemar Rossi Jr.*, Michael E. Hume, and Delbert M. Gatlin III

College Station, Texas 77843-2258
wrjunior@tamu.edu
Two feeding trials were conducted at the Aquacultural Research and Teaching Facility of the Texas A&M University to evaluate
the effects of plant-protein-based diets on the production performance and gut microbiota of red drum and hybrid striped
bass (HSB). The feeding trials were conducted using 1-m3 floating-cages placed in 0.04-ha ponds according to a randomized
block design. Salinity was maintained at around 5 g L-1 and constant aeration was provided. A fishmeal (FM) - based (Special
Select® menhaden FM) diet was used as the Control in both feeding trials. In the first feeding trial (15 weeks), advanced red
rum juvenile were fed diets containing a combination of soybean meal (SBM), soy-protein concentrate (SPC), and corn protein
concentrate (CPC), as the primary protein sources. In the second feeding trial (26 weeks), advanced HSB juvenile were fed
diets containing SBM and SPC, as the primary protein sources. The additive effect of a pre-biotic (GroBiotic® -A, GBA)
on the overall production performance and gut microbiota also was evaluated. At the end of each feeding trial, production
performance parameters were obtained and samples of intestinal contents were collected. The composition of gut microbiota
populations was examined through denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), following amplification of bacterial 16S
rDNA. The analysis of band pattern relatedness was determined with Molecular Analysis Fingerprinting software, using the
Dice similarity coefficient (SC, expressed as a percentage) for comparisons between sample band patterns.
At the end of each feeding trial, no

differences in production performance of
red drum or HSB fed plant-protein-based
diets were found. The results of DGGE
analysis revealed changes in gut microbiota
populations in the two different trials. In red
drum, the composition of the microbiota
population of ingesta significantly changed
in response to plant-protein-based diets
relative to the Control (SC < 80%), but
was unaffected by GBA inclusion in the
SBM diet (Fig. 1). In HSB, gut microbiota
populations in the ingesta (I; Fig. 2, A)
differed (SC < 80%) among treatments,
while those in the mucosa (M; Fig. 2, B)
were similar (80% ≤ SC ≤ 95%) between
the Control and SBM + GBA treatments
and differed from the SBM treatment.
The results of these studies showed that the

composition of gut microbiota populations
of red drum and HSB can be affected by
diet. Further studies are currently underway
to evaluate the potential effects of such
changes in microbial composition and to
identify the different bacterial species.
411
PREDATION BY LESSER SCAUP, Aythya affinis, ON FATHEAD MINNOWS AND GOLDEN

SHINERS ON COMMERCIAL BAITFISH FARMS IN ARKANSAS
Luke A. Roy*, Micheal Kearby, Anita M. Kelly, Sathyanand Kumaran, Michael Hoy
royl@uapb.edu
Commercial baitfish farmers in Arkansas have been reporting larger numbers of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) on their operations
than in previous years. Since most baitfish farms in Arkansas are located along the Mississippi Flyway, there are typically large
numbers of migratory waterfowl, such as ducks, present on baitfish farms during the winter months. Diving ducks, particularly
lesser scaup, have been routinely observed by farmers feeding in large numbers on fathead minnow and golden shiner ponds.
Fish losses sustained by migratory birds represent significant annual losses in production and income for Arkansas baitfish
farmers. At many farms, lesser scaup have been found to have large numbers of small fish in their guts after being harvested
by hunters. In addition to fish directly consumed by lesser scaup, many farmers have reported large numbers of “scarred” fish
during spring harvests and suspect that many fish die as a result of injuries sustained while escaping predation by ducks. In
order to further examine this problem, a scientific collection permit was obtained from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to collect lesser scaup on baitfish farms throughout the state of Arkansas in February and
March of 2014. A total of 120 lesser scaup were collected during the study. The majority of collections occurred in Lonoke
and Prairie counties. Lesser scaup were collected with shotguns at various commercial baitfish fish farms. Prior to collection,
ducks were allowed to forage 10-15 minutes. Upon collection, a syringe without a needle was used to inject 50 mL of 92%
ethanol down the esophagus of the duck to preserve any fish in the crop. Ducks were then transported on ice to the Lonoke Fish
Disease Laboratory and frozen at -4 °C until processing. The esophagus and crop of each duck were examined for the presence
of whole fish or partially digested fish parts. Fish retrieved from ducks were identified, enumerated, and weighed. Following
processing, fish were preserved in a formalin solution. Whole fish were observed in 10.8% of the ducks examined. Crawfish,
polychaetes, snails, and other food items were also found in ducks. The contents of the gizzards and intestines were examined
for fish bones and otoliths. Results of these analyses are still forthcoming and will be discussed in context of the relevance to
the commercial baitfish industry.
412
THE EFFECT OF THREE DIFFERENT WINTER FEEDING REGIMES ON GROWTH, LIPID

COMPOSITION, AND RESPIRATION OF FATHEAD MINNOWS, HYBRID CRAPPIE, HYBRID
BLUEGILL, NATIVE BLUEGILL, AND REDEAR SUNFISH
Luke A. Roy*, Anita M. Kelly, Alf Haukenes, Sathyanand Kumaran, Carl D. Webster, Nathan Stone
royl@uapb.edu
Baitfish and sportfish farmers in Arkansas reported large losses of fish at harvest in the spring of 2013. A survey conducted by
extension personnel at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff revealed losses had been sustained on over 2900 water hectares
in Arkansas. Most of the fish that were unaccounted for were small, less than 7.5 cm. The largest losses were observed by
farmers raising fathead minnows, golden shiners, and centrarchids. While several theories exist as to the cause of these fish
losses, one area being investigated includes winter feeding practices. In addition to an unusually long and cold winter, there
were also several warming periods that occurred in the late Fall that resulted in drastic temperature fluctuations in production
ponds. Typically, baitfish and sportfish farmers in Arkansas begin to taper feeding rates starting in the fall and through winter.
In order to test the impact of winter feeding on fish survival, growth, metabolism and lipid storage, a series of experiments
were conducted with fathead minnows, hybrid crappie, hybrid bluegill, native bluegill, and redear sunfish. The fathead minnow
experiment was carried out in a temperature controlled aquarium system (900 L) consisting of nine aquariums, while the
experiments with centrarchids were conducted in four separate temperature controlled recirculating tank systems (600 L),
each equipped with nine tanks. Fish were stocked at ambient temperature and over the course of 7 days the temperature was
reduced to 7°C to mimic winter conditions. Once the target temperature had been reached, three dietary feeding regimes were
implemented (3 replicates per treatment) which included feeding ad libitum twice per week, once per week, or once per month
throughout the 13-week trial. At the beginning and end of the experiment, fish were collected for lipid analysis. Respirometry
trials were conducted with hybrid bluegill, native bluegill, and redear sunfish at the beginning and end of the trial. After
13-weeks, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in weight gain, condition factor, and specific growth rate in the fathead
minnow trial. The fathead minnows fed twice per week had weight gains of nearly 3%, while the fish offered feed once per
week and once per month had weight losses of -2.3 and -10.1%, respectively. Results of trials with the four centrarchid species
revealed that there were no differences in final weight, survival, weight gain, or specific growth rate among fish offered the
different feeding regimes. Large weight losses were observed across all three feeding regimes. All four centrarchid species lost
significant amounts of weight ranging from -12 to -17% in hybrid bluegill to -30 to -36% in redear sunfish. Lipid analyses and
respirometry data are currently being analyzed and will be presented.
413
THREE VARIANTS OF SERINE PROTEASE INHIBITORS FROM DISK ABALONE Haliotis

discus discus: MOLECULAR INSIGHTS AND POTENTIAL IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSES
UPON BACTERIAL INFECTION
S.D.N.K. Bathige1,2, Navaneethaiyer Umasuthan1,2, William Shanthakumar Thulasitha 1,2, G. I. Godahewa1,2,

J.D.H.E. Jayasinghe1,2, Jehee Lee1,2
1
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea.
2
Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756,
Republic of Korea.
Serine protease inhibitors (Serpins) are involved in a variety of important protease mediated physiological functions including
blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammation, cell migration, extracellular matrix remodeling and activation of interleukin
precursors. In the current study, three serpin members belong to clade B (AbSerpin-1, AbSerpin-2 and AbSerpin-3) have been
identified from commercially important gastropod disk abalone and studied the immune responses after bacterial infections.
Three full length cDNA sequences homologous to serpin family (clade B) were identified from disk abalone transcriptome
database. All AbSerpins shared the characteristic serpin domain and presented a close relationship between AbSerpin-2 and
AbSerpin-3 with 64.4% identity. SignalP 3.0 program predicted a signal sequence only in AbSerpin-2 and AbSerpin-3 suggesting
these two proteins are extracellular. Characteristic SERPIN signature was identified in all AbSerpin-1 (358FKADHPFLFLI368),
AbSerpin-2 (478FRCDHPFLFFI488) and AbSerpin-3 (504IRCDHPFLFII514). Neighbor-joining phylogenetic analysis revealed that
AbSerpin-1 and other two (AbSerpin-2 and AbSerpin-3) are evolutionally distinct even though they clustered in invertebrate
group. To determine the tissue specific mRNA expression of AbSerpins, different tissues including gonad, hepatopancreas,
digestive tract, hemocytes, gills, mantle and muscle were dissected from healthy animals. The SYBR Green quantitative real
time PCR (qPCR) method was employed to quantify the level of AbSerpin transcripts. According to the qPCR results the
transcripts of AbSerpin-1, AbSerpin-2 and AbSerpin-3 were highly expressed in mantle, hemocytes and muscle, respectively.
These results indicate the functional versatility of serpins in different tissues. In the case of immune challenge experiments,
the early phase significant (P<0.05) up-regulations of AbSerpins were observed in hemocytes upon live bacterial (Vibrio
parahemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes) infection. The all expression levels were measured relative to the saline (0.9%
NaCl) control. These results suggest that AbSerpins play an important immune role in host defense and elimination of invading
bacterial pathogens in disk abalone.
414
NUTRO-PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF THREE WILD STOCK Macrobrachium

rosenbergii JUVENILES UNDER DIFFERENT NUTRITIONAL MILIEU
Vidya Sagar1,2*, Narrotam P. Sahu2, Asim K. Pal2, Kamal K. Jain2, Vikas Kumar3
1
Florida International University, Miami-33199, Florida, USA
2
Division of Fish Nutrition and Biochemistry, Central Institute of Fisheries Education,Versova, Mumbai,
India
3
Aquaculture Research Center, Kentucky State University, Athletic Drive Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601 USA.
*Email: vidyasagar101@gmail.com and vikas.kumar@kysu.edu
Macrobrachium rosenbergii is the most extensively cultured and economically important freshwater prawn species. It
contributes two-third of total global freshwater prawn production. However, commercial and/or wild stock of M. rosenbergii
has been sharply declining during the last two decades from all around the globe. Therefore priorities must be directed toward
approaches to conserve “Good Responder” stocks (genotypes) in a given culture condition. In the study, wild juveniles of M.
rosenbergii were collected from the west coast of India, Gujarat (G), Maharashtra (M) and from the east coast of India, Andhra
Pradesh (A), and raised in culture ponds of 200 m2 at stocking density one juvenile m2. All the animals were tagged individually
with Elastomer tags of a particular color assigned to their respective stock and at a ratio of 70:65:65 (A:M:G) in the pond. Each
of the two feeds, the first with 27% dietary protein (DP), termed the suboptimum level (S), and the second 32% DP, termed the
optimum level (O), was fed in duplicate ponds at 6% of the body mass for the first 30 days and 4% for the last 30 days.
The average weight of stocked prawn, respectively, in O DP and S DP fed ponds was 0.90 ± 0.04 and 1.06 ± 0.08 g for the G
stock, 0.80 ± 0.07 and 1.01 ± 0.1g for the M stock and 3.06 ± 0.13 and 3.10 ± 0.23 g for the A stock. Both the protein level
and the stock type had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the weight gain% of the prawn. There was an approximate 95% change
in weight gain with a DP change. Similarly, G and M stocks showed higher (P<0.05) growth rates of approximately 90% than
the A stock, although no difference was noted between the G and the M stocks. However, for protein x stock (interaction)
levels, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the groups. Optimum protein level showed increased (P<0.05)
in the growth rate. Nutrient utilization parameters (feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and net protein utilization)
were not altered either due to DP, stock type or their interaction. Activity of key enzymes of glycolysis (lactate dehydrogenase
and malate dehydrogenase), gluconeogenesis (Glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase activities), amino acid
catabolism (alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase), pentose phosphate pathway (glucose-6-phosphate
dehydrogenase), and energy metabolism (adenosine triphosphatase were examined due to dietary protein variations in muscle
and hepatopancreas of different stock of prawn. Our results suggests that enzyme physiology of M. rosenbergii, in large,
is affected by dietary variations. Further, stock-based differences in the response were noticed, where stock “G” and “M”
exhibited healthier enzyme physiology than stock “A”.
Effects of O and S diets on fatty acid profile of M. rosenbergii were also elucidated. In muscle, a significant variation (P<0.05)
exhibited in C16:0, iso-C16:0, iso-C18:0, C18:1 n-7 and total SAFAs. However, the interactions of stocks types, (A, M, or
G) x (S) and (A, M, or G) x (O), showed a significantly (P<0.05) increasing trend for C18:1 n-7 and reverse for total SAFAs,
showing prominence in A than the M. Fatty acids profile of hepatopancreas showed, SAFAs, MUFAs, n-6 and n-3 contents in
the tune of 35.5-48.5%, 27.5-31.5%, 11.74-21.10% and 2.5-7%, respectively. Due to interaction of stock type and DP; C20:1
n-9, C18:2 n-6, C18:3 n-3, C20:5 n-3 exhibited significant variation (P<0.05). The n-6/n-3 ratio was around 1.30 and 2.5-4.75
among different stocks.
Conclusively, this study will be useful for the selection of the “Good-Responder” stock (genotypes) in a given culture condition
and subsequently higher production may be achieved.
415
EFFECTS OF GREENWATER, MARINE Bacillus subtilis HS1 PROBIOTIC AND SYNBIOTIC

ENRICHED ARTEMIA AND ROTIFERS ON THE EUROPEAN SEA BASS LARVAL FATTY
ACIDS AND AMINO ACIDS IN ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT
Salem*, Ahmed Md.; Nour, A. M.; Srour, T. M.; Assem1, S.; El-Sayed, H.; Hebalah, Shaimaa M.
Aquaculture Division
National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries (NIOF)
Quiet Bay Castle, El-Anfoshy, Alexandria, Egypt
Mobile: +201000323014; Fax: +2034801174
Email: ahmedmdsalem@yahoo.com
Egypt, the 9th world aquaculture producer is also the 1st Mediterranean Sea, Arab and African aquaculture producer (FAO,
2012). Egypt marine aquaculture still depending on fry collected from natural resources (63 million fry) although Egypt had 6
hatcheries producing 15.8 million fry, only 1.6 million were sea bass fry (GAFRD, 2011). Not enough or misbalanced or low
quality live feeds affecting marine hatcheries larval productivity and quality (Salem et al., 2012 and Salem, 2014).
The present study conducted in Fish Reproduction & Spawning Lab., NIOF, Alexandria, Egypt. European sea bass Dicentrarchus
labrax newly hatched larvae from 8 dph to the 40 dph was reared according to (Süzer et al., 2011). The treatments were green
water using Nanochlorapsis salina algae (G), greenwater plus marine Bacillus subtilis HS1 Probiotic bacteria (G+MP) and
greenwater plus synbiotic (G+S) in 30 l tanks in duplicates.The larval 6 tanks was green water with N. salina Algal count
not less than 300000 cell/ml. The experimental treatments using green water using N. salina as positive control (G), green
water plus marine probiotic bacteria (G+MP) and green water plus synbiotic (G+S).4 hours enriched rotifers Brachionus
plicatilis started from the 7th dph until the 14th dph, the beginning of cofeeding on 6 hours enriched Artemia fransiscana (GSL)
nauplii started and rotifers reduction started in the 18th dph and stopped from the 20th dph and artemia napulii fed alone until
the 25th dph, 25dph larvae started feeding on artemia metanauplii and cofeeding with Orange® P 1/2 Small microdiets with
100-200 micron to 35dph. From the 35th dph artemia metanapulii stopped and larvae fed only on O.range® until the end of
the experiment (the 40th dph). The biotechnical larvae rearing including siphon water exchange rate using hose covered with
55- 60 micron plankton net was done once/ day to avoid larvae disturbance using rates of 10% from the 1st week to the end of
the experiment. Larvae samples were randomly collected from all treatments tanks and presererved in frozen at temperature
of -20º C until complete methyleestrfication using the Folch method as modified by Bligh and Dyer, (1959). Fatty acid methyl
esters were analyzed using gas liquid chromatography (HP-6890 gas–liquid chromatography) according to Radwan, (1978) and
amino acids analyzing using amino acids analyzer model: Dionex ICS 3000 according to Product manual for Dionex Amino
Analyzer and AminoPac PA10. Document No. 031481-12 according to (Dionex Coroporation, 2006) for samples preparation
and conditions for accurate amino acids analysis.
The results of Fatty acids composition of larval total lipids presented as % of the 40dph early weaned Seabass larvae showed
that the n-6 HUFA as total n-6 HUFA, LA C18:2 and ARA C20:4 showed no significant differences and the highest achieved
by (G+S) and Docosadienoic acid C22:2 showed no significant differences and the highest achieved by (G). The n-3 HUFA
as total n-3 HUFA and Alpha Linolenic acid C18:3 FA showed no significant differences and the highest achieved by (G+S),
EPA C20:5, showed no significant differences and the highest indicated by (G+MP), DHA C22:6 showed no significant
differences and the highest achieved by (G). The n-6/n-3 ratio of the early weaned larvae showed the highest significant (P <
0.05) achieved by (G+S), the DHA/EPA ratio showed the highest significant resulted by (G), the EPA/DHA ratio showed no
significant differences and the highest achieved by (G+MP), the ARA/EPA and the ARA/EPA/DHA ratios showed the highest
significant (P < 0.05) exhibited by (G+S).
Amino acids composition of the 40dph early weaned Seabass larvae presented as %. The EAA as total EAA, Histidine, Arginine,
Phenyl Alanine, Methionine and isoleucine showed no significant differences and the highest achieved by (G+MP). Lysine and
Valine showed no significant differences and the highest indicated by (G). Threonine showed no significant differences and
the highest achieved by (G+S). and Leucine showed the highest significant (P < 0.05) indicated by (G+S). The NEAA as total
NEAA, Serine, Aspartic acid, Cystine and Glycine showed no significant differences and the highest achieved by (G). Proline
showed the highest significant (P < 0.05) resulted by (G+MP). Alanine showed no significant differences and the highest
indicated by (G+MP) and Glumatic acid showed the highest significant (P < 0.05) achieved by (G+S).
416
EFFECT OF SIX EXPERIMENTAL DIETS ON IMMUNE RESPONSE AND SURVIVAL RATE

OF WHITE SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei CHALLENGED WITH A Vibrio parahaemolyticus
STRAIN (EMS/AHPND +) IN THE STATE OF SONORA, MEXICO
*Salguero-González, M.A., Sánchez-Díaz, R., Muñoz-Báez, L., Ibarra-Gámez, J.C.
Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora. Laboratorio de Análisis de Sanidad Acuícola. 5 de Febrero 818 sur,
*
Colonia Centro. C.P. 85000. Ciudad Obregón, Sonora. Mexico. malejandro.salguero@gmail.com
Aquaculture is currently the worldwide agro-industrial activity with the largest growth rate, so the shrimp culture industry is
rapidly expanding and accounts for 15% of the internationally traded seafood products (FAO, 2013). Therefore, the bacterial
diseases have recently gained importance following the identification of certain strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Vibriosis
can contribute to mass mortalities during the grow-out of shrimp, and recently has been implicated as a cause to acute
hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome (AHPNS) or early mortality syndrome (EMS) that has decimated shrimp farming in many
countries in Asia and México. (Tran et al., 2013).
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of six experimental diets on immune response and survival rate of White shrimp
challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus (EMS/AHPND+) by bioassay to prove the pathogenicity of the strain known.
The results are shown in Table 1, which shows that all treatments evaluated and positive control showed the same behavior of
cumulative mortality. The negative control did not present mortality in the tanks evaluated.
References
Tran, L., Nunan, L., Redman, R.M., Mohney, L.L., Pantoja, C.R., Fitzsimmons, K., Lightner, D.V., (2013). Determination of
the infectious nature of the agent of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome affecting penaeid shrimp. Dis. Aquat. Org.
105:45–55.
FAO, (2013). Report of the FAO/MARD technical workshop on early mortality síndrome (EMS) or acute hepatopancreatic
necrosis syndrome (AHPNS) of cultured shrimp (under TCP/VIE/3304). Hanoi, Viet Nam, on 25–27 June 2013. FAO
Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 1053. Rome (54 pp.).
417
TAURINE REQUIREMENT OF CALIFORNIA YELLOWTAIL Seriola lalandi
Guillaume Salze*, Kevin Stuart, Dave Jirsa, D. Allen Davis, Mark Drawbridge
School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, AL, USA 36849-5419

gsalze@ auburn.edu
Previous studies have shown that taurine is an essential nutrient which must be supplied by the diet in Seriola species such as S.
quinqueradiata and S. lalandi. Taurine-deficient yellowtail present symptoms such as stunted growth and green liver. However,
the quantitative requirement has only been roughly estimated, and reports vary widely from 0.2-4.5% of the diet. Precise
requirement estimate is necessary to formulate diets tailored to the needs of these economically important species. Hence, this
study was dedicated to the quantitative determination of the taurine requirement in S. lalandi. Diets were formulated to contain
44% protein and 12% lipid using poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, soy protein concentrate and corn protein concentrate
as the primary protein sources. Taurine was added in graded levels at the expense of cellulose to produce 8 diets ranging from
0.12-1.00% dietary taurine. Yellowtail juveniles (initial weight 4.90g) were fed the experimental diets for 60 days. During the
4th week of the trial and on, mortalities occurred in the 0.12% taurine group, especially after weighing. The taurine requirement
was calculated by fitting two models to the observed growth rates (as thermal-unit growth coefficient TGC): results indicate
a requirement at 0.24% and 0.29% by the saturation kinetic and the broken-quadratic models, respectively. Hematocrit levels
were determined at the end of the growth trial, and samples of serum and whole-fish are being analyzed for amino acid profile.
Proximate composition will also be determined, and nutrient deposition calculated. Liver samples were taken for histological
evaluation as well as for amino acid profile and cytochrome c oxidase activity. Results of biochemical analyses and histological
observations will be discussed.
418
NURSERY PRODUCTION OF THE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP, Litopenaeus vannamei, IN A

ZERO-EXCHANGE BIOFLOC-DOMINATED SYSTEM OPERATED WITH a3 INJECTORS
Tzachi M. Samocha*, Leandro F. Castro, David I. Prangnell, Thomas R. Zeigler, Craig L. Browdy,
Tim A. Markey, Darrin Honious, and Bob Advent

t-samocha@tamu.edu
Aeration and mixing of the water column are vital for shrimp production in intensive biofloc systems. Pump-driven a3 injectors
have been suitable for aeration and mixing in intensive biofloc shrimp grow-out systems but their performance in nursery
systems is yet to be adequately tested. The present study monitored the nursery performance of Litopenaeus vannamei in a
zero-exchange biofloc system operated with a3 injectors.
Five to ten-day old L. vannamei postlarvae (0.93±0.56 mg) were stocked at 540 PL/m3 into two 100 m3 raceways (RWs) and
reared for 62-days. Each RW was equipped with fourteen a3 injectors and the YSI 5500 in-line dissolved oxygen monitoring
system with optical probes. Shrimp were fed a combination of EZ-Artemia and dry feed (Zeigler Raceway Plus <400 µm) for
the first 8 days post-stocking and then Zeigler Raceway Plus (<400 µm, 400-600 µm, 600-850 µm) and Zeigler Shrimp PL
40-9 with V-pakTM (1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm) for the remainder of the trial. Feed size and rates were adjusted according to
shrimp growth and size variation. Feed was supplied continuously by belt feeders. No water exchange was conducted, except
the addition of freshwater to compensate for evaporation. Solids concentrations were controlled with a foam fractionator and
settling tank. A commercial nitrifying bacteria (KI-Nitrifier™) and sugar were used to stimulate nitrification. A commercial
probiotic, ECOPRO (EcoMicrobialsTM), was added every three-days to daily. Culture medium Vibrio concentrations were
monitored twice-weekly on TCBS plates.
At the conclusion of the 62-d trial, survival was high, and FCR was low. The a3 injectors operated with one 2 HP pump were
able to maintain adequate mixing and dissolved oxygen (>4.5 mg/L) in the RWs throughout the trial and did not visibly
damage the shrimp or reduce survival. Water quality variables were all within the range suitable for L. vannamei culture.
Mean temperature, salinity, DO and pH were 26.6oC, 30.4 ppt, 6.67 mg/L and 8.1, respectively. Mean ammonia and nitrite
were 0.76-0.80 mg/L, and 1.60-2.27, respectively. TSS remained below 511 mg/L for the duration of the trial. Green-colony
forming Vibrio concentrations remained below 50 CFU/mL and less than 2% of the yellow-forming colony concentrations
throughout the trial. These results demonstrate that a3 injectors are suitable for the nursery culture of L. vannamei from the
smallest stocking sizes to a yield > 3.3 kg/m3 in a zero-exchange biofloc-dominated system, without the need for air blowers
or supplemental oxygen.
419
HIGH DENSITY PRODUCTION OF THE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP, Litopenaeus vannamei, IN

ZERO-EXCHANGE, BIOFLOC-DOMINATED GROW-OUT SYSTEM: THE CHALLENGE OF
Vibrio
Tzachi M. Samocha*, Leandro F. Castro, David I. Prangnell, Thomas R. Zeigler, Craig L. Browdy,
Tim A. Markey, Darrin Honious, and Bob Advent

t-samocha@tamu.edu
Vibrio infections are a common problem in intensive shrimp culture, including biofloc-dominated systems. The outcome of one
such infection is described here. A 38-day grow-out trial was conducted in two 100 m3 greenhouse-enclosed raceways (RWs),
each equipped with a YSI 5500 in-line dissolved oxygen monitoring system. L. vannamei juveniles (6.45 g) were stocked at
458/m3 and fed a 40% protein commercial feed, supplied continuously using belt feeders. Culture water and biofloc used for
a prior nursery trial was re-used for the grow-out study. Water circulation, mixing and aeration was maintained solely with
a3 injectors and two 2 HP pumps. No water exchange was conducted, except the addition of freshwater to compensate for
evaporation. A commercial probiotic, ECOPRO (EcoMicrobials™) was added every second day to daily. Solids concentrations
were controlled with a foam fractionator and settling tank. Culture medium Vibrio concentrations were monitored twice-weekly
using TCBS agar plates.
At the conclusion of the trial survival was 71.6-79.50% and final weight was 18.37-19.01 g. Shrimp grew at an average of 2.2-
2.3 g/wk in spite of the Vibrio infection, although FCR was relatively poor (1.61-2.07) (Table 1). All water quality parameters
were within the range suitable for L. vannamei culture. Mortalities were observed daily in both RWs with increasing numbers
towards the conclusion of the trial. Green-colony forming Vibrio concentrations started increasing in both RWs from day 4 after
stocking, quickly reaching 14,300 CFU/mL. The total Vibrio concentration increased as the trial progressed, particularly in the
final week, up to 27,750 CFU/mL (Table 2). The commercial probiotic may have suppressed Vibrio concentrations but did not
prevent mortalities entirely. This study demonstrates the detrimental effect of Vibrio infections on L. vannamei production in
intensive biofloc systems and the need for further studies into controlling Vibrio in these systems.
420
RECENT ADVANCES IN REPRODUCTION OF Centropomus Undecimalis IN UNAM , SISAL

YUCATAN
Adolfo Sanchez Zamora*, Gabriela Gaxiola Cortes and Jaime Suarez Bautista
Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación

UNAM; Sisal Yucatán.
Puerto de Abrigo s/n Sisal Yucatan Mexico
*asz@ciencias.unam.mx
Common snook Centropomus undecimalis is a species with high potential for aquaculture in America. Due to its euryhaline
capability this species can occupy both freshwater and marine environments, although they must spawn in saltwater, as sperm
can only be come active in saline conditions.
At present in the National University of México facilities at Sisal Yucatán, México laboratory we have two snook broodstocks:
a group of wild fish with more than 7 years in captivity and another of F1 generation. The broodstocks of the two groups mature
sexually only from July to September in laboratory conditions, although the males can have mature sperms from May. In the
wild, more than 80 per cent of mature females reach vitellogenesis (Oocytes more than 350 microns in diameter) and almost
80% of males have active sperm. With wild animals we have made essays changing photoperiod and salinity to stimulate
gonadal maturation; also we are testing the injection of Oxytocin to stimulate spawn.
Animals coming from F1 group have approximately 6 years old and 3 to 5 kg body weight that spawn during the months of
July to September when males have active and mature sperm and females have vitelogenic oocytes ( more than 350 microns
diameter). In males of F1 group we observed that, those animals, change of sex in less than a month, from males with mature
sperm to vitelogenic females with oocytes more than 350 microns in diameter; that females were induced to final maturation
with Ovaplant® pellets and eggs were obtained by stripping and fertilized with sperm from wild males. With this method we
obtained viable larvae that were used for other experiments. At the date we are trying to achieve the natural fertilization and
spawning with broodstock of both groups.
Acknowledgmen.
The authors thank to Dra Claudia Durrutti for the maintenance of part of broodstocks
421
LEARNING-BY-DOING OR TECHNOLOGICAL LEAPFROGGING: PRODUCTION

FRONTIERS AND EFFICIENCY MEASUREMENT IN NORWEGIAN SALMON
AQUACULTURE
Hilde Ness Sandvold*, Frank Asche and Ragnar Tveterås
University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholmsgate 41, N-4021 Stavanger, Norway

Email: hilde.sandvold@uis.no
The Norwegian salmon industry has been a great success in terms of production growth. Production has increased significantly
the last decades, and the production costs have been reduced at the same. Earlier research shows that almost two thirds of the
reduction in production costs can be attributed to better and cheaper inputs. The input factor that has the greatest cost-related
impact on the salmon production after feed is smolt. The supply of fry and smolt is therefore a critical element for further
growth in Norwegian salmon farming.
Sandvold and Tveterås (2014) show that a substantial technological progress has taken place in juvenile production during the
period 1988-2010. This progress has to a large extent followed the development of the costs.
However, firms adopt technologies at different times. Two hypothesis that explains productivity growth and technology adoption
is technological leapfrogging and learning-by-doing. The first one implies that firms entering innovative industries may be able
to leapfrog incumbent firms by bypassing heavy investments in older technologies, and taking advantage of best-practice
technology that was previously unavailable. The latter one explains different productivity level by the learning-by-doing theory,
where incumbent firms benefit from more experience.
In this paper, we investigate the productivity growth in Norwegian hatcheries, with a particular focus of the age of the firm. We
analyses the existence of learning-by-doing and technological leapfrogging effects in the production of juvenile salmonides
at the firm level using an econometric productivity analysis. We estimate a stochastic cost frontier model on panel data from
1988-2012 collected by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries.
Preliminary results indicate that that technological leapfrogging is present in the smolt production. This is important as it
indicates that new technology is more important than experience and location choice. It also illustrate the importance of new
technologies, and particular recirculation systems, which is the most important new technology.
422
TROPONIN GENE POLYMORPHISMS IN A CHALLENGED LINEAGE FOR SURVIVAL AND

FAST GROWTH OF Litopenaeus vannamei SHRIMP
Camilla A. Santos*, Ana Carolina B. Guerrelhas, Ana Karina G. Teixeira, João L. Rocha,
Flávio A. G. Farias and Patrícia D. Freitas
Genetic and Evolution Department

Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
camilla.alves@yahoo.com.br
Candidate gene is a powerful approach to investigate the relationship between gene and fitness traits. Genetic markers, such
as microsatellites have been characterized in Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp by analyses of an EST (Expressed Sequence Tags)
dataset from ShEST Genome Project (http://www.shrimp.ufscar.br). Through manual genomic annotation the gene products
were elucidated based on alignments against nucleotide and protein databases (DBs). Trinucleotide SSR (Simple Sequence
Repeats) were observed in coding regions for troponin. This protein is responsible for muscular maintenance and contraction
and may be linked to fitness traits, such as swimming for feeding and mating and also growth. In this work we investigate the
existence of polymorphisms in a SSR region located in the main coding chain of troponin gene in L. vannamei captive lineages
that may be potentially related to growth. For this purpose, two SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) lineages were analyzed. The SPF
shrimp were challenged for survival and fast growth rates and developed by the Genetic Improvement Company Genearch,
located in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. The animals were sampled from two high performance lineages: Family 1 (F1,
N=82) and Family 3 (F3, N=80), with N= number of animals. The animals were separated in two growth categories within
each family: lower weight (38 animal for F1 and 39 for F3) higher weight (42 animal for F1 and 41 for F3) animals. The
respective sex data were determined. The troponin gene was validated evidencing alleles of 255, 258 and 261 bp. The mentioned
SSR locus is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for both families. In preliminary analyses about 94% of the animals presented
homozygosity for the 261 allele. The possible association between the allele 261 bp and the weight gain will be verified soon
in a no challenged and no SPF population. In both families the rarer alleles were observed mostly in male individuals showing
weight far from F1 (14.5 g) and F3 (15.1 g) average. When considering the weight mean within each family, the lower weight
animals showed mean of 11.8 g and 10.5 g for F1 and F3 family, respectively. The lower weight value found for F1 animals
with rare alleles was of 10.5 g and for F3 from ranging from 8.3 g to 12.9 g. About the higher weight, the mean for F1 and F3
are 17.3 g and 18.4 g, respectively. The animals with the rare polymorphisms show weight ranging from 16.5g a 17.4 g for F1
and of 18.3 g to F3. Higher weight values are close to the average possibly indicating these rare alleles relation to growth traits.
As a future step will be verified a possible association between the polymorphisms found here and in other potential loci with
the performance traits in L. vannamei for QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) identification.
Financial support: FAPESP, CNPq.

423
EFFECT OF ALGAL DIET ON EGG PRODUCTION AND HATCHING SUCCESS OF THE

COPEPOD Acartia tonsa IN A LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION SYSTEM
Brie L. Sarkisian-Dieterich*, Adam Daw, Ellen Flaherty, Reginald Blaylock, and Eric A. Saillant

Brie.sarkisian@usm.edu
Because of their small size and high nutritional value, copepod nauplii have a high potential as an initial food for the culture
of marine finfish species with small larvae. However, the technology for large-scale culture of copepods, as needed to support
aquaculture production, is not yet available. To address this issue, efforts are underway at the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture
Center to develop an intensive method for the production of the copepod Acartia tonsa. The efficiency of the process is
determined primarily by the fecundity, hatching success, and growth rate of cultured stocks, and the quality of the diet has
been shown to have a major influence on these life-history parameters. In this study, the potential of four algal diets for the
feeding of A. tonsa was evaluated. Acartia tonsa cultures were grown in 900-L tanks from eggs and fed a diet of T-Isochrysis
lutea at 25,000 – 200,000 cells/mL. Two days prior to reaching the adult stage, copepods were transferred into four 1,800-
L recirculating tanks at a density of 0.5 individuals/mL. Each tank was fed one of four different combinations of three algal
species: 100% T. lutea; 25% Chaetoceros mulleri, 75% T. lutea; 25% Rhodomonas lens, 75% T. lutea; and 25% C. mulleri,
25% R. lens, 50% T. lutea. The tested diets were fed daily at the same rate (total density of 200,000 algal cells/mL) for
each treatment. Copepod eggs were harvested daily from egg collectors over a ten day production period to characterize egg
production over time. The trial was repeated three times.
To evaluate the potential of small-scale systems to represent production in a large-scale system, copepods were collected
from the system described above and allocated, at random, to 500-mL rearing units (culture cups) at an initial density of
0.5 individuals/mL two days before reaching the reproductive adult stage. Culture cups were fed one of the four algal diet
treatments described above (4 replicate cups per treatment). Each day, copepods were transferred to a new cup fed with fresh
algae at 200,000 cells/mL and the eggs were collected. Samples of eggs from both small (190 eggs) and large-scale (190,000
eggs) systems were taken at the beginning, middle, and end of the production period and incubated for 24 h at a density of 15
eggs/mL for a hatch assessment.
Preliminary results of the large-scale system revealed that egg production was highest in the 25% R. lens, 75% T. lutea treatment
at an average of 5,164,657 ± 2,724,310 SD eggs/ production tank. The overall percent hatch of eggs collected from the different
treatments was higher in the large-scale system (61.5% ± 20.9 SD and 46.6% ± 11.9 SD for large and small-scale systems,
respectively). The ranking of the four algal diet treatments was preserved in the two types of systems with the greatest hatch
rate for 100% T. lutea followed by 25% C. mulleri, 75% T. lutea; 25% R. lens, 75% T. lutea; and 25% C. mulleri. 25% R.
lens, 50% T. lutea. Copepod nauplii production, calculated as the product of egg production and hatch rate, was highest when
a combination of 25% R. lens and 75% T. lutea was used.
424
INTEGRATED MULTI-TROPHIC AQUACULTURE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANCIENT

HAWAIIAN FISHPONDS
Vernon T. Sato* and Cheng-Sheng Lee
*Phytoplankton Technologies
133 Alala Road
Kailua, HI 96734
vtsato@aol.com
Fishponds and Hawaiian aquaculture originated nearly 1000 years ago when Pacific islanders discovered and settled the islands.
The ponds evolved from traditional fish traps built on reef flats that were traditionally used to capture fish in Southeast Asia
and in many South Pacific islands. At the time of first contact with western civilization in 1778 it has been estimated that there
were about 350 ponds in operation throughout the Hawaiian Islands. In 1997 it was determined that 15 ponds had the potential
for restoration. At the present time there are only six ponds that are being operated for aquaculture.
The management style practiced by ancient Hawaiians has been described as a form of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture
(IMTA). The primary target species were herbivorous fish: Striped mullet (‘ama’ama, Mugil cephalus) and milkfish (awa,
Chanos chanos). Secondary species were carnivores such as the bonefish (‘oi’o, Albula glossodonta), the Pacific threadfin
(moi, Polydactylus sexfilis), crabs and shrimp as well as seaweed. Large predators such as carangids and barracudas were
removed. Water flowed in and out with the tides and the ponds would also receive freshwater when they were located near a
stream. The pond ecosystem included any organism present along the shoreline that could survive in the enclosed pond.
In the strictest sense IMTA is a modern application of traditional polyculture or co-culture of aquatic organisms at different
trophic levels to intensify the production of the targeted species. This presentation will describe traditional pond management
to manage the different trophic species in pre-contact Hawaii. A number of modifications occurred post-contact with the influx
of western, Chinese and Japanese and their perspectives on fish culture. Modern fishpond culture in restored ancient ponds
continues to target species at different trophic levels but has to take into account the non-native species that have become
established in the nearshore ecosystem. The desire is often to continue culturing the traditional species to perpetuate aspects of
the Hawaiian culture. Other species are being cultured as a part of the modern business model to sustain the ponds.
The case study for this presentation is based on the experiences of George Uyemura who lived at Moli’i Pond on Oahu for
seventy years. He began managing the pond for traditional species but had to incorporate major modifications to deal with
invasives. After his retirement in 1998 the next generation of management has made a number of changes, the most recent
being the production of oysters in Moli’i Pond.
425
EVALUATION OF HEAVY METALS LEVELS IN RED SWAMP CRAYFISH (Procambarus clarkii)

MUSCLES AND CARAPACES OF CANDIA LAKE (TURIN PROVINCE, PIEDMONT, ITALY)
Gabriella Monaco, Paola Brizio, Erika Burioli, Tommaso Scanzio*, Anna Riva, Stefania Squadrone,
Renata Tarasco, Alessandra Pucci, Gabriele Bovo, Marino Prearo, Maria Cesarina Abete
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS PLV) Via Bologna 148, 10154 Torino, Italy contaminanti.
ambientali@izsto.it
The Lake of Candia is a naturalistic area of North of Italy. In this lake is possible to find the red swamp crayfish that was
imported from the North of America for food and fishing. This species is significantly altering the natural balance of the lake
ecosystem, in effect, it is a carrier of a deadly disease to native species of crayfish. Aim of this study is to investigate levels
of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), selenium (Se) and tin (Sn) in Louisiana’s crayfishes
muscles and carapaces of Lake of Candia. Given the large quantity of these crayfishes it was thought to use for this study as
environmental indicators.
Sixteen samples were analysed: eight were muscles and as many carapaces. All samples were homogenized in pool. In relation
to the analysis of Hg, they were weighed into nickel tube and analysed by DMA-80 (Direct Mercury Analyser) at the wavelength
of 253.7 nm. Regarding the analysis of the other metals, samples were mineralized by mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen
peroxide in microwave oven. The determination was carried out by inductively coupled plasma interfaced to mass spectrometry
(ICP-MS). For the quantification of As, Cr and Se is used a collision/reaction cell (KED) to remove polyatomic ions interfering
with analytes.
High levels of toxic heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb And Hg) in food may induce both acute and chronic poisoning in humans. In
this study amount of heavy metals in the muscle samples are below the limits (Cd=0.50 mg/kg; Pb=0.50 mg/kg; Hg=0.50 mg/
kg) imposed by European law (Reg. CE n°1881/2006 and s.m.i.). Mean value of Cd and Hg are under quantification limit of
method (LOQ), mean data of Pb is 0.16 mg/Kg, much less than the legal limit (Table 1). For the other metals there is no legal
threshold, however Cr is detected in higher concentrations (0.42 mg/Kg). Concerning carapaces it has noticed an increase of
concentration of heavy metals, especially Cr and Pb (Table 2). In this case there is no limits of law. In conclusion, this study
may show the opportunity to use red swamp crayfishes as environmental indicators in the monitoring of chemical contaminants.
426
SURVEILLANCE OF PHOTOBACTERIUM DAMSELAE IN WILD AND FARMED FISHES IN

NORTH WEST ITALY
Tommaso Scanzio*, Irene Rossini, Roberta Battistini, Elisabetta Purini, Marino Prearo*, Carlo Ercolini,
Laura Serracca
* Fish Diseases Laboratory

State Veterinary Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta
Via Bologna, 148 – 10154 Turin – Italy
ittiopatologia@izsto.it
Among the diseases of bacterial etiology able to affect fishes, Photobacteriosis (formerly Pasteurellosis) supported by
Photobacterium damselae is a serious case. This disease was first observed in 1953 in USA in populations of wild striped bass
(Morone saxatilis) and white perch (Morone americana). In 1969, the pathogen became a serious problem in Japan, causing
great economic losses in cultured yellowtail jack (Seriola lalandi). In 1990, Pasteurella piscicida, for the first time, became a
threat to the southern European fish farm industry. In several countries of the Mediterranean area, the pathogen was responsible
for severe outbreaks of Pasteurellosis in cultured populations of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea
bream (Sparus aurata). In the summer of the same year, a severe epizootic occurred in a fish population of mullets of the
Magra river, in the northwest of Italy. In the following years there were only minor sporadic outbreaks until 2006 and 2007,
years when the disease returned again with fatal effects. In the present work we evaluated the presence of Photobacterium
damselae subsp. piscicida and Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae, in mullets and in farmed sea bass, sampled in areas
where outbreaks occurred in the past. To this aim, in the period 2008/2014, 522 mullets (Mugil cephalus, Liza aurata, Liza
saliens, Liza ramada e Chelon labrosus) and 42 sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were respectively sampled from Magra river
and from a fish farm. The samplings were carried out in the hottest period of the year; this choice was based on the biological
characteristics of the bacterium for which a greater incidence of Photobacteriosis can be assumed when the water temperature
is greater than 15°C. Each fish was necropsied under aseptic conditions and examined for lesions; DNA was extracted from
spleen and a multiplex PCR was performed, followed by a bacterial culture from the same organ. During 2008 64% (99/154) of
the fishes tested positive for Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Pdp) and 40% (62/154) for Photobacterium damselae
subsp. damselae (Pdd). In 2009 48% (60/124) of the fishes resulted positive for Pdp and 32% (40/124) for Pdd. In 2010 Pdp was
detected in 3% (3/106) of the specimens and Pdd in 5% (5/106). In 2011, Pdd and Pdp were detected in 1% (1/107) of the fishes
analyzed. In 2014, mullets were negative, while 2 different sea basses were found positive for Pdp and Pdd. The data obtained
show that the two subspecies of Photobacterium are constantly present in the sampled populations and show a decreasing
trend of the monitoring years. Despite this no epidemic occurred in this period as happened in 2006. This could be due to the
absence in the period investigated of the co-factors necessary for the development of the disease. The presence of the pathogen
in farmed species such as sea bass, suggests its possible role as reservoir and represents a potential risk for the development of
the pathology transmitted through the contact between farmed and wild fishes. The intensively situation of farming can lead
to stress conditions that may contribute to the rise of the necessary factors for the development of the disease with disastrous
consequences for the fishing industry in case of an outbreak.
427
DETOXIFYING MARKER ASSESSMENT OF ORGANOTIN COMPOUNDS IN RAINBOW

TROUT LIVER
Doerr Ambrosius Josef Martin, Tommaso Scanzio*, Scoparo Melissa, Pacini Nicole, Coffano Lorena,
Magara Gabriele, Righetti Marzia, Caldaroni Barbara, Elia Antonia Concetta, Abete Maria Cesarina,
Prearo Marino

Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy
Organotin compounds are chemicals used in anti-fouling paints on boat hulls and nets. These chemicals are highly toxic for
sea life (larvae, mussels, oysters and fish) and many of them, such as TBT, have been banned in several European countries.
However, OTs are still present in the environment posing a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems.
In this study Oncorhynchus mykiss was treated with tributyltin chloride ([CH3(CH2)3]3SnCl, TBTC; 0.5 mg/kg) and
tributyltinethoxide (C24H54OSn2, TBTE; 0.5 mg/kg), and key detoxifying enzymes were measured after a short term treatment.
Specimens received a single intraperitoneal injection of each compound and one group was used as control. After a 3, 6 and
9 days post injection period six specimens of control (C) and six of each treated group were processed. Fish were euthanized
with an overdose of tricainemethanesulfonate (MS 222) (250 mg/L). Liver was collected from each specimen for biochemical
analysis of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase.
Homogeneity of variance was checked by Levene test. To highlight the statistically significant differences among treated and
control specimens one-way ANOVA and the Tukey’s Multiple Comparison Test were performed. Statistical significance was
checked at p<0.05.
Overall, both TBT compounds induced evident changes in levels of nearly all biochemical indicators in trout liver (Fig. 1).
Treatment with TBTC caused an early increase of mainly CAT (75 %), SeGPx (90%), GR (70%) and GST (50%) activities.
The latter enzyme showed a lowering of 40% of its activity 9 days after injection. Conversely, TBTE caused decreases of SOD
(45%) and CAT (35%) activities after 6 days, and an early increasing activity of GR (80%) after 3 days. The differences in
biomarker profiles between those two compounds suggest that the mechanisms of oxidative stress caused by TBTE are diverse
to TBTC ones. Changes of detoxifying enzyme activities indicated that the first defense line in cells can be at risk after TBT-
mediated exposure. The impaired antioxidant response in aquatic organisms are making them vulnerable to diseases, and may
consequently lead to a negative impact on fish production.
428
ITALIAN SEAWATERS AS A SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR PACIFIC OYSTER Crassostrea

gigas PRE-FATTENING
Erika A.V. Burioli, Tommaso Scanzio*, Marzia Righetti, Claudio Foglini, Laura Serracca, Marino Prearo

Via Bologna, 148 – 10154 Turin – Italy
European oyster industry is severely afflicted by the abnormal and massive mortality events reported from 2008 in cultured
Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas from the principal producing countries, France particularly. In most cases these outbreaks
were related to the presence of Ostreid HerpesVirus-1 microvariant (OsHV-1 μvar) and/or Vibrio aestuarianus. In 2012, 160
individuals of Crassostrea gigas from Mediterranean natural beds were analysed and the presence of Ostreid HerpesVirus-1
microvariant (and other two new variants) was evidenced in every sampling point with no evidence of mortality. To improve
the understanding of these events and to evaluate the suitability of Italian Mediterranean waters for Pacific oysters farming, a
total of 25.000 spats (diploids and triploids) with 5 mm lenght was placed in May 2014, in 5 sites (fig. 1), in lanterns with a
2,5 mm net. Two were in Tyrrhenian Sea: Gaeta Gulf and Orbetello Lagoon; three in Adriatic Sea: Caorle (off-shore), Caleri
Lagoon (seawater entrance channel) and in the middle of Varano Lagoon.
Samplings were performed every thirteen days from May to August. The control of mortality, the biometric measurements
(lenght, weight, shape, rate of oysters pasted together), the presence of epibionts/parasites and the state of the lantern net
cleanliness were carried out by the State Veterinary Institute of Turin. The results showed the almost absence of mortality
(<10%) in all sites, with the exception of Caleri Lagoon (40% of mortality), despite the presence of OsHV-1, with low viral
load, in 20% of samples analysed to this day. The mortality event in Caleri was correlatable with the complete obstruction of
net by mud but where the growth rate during the monitoring period was highest (11,8) together with Varano Laguna (8,4).
The growth rate for triploids was about 14% higher than for diploids. However the shell arose very brittle. The settlement of
Serpulidae began on July with a variable intensity related to the farming area. The prevalence and intensity of infestation by
boring polychaetes, genus Polydora, depends on oyster lenght and farming site and could represent a problem in Caleri Lagoon.
Overall, the best results were reached in Caorle, in off-shore (growth rate 7,20), where the high trophic levels characteristic of
Northern Adriatic Sea compared to Tyrrhenian Sea, the intense water flow in lanterns and the good effect of the wave motion
on the hardening and shape of shell, guarantee the attainment of a good product at the end of pre-fattening process.
429
OPTIMIZING Isochrysis sp. (CLONE C-ISO) CULTURE FOR A LAND-BASED INTEGRATED

MULTI-TROPHIC AQUACULTURE SYSTEM
John Scarpa*, Paul S. Wills, Christopher Robinson, and Madelyn E. Russell
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

at Florida Atlantic University, and
Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi
Department of Life Sciences
6300 Ocean Drive (Unit 5800)
John.Scarpa@tamucc.edu
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University has been for more than three years operating a prototype
Land-Based Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (LB-IMTA) system, which uses recirculating water system design concepts.
The LB-IMTA system has been operated with a diversity of “crops” including Pompano, shrimp, echinoderms, bivalves,
and macroalgae. The bivalve (i.e., oyster) component is to remove
the fine particulate load (<40 µm) and convert it to biomass. It
was found that LB-IMTA derived fine particulates did not support
growth of oysters, but providing a supplement of microalgae
stimulated growth. Therefore, determining a method for culturing
microalgae as part of the LB-IMTA system is required.
Preliminary trials growing Isochrysis sp. (clone C-ISO) using LB-

IMTA derived water had success, but the cultures did not develop
cell densities comparable to standard methods. Therefore, further
investigations are needed to determine what factors are missing in
LB-IMTA water to increase cell densities. A completely randomized
design with five reps/trt in beakers was used to examine water
source (LB-IMTA, well saltwater) and nutrient treatment (no added
nutrients, complete f/2 media, trace metals only, vitamins only, and
N+P only).
No nutrient treatment increased C-ISO cell density above that of

LB-IMTA water alone (Fig. A), however N+P in well saltwater
increased cell density above LB-IMTA water alone (Fig. B). C-ISO
cell density in LB-IMTA water was greater than well saltwater (Fig.
A), indicating the LB-IMTA water is nutrient enriched, but has a
nutrient deficiency or antagonistic factor. Interestingly, peak cell
density for LB-IMTA water alone occurred one day earlier than
in other treatments. This research was supported by the HBOI
Aquaculture Specialty License Plate program.
430
VITELLOGENESIS IN WHITE PERCH (Morone americana): MULTIPLE VITELLOGENINS

AND THEIR RECEPTORS
Justin Schilling, Naoshi Hiramatsu, Harry V. Daniels, Benjamin J. Reading
North Carolina State University

Department of Applied Ecology
Raleigh, NC 27695-7617
jdschill@ncsu.edu
Higher-order teleosts (Acanthomorpha) express three distinct forms of vitellogenin (VtgAa, VtgAb, and VtgC). These egg
yolk precursors (Vtgs) are produced by the liver in response to estrogen and released into the circulatory system where they
are taken up specifically by growing oocytes via endocytosis. Three forms of Vtg receptor (Vtgr) have been reported in ligand
blots of white perch (Morone americana) ovary; one of these Vtgrs specifically binds VtgAa and two of them bind VtgAb. We
used Western blotting to confirm the identities of a 266 kDa Vtgr as the recently described Lrp13 and a smaller pair of proteins
(117 and 119 kDa) as the LR8 Vtgr. The monomer Lrp13 Vtgr migrates as a 122.5 kDa protein, however this Vtgr appears to
primarily migrate as a 266 kDa homodimer under non-reducing, partially-denaturing electrophoresis.
Quantitative tandem mass spectrometry of white perch VtgAa, VtgAb, and VtgC in liver, plasma, and ovary across the annual
reproductive cycle shows that VtgAb is the predominant Vtg in these tissues during vitellogenesis. The percentage of VtgAa,
VtgAb, and VtgC in the total yolk accumulated in the late vitellogenic (LVG) white perch ovary as measured by quantitative
mass spectrometry is 12%, 86%, and 2%, respectively. We previously reported that this percentage breakdown in the post-
vitellogenic (PostVG) white perch ovary is 31%, 65%, and 4%. In the closely related striped bass, the percentage is 40%, 40%,
and 20% in the LVG ovary, and 37%, 37%, and 26% in the PostVG ovary.
Although the VtgAa and VtgAb bind membrane lipoprotein receptors in the ovary of white perch, the VtgC does not specifically
bind any known lipoprotein receptors in ovary membranes by ligand blotting or affinity purification. We report that VtgC
localizes exclusively to lipid inclusions, whereas VtgAb localizes to the ooplasm and yolk globules within growing white
perch oocytes as detected by immmunohistochemistry. Additionally, immmunohistochemistry and quantitative tandem mass
spectrometry show that VtgC is present in pre-vitellogenic growth white perch oocytes and ovary, respectively, whereas VtgAa
and VtgAb are not.
These data collectively show that 1) the VtgAa predominantly enters the oocytes from LVG to PostVG in the white perch, 2)
the percentage of VtgC accumulated in the oocytes of striped bass and white perch varies considerably, and 3) unlike VtgAa and
VtgAb, the VtgC does not bind a membrane lipoprotein receptor, begins to accumulate in the ovary during previtellogenesis,
and is stored in the lipid inclusions as opposed to the yolk globules.
Disparate accumulation and processing of multiple Vtgs by the oocyte is relevant to egg quality, since these yolk components
not only provide nutrition to embryos and larvae at specific developmental stages, but contribute to oocyte hydration and egg
buoyancy as well. Differences in yolk accumulation mediated by the LR8 and Lrp13 Vtgrs of even closely related fish species
may relate to diverse early life histories and reproductive strategies.
431
Vibrio COMMUNITY DIVERSITY AND STRUCTURE IN HEALTHY FISH HOSTS
Victor Schmidt1,2, Katherine Smith2, Linda Amaral-Zettler1,3
1
Marine Biological Laboratory, Josephine Bay Paul Center, Woods Hole, MA.
2
Brown University, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Providence, RI.
3
Brown University, Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Providence, RI.
Vibriosis is among the most damaging bacterial diseases in aquaculture and the ornamental fish trade, representing substantial
losses for both small and large-scale operations. The causative agents of the disease are species within the genus Vibrio,
a metabolically diverse group of bacteria that include opportunistic pathogens, symbionts in marine hosts, and free-living
bacterioplankton. Vibrios are known to form cooperative communities, rapidly exchanging mobile genetic elements between
distinct species that promote antibiotic resistance, pathogenicity, or virulence. Understanding the community ecology of Vibrio
may therefore be an important step towards prevention and treatment of Vibriosis in aquaculture.
The structure of free-living Vibrio communities is known to strongly correlate with salinity, temperature and other environmental
variables, and additions of low concentrations of salt has been used to control Vibriosis in freshwater ornamental fish. However,
large gaps in knowledge exist in regards to Vibrio within host-associated microbiomes, including their overall diversity, their
specificity across hosts, and their stability within a single host. The aim of the current study was to explore the dynamics
of Vibrio community structure within the microbiome of a euryhaline fish (Poecilia sphenops) acclimated to a range of
environmental salinities, and to explore similarities between these communities and those found in other host associated and
free living habitats.
To do this, we characterized the total Vibrio community within the microbiome of P. sphenops acclimated to 0.1ppt, 5 ppt,
18 ppt and 30 ppt across multiple aquaria. We sequenced the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of Vibrio in the fish and their
surrounding water, and used a novel bioinformatics technique known as oligotyping to characterize sequences to sub-genus
levels. We then queried public DNA sequence databases of previously sequenced Vibrio communities to compare those found
in P. sphenops to those found in a range of other marine hosts and aquatic habitats.
Our results show high stability of Vibrio communities between replicate fish held at the same salinity, yet a nearly complete
turnover of Vibrio taxa after acclimation of the fish to higher salinities. We show that Vibrio communities in fish acclimated
to marine water are remarkably similar to those found in geographically isolated marine sponges. Furthermore, individual
taxa identified in our experiment have also been isolated from a variety of other marine species including sea cucumbers,
crabs, sea urchins and jellyfish. Together, our data suggest Vibrio is largely composed of generalist, long distance dispersing,
r-strategist species, likely adapted to rapid growth in a range of host species. We suggest these findings contribute to an overall
understanding of a commercially important genus, and lay the foundation for applied research in the prevention and treatment
of Vibriosis.
432
EVALUATION OFTEMPERATURE ON BIOMASS, GEOSMIN,AND 2-METHYL-ISOBORNEOL

PRODUCTION BY Nocardia SPP. AND Streptomyces SPP. ISOLATED FROM RECIRCULATING
AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS
Kevin K. Schrader*, Marcuslene D. Harries, Phaedra N. Page
USDA, ARS, Natural Products Utilization Research Unit

Thad Cochran Research Center
University, MS 38677
kevin.schrader@ars.usda.gov
Preharvest “off-flavor” problems continue to hamper the growth of certain segments of the United States of America aquaculture
industry including fish produced in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The most common preharvest off-flavors are
due to the bioaccumulation of geosmin (trans-1,10-dimethyl-trans-9-decalol) and 2-methylisoborneol or MIB [(1-R-exo)-
1,2,7,7-tetramethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol] in the fish flesh which causes “earthy” and “musty” taints, respectively, and these
taints result in unpalatable and unmarketable products. Isolates of Nocardia cummidelens, Nocardia fluminea, Streptomyces
albidoflavus, and Streptomyces luridiscabiei from RAS biosolids have previously been attributed as contributors to earthy off-
flavor in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
The effects of different temperatures (10-30oC in increments of 5oC) on biomass, geosmin, and MIB production by these isolates
grown in shaken (200 rpm) flasks (in triplicate) containing 250 mL sterile yeast dextrose broth per flask were determined
over a 7-day incubation period by measuring culture dry weight and solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), respectively. Cultures of N. cummidelens, N. fluminea, and S. albidoflavus had greatest biomass
production (4.57, 6.02, and 6.49 mg/mL, respectively) at 25oC at 7 days incubation while S. luridiscabiei had greatest biomass
(8.32 mg/mL) at 20oC at 7 days incubation. Compared to other isolates, S. luridiscabiei had significantly higher biomass
(8.17 mg/mL) at 15oC (the water temperature in the RAS) at 7 days incubation. All isolates produced either ≤ 0.28 mg/mL
or no detectable biomass at 10oC. S. albidoflavus and S. luridiscabiei produced substantially higher levels of geosmin at 20,
25, and 30oC compared to the Nocardia isolates while S. luridiscabiei produced substantially higher geosmin (70.0 µg/L)
at 15oC at 7 days incubation compared to the other isolates. Throughout the incubation, all isolates produced MIB at 15oC
while S. luridiscabiei produced substantially higher MIB (97.1 µg/L) at 15oC compared to the other isolates. Therefore, all
isolates appear to be potential contributors to MIB in the RAS maintained at 15oC while S. luridiscabiei appears to be the main
contributor of geosmin and MIB presence. Physiology studies to determine the impact of certain environmental (e.g., pH) and
nutritional factors (e.g., levels of ammonia-N) on geosmin and MIB production by S. luridiscabiei may provide guidance on
instituting management practices to reduce the levels of geosmin and MIB within the RAS.
433
PERFORMANCE OF JUVENILE YELLOW PERCH Perca flavescens FED DIETS CONTAINING

UPGRADED DRIED DISTILLERS GRAINS
Dustin A. Schulz*, Timothy J. Bruce, Scott C. Sindelar, Michael S. Grey, Michael L. Brown
Natural Resource Management

Brookings, SD 57007
dustin.schulz@sdstate.edu
Production aquaculture relies heavily on marine-derived fish meal (FM) as a primary feed ingredient. Industry growth, high
demand and increasing cost of finite FM supplies create urgency to find alternative protein sources. Plant products that provide
sufficient nutrient composition, minimal anti-nutritional factors, and produce comparable fish performance offer a viable
alternative. With additional processing, current grain ethanol product streams may increase the utility of these co-products as
feed ingredients.
This feeding trial investigated corn-based diets, including high performance dried distillers grains (HP-DDGS) against fish
meal (FM) and DDG controls. Fermentation is a practice utilized to increase protein yield and digestibility. There are many
methods for fermentation and the resulting product varies between methods. This experiment explored the effect of different
fermentation techniques on fish growth, digestibility, and consumption.
Diets were formulated in accordance with known nutrient requirements for yellow perch. Mineral and vitamin premixes were
used to ensure that micro-nutrient requirements were met or exceeded. Pellets for feeding trials were produced using a lab-
scale single screw extruder. Replications of four experimental units per treatment (20 fish/110 L tank) were used in the 112-
day feeding trial. The trial was performed in a 3,370 L recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) consisting of 30, 110 L tanks
equipped to ensure optimal water quality over the duration of the trial, which was monitored daily. Experimental diets were
delivered according to fish size and split into two daily feedings.
Growth and health indices were assessed at end of trial. Fish fed the FM control showed the highest relative growth (443.5±37.6
g), while solid state fermented DDGS (333.1±52.1 g; P=0.38) and solid state fermented DDG (313.9±40.4 g; P=0.22) produced
statistically similar performance. Specific growth rates followed a similar trend, with FM control outperforming all corn-based
diets. These results show improvement over previous studies using unmodified co-products, but continued research focused on
upgrading co-products is necessary to improve performance.
434
A NOVEL MICROPARTICULATE FEEDER FOR LARVAL AND JUVENILE FISHES
Thomas M. Scott*, Kenneth A. Webb Jr.
Northwest Fisheries Science Center

2725 Montlake Blvd. E.
Seattle, Wa 98112
thomas.m.scott@noaa.gov
Microparticulate diets for larval and small juvenile fish pose specific challenges for aquaculturists. Microparticulate diets, by
definition, have a very high specific surface area, making them vulnerable to the effects of oxidation and hydration. Many of
the diet components are often labile and hygroscopic, which further exasperates the problem. Fine, hygroscopic particles tend
to clump and cake together, and adhere to surfaces with which they come in contact, making rationing and delivery difficult to
achieve by automation.
We have invented a feeder for larval and juvenile fishes, capable of delivering a small (ca. 15mg) precise dose of microparticulate
(ca. 100 µm diameter) feed to selected locations, via pneumatic conveyance and control. When not in use, the feeder is sealed,
and the feed protected from moisture and ambient oxygen.
The feeder employs a central dispensing unit, and several satellite terminal units, one at each feeding station (Figure 1). The
feeder dispenses a discrete volume of feed, determined by a chamber in a rotating shaft. The feed is loaded into the chamber
by gravity from a sealed hopper above the chamber. A small vibrator, attached to the hopper, aids in settling the feed into the
chamber. The chamber is connected to an L-shaped airway radially situated through the shaft. The chamber is by cup seals
(Figure 2).
We anticipate that the most popular use of our feeder will be as a laboratory tool where small batches of fish are reared for
experimental purposes. The feeder could also find use in small production hatcheries, such as exotic fishes for the aquarium
trade.
435
NEW MATERIAL SYSTEM FROM HIGH TENSILE STAINLESS STEEL WIRE FOR OFF-
SHORE FISHFARMING AND ANTI-PREDATOR CAGES WITH ENVIRONMENTALLY
COMPATIBLE ANTIFOULING PROPERTIES
Philipp Seemann*, Matthias Sorg, Urs Dornbierer, Paul Gümpel
Institute for Materials System Technology Thurgau

Konstanzerstasse. 19
CH-8274 Tägerwilen
p.seemann@witg.ch
As a result of increasing needs and shrinking resources, aquaculture is gaining progressively significance in the recent years.
Ecological issues such as negative effects on the ecological system due to the high fish density in the farms, the use of copper
(Cu) as antifouling (AF) strategy etc. are very present, particularly regarding the increasing number of fish going to be produced
in farms in the future. Current trends focus on larger farms operated offshore. To make these farms working safe and economical,
reliability has to be improved and maintenance costs need to be reduced. Also, alternatives with higher mechanical strength
compared to current textile net materials as well as common metal wires might be necessary.
The present work investigates a new net system from high tensile stainless steel wires with environmentally friendly AF-
properties suitable for off-shore applications.
Different kinds of stainless steels were evaluated in terms of manufacturing and corrosion behaviour. A selection of different
net systems (material and AF-strategy) were exposed at 8 sites worldwide, each positioned next to a fish farm, for a period
of 6 to 12 months in order to investigate the individual behaviour compared to existing net systems in the practical use. The
fouling was documented and evaluated in defined sequences using photography and light microscopy. The cleaning capability
of the different net systems was tested using a standardized cleaning process. After the immersion tests, the samples were
evaluated regarding corrosion and AF behaviour. Also, laboratory tests were conducted, such as microbiological investigations
and corrosion tests to investigate the various net systems and AF-strategies.
Finally, a benchmark was executed in order to compare the various properties of the
net systems and the AF-strategies, both regarding technical and economic issues.
The performed tests revealed a much higher mechanical strength of the new high tensile
stainless steel net system compared to current nets. This facilitates much smaller wire
diameters and thus a higher water flow rate, being a crucial factor for fish growing rate
and health. Even if the fouling of the net’s non-toxic AF-strategy is slightly higher
compared to current Cu-based systems, a better cleaning capability was observed. The
predicted lifetime is twice as long compared to current nylon nets and the weight is
only about 10% of cages from metallic copper based alloys.
436
EFFECTS OF DIETARY VITAMIN C LEVELS ON TISSUE ASCORBIC ACID

CONCENTRATIONS, HEMATOLOGY, NON-SPECIFIC IMMUNE RESPONSE AND GONAD
HISTOLOGY IN BROODSTOCK JAPANESE EEL, Anguilla japonica
Erfan Shahkar*, Hyeonho Yun, Dae-Jung Kim, Shin-Kwon Kim, Bae ik Lee and Sungchul C. Bai
Department of Marine Bio-Materials and Aquaculture/Feeds and Foods Nutrition Research Center,
Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Republic of Korea
E-mail: erfanshahkar@yahoo.com
A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid, AA) levels on tissue AA concentration,
hematology, non-specific immune response and gonad histology in male broodstock Japanese eel. A basal commercial diet was
used as a control, and four other diets were prepared by supplementing 200, 400, 800 or 1600 mg AA kg-1 diet in the form of
L-ascorbyl-2-monophosphate (AMP). The analyzed AA concentrations of the diets were 32, 206, 423, 840 and 1686 mg kg-1
diet, respectively. Triplicate groups of fish (initial body weight, 360 g) were fed one of the test diets at a ratio of 2% body weight
for 16 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, AA concentration in liver, kidney, muscle and testes were increased significantly
in a dose dependent manner by increment of dietary AA level (P <0.05). Significantly higher hematocrit value was found in fish
fed 1686 mg AA kg-1 diet compared to 32 and 423 mg AA kg-1 diets. White blood cells count of fish fed 1686 mg AA kg-1 diet
was significantly higher than those of fish fed 32-206 mg AA kg-1 diet. Plasma glucose concentration was increased significantly
with increasing dietary AA levels up to 840 mg AA kg-1 diet, also significant enhancements in aspartate aminotransferase and
alanine aminotransferase values were obtained at 1686 mg AA kg-1 diet. Significantly higher superoxide dismutase activity was
recorded in fish fed 840-1686 mg AA kg-1 diet compared to 32-206 mg AA kg-1 diet. The results of gonad histology showed
an enhanced number of spermatogonia by dietary AA increment. The optimal dietary AA requirement level was estimated at
approximately 410.8 and 911.8 mg AA kg-1 diet by broken-line regression analysis based on liver and testes AA concentration,
respectively.
437
STRESS RESPONSES IN SEA CUCUMBERS EXPOSED TO SALINITY AND HANDLING

STRESS
Regina M. Shannon, Heidi Nissely, Destin Furnas and Ahmed Mustafa
Department of Biology,
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne,
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
mustafaa@ipfw.edu
Marine invertebrates such as sea cucumbers are becoming increasingly important in aquaculture to meet the growing demand
for sustainable protein and as a source of marine based pharmaceuticals. Like other aquatic animals, sea cucumbers raised in
aquaculture facilities experience stress that can potentially have a significant impact on their disease resistance, growth and
development. To study the impact of potentially aquaculture related stressors namely, low salinity and handling, a variety of
physiological and immunological tests were conducted on the hemolymph of the Giant California sea cucumber Parastichopus
californicus. These tests included total and differential cell counts, packed coelomocyte volume, hemal fluid protein, phagocytic
capacity, and lytic activity of immune cells. Based on the results obtained, sea cucumbers kept in handling and salinity stress
conditions showed no significant differences from those kept in control conditions. These results could indicate that the sea
cucumber is a good candidate for aquaculture, as it would seem to not be stressed by lowered salinity or by handling. As sea
cucumbers are increasing in importance for both human consumption and production of pharmaceuticals, this is result could
encourage the increased culturing of this species.
438
A COMPARISON OF STRESS RESPONSES IN SEA URCHINS AND SEA CUCUMUBERS

EXPOSED TO SALINITY AND HANDLING STRESS
Regina M. Shannon, Jesse Rinard, and Ahmed Mustafa
Department of Biology,
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne,
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
mustafaa@ipfw.edu
Any animal that is kept in aquaculture conditions experiences stress, which can potentially have a negative impact on growth,
disease resistance, and production. Sea urchins and sea cucumbers are both increasing in demand as a source of protein and
marine based pharmaceuticals, which has caused a greater interest in culturing these species. While both sea urchins and sea
cucumbers are valuable, it is beneficial to know which is more likely to be less susceptible to certain stressors that might be
encountered in an aquaculture facility. To ascertain which of these species is more capable of resistance, the results from
analysis of the hemal fluid obtained for the sea urchin Stronglocentrotus purpuratus in conditions of low salinity stress and
handling stress were compared to the results obtained from the hemal fluid of the sea cucumber Parastichopus californicus kept
under identical conditions. Based on the results obtained, sea urchins kept in handling and salinity stress conditions showed
significantly increased stress and reduced immune responses than those kept in control conditions. Conversely, sea cucumber
kept in the same stress conditions did not show any significant differences from the controls. These results could indicate that
sea cucumbers are more resistant to exposure to stress than sea urchins, and are therefore likely to be more successful in an
aquaculture environment.
439
LAND APPLICATION OF AQUACULTURE EFFLUENTS TO MEET DUAL OBJECTIVES:

GROW WOODY BIOMASS AND PREVENT SURFACE WATER EUTROPHICATION
Shawn Dayson Shifflett*, Paul Begue, Dennis Hazel, Elizabeth Guthrie Nichols, Harry Daniels
Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources

North Carolina State University
sdshiffl@ncsu.edu
Point source discharges from intensive pond aquaculture are facing increasing scrutiny from water quality regulatory agencies
in North Carolina. One potential method to reduce or eliminate point source discharges is land application to tree stands by
irrigation because trees can transpire large volumes of water and reduce nutrient loading to local surface water. An emerging
benefit of these systems is woody biomass production for growing bioenergy markets that may increase economic returns for
farm managers. In this presentation, we will report results from a three-year preliminary study and the first year results of one-
year old hybrid poplar clones (Populus spp.) that are irrigated with land-applied effluents from hybrid striped bass (Morone
chrysops x M. saxatilis) ponds at Tidewater Research Station in Plymouth, NC. Nitrogen species, orthophosphates, total
suspended solids, and chlorophyll A in pond effluent, groundwater, and subsurface export will be used to evaluate practice
effectiveness during tree establishment on the 0.05-hectare site. Tree survival, height, and basal diameter will be used to
evaluate tree performance and productivity. Collectively, this information will provide new insights on the management of pond
aquaculture effluents for fish farms in North Carolina and the southeastern United States.
440
AQUAPONICS 101 – A PRIMER FOR PRODUCERS
R. Charlie Shultz*
Aquaculture Center of Excellence

Lethbridge College
3000 College Drive South
Lethbridge, AB T1K1L6
CANADA
aquaponics@hotmail.com
Commonly, Aquaponics is considered the marriage between Aquaculture (fish production) and Hydroponics (plant production),
sharing the same Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS). In a balanced aquaponic system, the hydroponic component
effectively replaces the biofilter. In this scenario the plants have been described as “the Biofilter that Makes Money”, and a
symbiotic relationship between fish and plants is maintained in balance. Decoupled aquaponic systems utilize the hydroponic
component seasonally or in a separate loop, where the RAS component operates independently and the plant component
benefits from nutrients derived from the stand-alone fish system. Decoupling fish and plants provides for risk mitigation in
the case of a fish loss or a crop loss. Depending on climate and location, aquaponic systems have been operated outdoors, in
controlled environments (primarily greenhouses), or completely contained in urban buildings. As aquaponic producers attempt
to move to more temperate climates, energy for heating and lighting become obstacles that must be addressed for economic
viability. While aquaponic interest is expanding exponentially, successful commercial economic models are rare, especially
in temperate climates. Niche marketing of both fish and plants is required and a focus on relating the positive attributes of
aquaponic food production to the customer is necessary. This marketing strategy may prevent large-scale aquaponic producers
from successfully competing in the global trade for fish and produce. This presentation is intended to give a broad overview of
aquaponic food production, and will highlight new developments in the industry and issues of concern for perspective growers.
441
EFFECTS OF STOCKING DENSITY ON THE GROWTH OF TAMBAQUI Colossoma

macropomum IN CAGES
Carlos A. Silva*, Rodrigo Y. Fujimoto
Embrapa Coastal Tablelands

Av: Beira Mar, n. 3.250, CEP: 49.025-040 – Aracaju, Sergipe. Brazil
*E-mail: carlos-alberto.silva@embrapa.br
The rearing of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum on different systems and environments has shown good production in North
and Northeast regions of Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of tambaqui at different stocking densities
in a lake provided with rainwater and its effects on environmental quality. The experiment was conducted in consecutive
phases: nursery at densities of 50, 100, 200 and 300 fingerlings m-3 and growth at densities of 20, 40 and 60 juveniles m-3.
Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and conductivity were monitored daily. Sediment and water samples were collected
for analyses of nitrogen and phosphorus monthly. Environmental parameters of the water fluctuated within the recommended
range for the rearing of tambaqui. In the nursery, yield was significantly higher for fish at 300 fingerlings m-3. Survival over
97% was observed in the nursery. The recommended density in nurseries for producing juveniles tambaquis reared in cages is
300 fingerlings m-3. In the growth phase, final weight and weight gain were inversely proportional to densities (Table 1). Feed
conversion and condition factor were not influenced by the evaluated densities. The best density to grow tambaqui was 20
juveniles m-3. Tambaqui cage culture did not alter the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients of the lake water. Increased
levels of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus in the sediment below the cages were verified without creating events of
eutrophication.
442
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT (WITH RESPECT TO AQUACULTURE)
Jeffrey T. Silverstein*
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service

5601 Sunnyside Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705
Jeff.silverstein@ars.usda.gov
To consider the ethical responsibility of government, a clear concept of the role of government is necessary. Simply stated
governments are created to secure the rights of the governed. So, how does the government act ethically in securing the rights
of the governed? I find it helpful to review the five principles of good governance as outlined by Graham and Mitchell (2003),
• Legitimacy and Voice-All men and women should have a voice in decision making,
• Direction- Leaders and the public have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance,
• Performance-Organizations try to serve all stakeholders efficiently,
• Accountability-Decision makers are accountable and decisions are made with transparency,
• Fairness-Legal frameworks should be fair and all men and women have opportunities to improve themselves.
These characteristics of good governance are indicators of organizations including government organizations that are performing
ethically. Furthermore, these characteristics can be used as guidelines to develop more ethical organizations.
Across the government there are departments and agencies with connections to aquaculture in various regulatory, support and
research roles. These different federal roles each achieve a different balance across the five principles of good governance. I
will explore how government agencies have performed in the aquaculture domain referring to the principles of good governance
and using specific examples. Further, I will explore how an attitude of constant improvement is a key to meeting ethical
responsibility.
Graham, J. and Mitchell, L. 2009. A Legacy of Excellence: Best Practices Board Study Aboriginal Healing Foundation, Institute
on Governance, Ottawa, Canada.
443
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE US NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FEDERAL

AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
Jeffrey Silverstein*, Mike Rust and Michael Rubino
US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 5601 Sunnyside Ave. Beltsville, MD. 20705.
Jeff.silverstein@ars.usda.gov
Background
In 2012, consumers in the United States spent an estimated $82.6 billion on seafood, making the U.S. one of the top three
seafood markets worldwide. Yet the domestic farm gate value of aquaculture products only approached $1.3 billion. The vast
majority of the U.S. seafood demand is supplied by imports.
The Interagency Working Group on Aquaculture (IWG-A) is made up of representatives of US federal agencies that have
programs and responsibilities that relate to aquaculture and reports to Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) under
the Executive Office of the President. OSTP responsibilities include advising the President in policy and budget development
on questions in which science and technology are important elements. On June 17, 2014, the IWG-A released the National
Strategic Plan for Federal Aquaculture (NSTC 2014, http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/NSTC/
aquaculture_strategic_plan_final.pdf). The strategic plan guides Federal research in aquaculture. Developed by the IWG-A
and published by OSTP, the plan addresses research in both freshwater and marine aquaculture, shellfish and finfish, risks
and benefits, and is organized along nine strategic research goals for government to advance and expand domestic interests in
aquaculture.
1. Advance Understanding of the Interactions of Aquaculture and the Environment

2. Employ Genetics to Increase Productivity and Protect Natural Populations
3. Counter Disease in Aquatic Organisms and Improving Biosecurity
4. Improve Production Efficiency and Well-being
5. Improve Nutrition and Develop Novel Feeds
6. Increase Supply of Nutritious, Safe, High-quality Seafood and Aquatic Products
7. Improve Performance of Production Systems
8. Create a Skilled Workforce and Enhance Technology Transfer
9. Develop and Use Socioeconomic and Business Research to Advance Domestic Aquaculture
Implementation and next steps

The goal of this workshop is for speakers around each of the nine strategic goals to review, State of the research, what do we
know (where are we?), Ongoing work (what roads are we traveling?) and Future needs/challenges/opportunities (what are the
choice destinations?).
We will discuss and prioritize federal activities and identify non-governmental partners (universities and commercial entities)
and address questions: how the IWG-A can promote and facilitate the exchange of technologies and breakthroughs between
departments and agencies to maximize the effectiveness of Federal aquaculture research and technology development
investments? How can Federal agencies identify and promote innovative policies, regulations, and approaches that complement
and enhance Federal research and technology development investments to realize applications in aquaculture activities and
field operations?
444
“GULF-GROWN” SEAFOOD? OR GULP, GROAN?

THE UTILITY OR OTHERWISE OF PROPOSED FEDERAL RULES FOR AQUACULTURE
IN THE GULF OF MEXICO
Neil Anthony Sims*, Ken Robertson, and Gavin Key
* Ocean Stewards Institute / Kampachi Farms, LLC

PO Box 4239, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745
neil@kampachifarm.com
The U.S. has the largest EEZ on the planet, at over 11.3 million square kilometers. America is the biggest importer of seafood
by dollar value, of all the nations on earth. Over half of the seafood consumed in the U.S. – and globally – is farmed. Yet not a
single pound of seafood has ever been commercially cultured in U.S. Federal waters.
In January, 2009, the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) Regional Fisheries Management Council approved a Fisheries Management Plan
for Aquaculture in Federal waters in the GoM. This could be the first commercial aquaculture in the U.S. EEZ. The Plan included
a comprehensive EIS, and draft regulations for implementation. Five years later, and the Rules to give effect to this FMP have
finally been published. This paper reviews these rules, and indicates areas where the Ocean Stewards Institute – the trade
association for open ocean aquaculture – believes that the regulatory framework could be improved. These recommendations
include:
• Permits are limited to an initial period of 10 years, thereafter renewed every 5 years. This represents a significant disincentive
to any long-term investment, and runs counter to the principles of tenured stewardship.
• Total aquaculture production in the GoM is restricted to 29,000 T/year. Given the current state of wild fisheries, surging
global demand, and the demonstrated ability for this industry to scale without any significant environmental impact, this is
simply incomprehensible.
• The requirement that no fishing be allowed inside aquaculture areas unnecessarily sets fish farming proponents against
coastal communities. Access for fishing should be negotiated.
• The minimum distance between farms of 3 km is insufficient.
• Farmers must prove that broodstock are “from the same population … where the facility is located”, which ignores the
importance of selective breeding in food production systems.
• Notice must be provided to NOAA 72 hrs prior to stocking, harvesting or landing fish. This is unworkable and unnecessary.
• NOAA may deny a permit “if issuing the permit would result in conflicts with established or potential oil and gas
infrastructure”. Grounds for denial include if the permit might prevent expansion of future oil and gas activities or any
conflict with recreational and commercial fisheries.
Finally, the Rules suggest that the average time to prepare a complete application is 33 hours, including fulfilling the requirements
for a baseline Environmental Assessment. One might wish that this were so!
445
PERFORMANCE OF YELLOW PERCH FED BIOPROCESSED SOYBEAN MEAL
Scott C. Sindelar*, Michael L. Brown

Brookings SD, 57007
scott.sindelar@sdstate.com
Due to the increasing price, demand, and limited availability of marine-derived fish meal (FM), increased use of more
sustainable plant-based feed ingredients is vital. Soybeans (Glycine max) are legume oilseeds that have long been recognized
as an alternative or supplemental protein source to FM. Similar to other plant meals, defatted soybean meal (SBM) contains
indigestible or antinutritional factors (ANFs) which hamper their use in carnivorous fish feeds. Various soy processing
technologies have been developed to enhance nutrient quality and inactivate or remove ANFs from SBM.
In a 16-week feeding trial we evaluated digestibility, growth performance, and organosomatic responses of Yellow Perch Perca
flavescens (YEP) fed diets containing various SBM products. We also examined digestibility of the same soy ingredients in
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (RBT). Treatment factors included soybean variety (GMO or non-GMO), extrusion
pretreatment, bioprocessing, and level of fish meal (FM) replacement (40 and 70%). A FM control and 14 soy-based diets were
formulated to contain similar crude protein (45%, dmb), lipid (9%, dmb), and gross energy (4,654 Kcal, dmb).
Digestibility of some soy ingredients differed between the two species. For example, extruded bioprocessed SBM resulted
in 99% digestible protein (ADC-P) for RBT. Unextruded bioprocessed GMO SBM improved ADC-P (94%) in YEP. Protein
digestibility was negatively correlated with growth and total consumption in YEP. Five soy treatments displayed higher
relative growth (RG) than the control diet and nine were lower. A non-GMO, non-extruded, bioprocessed SBM provided
enhanced growth at both inclusion levels when compared to FM. Survival was not significantly affected by main ingredient
or FM replacement level. Untreated GMO and non-GMO SBM provided similar growth to the reference diet at the low FM
replacement level, but growth was depressed at the higher level. Feed conversion ratio, consumption, organosomatic indices,
and protein efficiency ratio significantly differed among dietary treatments, but there was no difference detected in fillet yield.
Overall, this goal of this research was to contribute to cost-effectiveness of aquaculture production through a better
understanding of alternative feedstuffs in aquafeeds. Advances in processing technologies and formulation strategies should
improve digestibility and performance of plant-based ingredients. This research characterized a combination of enhanced and
impaired products, which supports further research on novel processing approaches.
446
DEMAND FOR SALMON PRODUCTS IN THE UNITED STATES: AN APPLICATION OF A

DYNAMIC ALMOST IDEAL DEMAND SYSTEM
Kehar Singh*
CERC/Health Management
University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, PEI, Canada C1A6H3
Email: kesingh@upei.ca
A number of studies have considered the importance of product form in determining fish demand. Researchers have extensively
studied demand for salmon at the species level in the United States (U.S.); however, it is hard to find a study on demand for
salmon at the product level. Using the National Marine Fisheries Statistics monthly data from January 1998 to March 2014,
this study has specified and estimated a dynamic Almost Ideal Demand System for nine imported salmon products in the U.S.
The results showed that Atlantic salmon fresh fillets farmed is considered as a luxury product, and Atlantic fresh wild salmon
is filling a different niche than other salmon products in the U.S. The estimated price and expenditure elasticities of demand
for salmon products and substitutability among them varied considerably, which shows the species level demand elasticities
estimates could be misleading.
PRICE TRANSMISSION AMONG DIFFERENT ATLANTIC SALMON PRODUCTS IN THE

U.S. IMPORT MARKET
Kehar Singh*
CERC/Health Management
University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, PEI, Canada C1A6H3
Email: kesingh@upei.ca
The cross-commodity price transmission is an approach to derive meaningful results from the price information, and is mostly
influenced by the substitutability and complementary relations among products. Using time series data collected from the
National Marine Fisheries Statistics, I have specified and estimated cross-commodity price transmission models for 13 salmon
products imported in the U.S. market. The salmon products are differentiated by form, cut, source/origin, and production
environment. The estimated cross-product price transmission elasticity and degree of substitutability among them varied
considerably. Canadian and Norwegian Atlantic salmon whole fresh farmed did not have any close import substitutes in the
U.S. market among the salmon products considered in the study. A reduced pricing strategy would result in an increase in U.S.
salmon import market share of Chilean and U.K. Atlantic fillet fresh, if the U.S. import demand for it is relatively own-price
elastic.
447
RESEARCH STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING THE SUPPLY OF NUTRITIOUS, SAFE, AND

HIGH QUALITY DOMESTIC SEAFOOD
Denise Skonberg
School of Food and Agriculture

University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
Denise.skonberg@umit.maine.edu
One of the key benefits of domestic aquaculture production is its potential to create products specifically targeted toward
the needs of US consumers. These needs include increased access to nutritious, safe, and high quality seafood; Strategic
Goal #6 of the National Strategic Plan for Federal Aquaculture Research. This presentation will address the current status of
farmed seafood products research, with an emphasis on assessing and modifying quality attributes of farm-raised products,
understanding consumer desires/preferences, and evaluating innovative processing technologies. Ongoing and future changes
in domestic aquaculture production technologies (eg integrated multi-trophic aquaculture), and the farming of emergent
species (eg seaweeds), raise important questions about their consumer acceptability, nutritional value, safety, and other quality
characteristics that will need to be addressed through a sustained and multi-disciplinary research agenda.
448
WINTER PRODUCTION OF GOLDEN SHINERS Notemigonus crysoleucas IN SPLIT- AND

TRADITIONAL EARTHEN PONDS
Matthew A. Smith* and Nathan Stone
smithm9987@uapb.edu
Arkansas leads the nation in farm-raised baitfish production. Golden shiners spawn in the spring, and millions of fish must be
maintained for sale the following spring. Split-ponds are being adopted by catfish producers and baitfish farmers have expressed
interest in these systems, but a concern is a potential reduction in survival of small fish when confined within split-pond culture
units over the winter. A 143-d study was conducted from late October 2013 through mid-March 2014. Golden shiner production
in 12, 0.04-ha earthen ponds (6 split- (SPLIT) and 6 traditional ponds (TRAD)) was compared by stocking mixed sized (“pond-
run”) golden shiners at 646 kg ha-1or 1,292 kg ha-1 (approximately 370,500 or 741,000 fish ha-1, respectively). In the SPLIT
treatment, fish were confined by a fine mesh barrier fence to 20% of the total pond area, and a slow-rotating (5.4 RPM) 0.19
kW gearmotor-driven paddlewheel circulated water through the culture unit. Each pond was equipped with a 0.37 kW vertical
pump aerator. Paddlewheel and aerator hours of operation as well as feeding rate (32% crude protein floating catfish feed)
were adjusted based on afternoon water temperature. Ponds were netted to exclude predatory birds. At harvest, there were no
significant differences in yield between SPLIT and TRAD treatments. In the low stocking rate TRAD and SPLIT ponds, gross
yield (mean ± SD) was 827 ± 19 and 773 ± 35 kg ha-1, respectively. At the high rate, TRAD and SPLIT gross yields averaged
1,546 ± 20 and 1,433 ± 54 kg ha-1, respectively. Overall estimated survival was excellent and did not differ among systems or
densities, with minimum survival rates of 87% and 90% in the SPLIT and TRAD treatments, respectively.
Photographs (left to right): A small paddlewheel was used to circulate water; experimental split-pond with diagonal baffle; and
close-up of metal wings used to direct water flow from the paddlewheel into the culture unit.
449
ARE TREMATODAL INFECTIONS OF BLUE MUSSELS CAUSING POOR CONDITION AND

MORTALITY?
R. Smolowitz*, K. Markey, W. Jaillet, C. Materna, J. Hamlin, M. Agnew, M. Griffin , D. Leavitt
Roger Williams University, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809;

rsmolowitz@rwu.edu
The blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, is an important food product and is supplied from both wild harvest and aquaculture efforts.
Recent data from the FAO and others sources show a consistent increase in landings of farmed blue mussels in many countries
over the last several years, indicating the interest, economic viability, and developing potential of blue mussel culture worldwide.
Near shore mussel culture has been in operation in the northeast U.S. (Maine) for over 40 years but has remained at a relatively
low level of production. A pilot scale undertaking in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts has recently demonstrated
the production viability of an off-shore static longline culture system for blue mussels in Block Island Sound, RI and Vineyard
Sound, MA. With these early successes, efforts are currently underway to expand blue mussel production in local waters into
larger commercial enterprises.
Wild blue mussel populations periodically undergo significant mass mortality events. For example, “summer mortality”
syndrome has been routinely reported for mussels in the Magdelin Islands (Canada) that can result in mortality of up to 80% of
the adult stock. Closer to home, large-scale mortalities of blue mussels have been noted in Narragansett Bay, RI, Provincetown
Harbor, MA and in other northeast locations.
As is true of all bivalve species, the blue mussel is known to harbor a variety of disease organisms. Some of these reported
diseases have been identified to cause significant economic impact on shellfish culture. For example, the parasite Martellia
sp. has been caused in devastating in European oysters in Europe. Interestingly, a predominate lesion noted for mytilids in
the northeast was infection by trematodes, usually Proctoeces maculates. However, no interpretation of the data, with regards
to impacts of infection on blue mussel health, has been detailed and in fact the general opinion from both the scientific and
aquaculture community is that trematodes do not significantly effect the health of blue mussels.
In the first year of our work we have identified abundant trematodal infections of blue mussel sampled at five locations in RI,
from both cultured and wild sites, on a monthly basis from June to September, 2014. Results to date indicate that the infections
are strongly associated with significant late summer decreases in blue mussel populations. The implications for long term blue
mussel aquaculture are not known, but must be considered in any economic plan.
450
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONALITY OF CORN PROTEIN CONCENTRATE IN

ANIMAL FEED
Fabio Soller
Cargill, Inc.
1705 Kellie Dr. P.O. Box 530.
Blair, NE 68008
fabio_soller@cargill.com
Corn protein concentrate (CPC) is a natural protein golden in color with low levels of ash. Not only does it complement animal
proteins in formulation but it also gives the option of lowering the production costs by using fewer grades of animal protein
meals, resulting in lower formulation cost. Its high methionine-to-lysine ratio serves as a good source of essential amino acids
at a lower cost than other vegetable or animal proteins of comparable purity and crude protein level. Since animal proteins and
other plant ingredients are naturally high in lysine, the addition of CPC, in this case Empyreal® 75 (E75), will result in a more
balanced formulation. Its granular material possess low water solubility and good oil binding properties.
The manufacturing process creates a new ingredient functionality for greater: elasticity, binding and co-mingling with other
ingredients, coating, and fat absorption. CPC has superior extrusion functionality over other high protein corn ingredients
with finer and more uniform cell structure at comparable extruder setup and specific mechanical energy (SME), also requiring
less steam during the process. Better incorporation and intermixing with other ingredients leads to less fines loss due to non-
incorporated particles.
The physical attributes of CPC allow good extrusion or other mechanical processing characteristics with minimal water
requirements for functionality with, also, increased water stability of the finalized diet, an essential requirement of any
aquaculture feed. Its high oil binding and adsorption indexes make it a very desirable ingredient for any diet in which high
amounts of fat are required (e.g. marine species).
The cost-benefit of this alternative protein source and during manufacturing, as well as the increase in kibble quality, gives the
manufacturer and the final consumer total satisfaction with economical savings.
451
GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF Clarias gariepinus

FED VARIED LEVELS OF Cola nitida MEAL
SOLOMON S. GABRIEL*, OKOMODA V. TOSIN. AND ANYEBE P. O.

University of Agriculture
Makurdi
Nigeria
Tel: +2347037275891, +2348057200464
E-mail: solagbriel@yahoo.co.uk
The use of antibiotics has become common in the production of animal around the world. The growth-promoting effects
of antibiotics are undisputed as they increase the efficiency of animal growth by inhibiting the growth of microbes in the
gastrointestinal tract which triggers immune responses in the host. However the collateral and long-term effect are a cause for
a heated debate and their banning in the European Union in 2005, hence the need for substitutes especially plant based growth
promoters with no consequential side effects.
The effect of varying levels of inclusion of Cola notida meal on growth performance and hematological parameters of Clarias
gariepinus was investigated for 56 days in this study . Fingerlings of C. gariepinus (6.57g + 0.06) were stocked in 10 hapas at
the rate of 20 fingerlings per hapas. Iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were formulated with inclusion levels of white kola
meal at 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200gkg-1. The result obtained showed that fish fed 200gkg-1 gave the highest weight gain of 17.92g
followed by fish fed with 150g/kg white kola meal (16.49g). The least mean weight gain was recorded in the control diet with
0% kola inclusion. The same trend were observed for specific growth rate, Protein efficiency rates and food conversion ratio
(P<0.05). Hence, to optimize the growth of Clarias gariepinus, Cola notida can be included up to 200gkg-1.
452
A SIMPLE NPDES PROTOCOL WITH BMPs AND ANNUAL TRAINING
Reese Sparrow*

900 CR 218 Brookeland, Texas 75931
Reese.sparrow@tpwd.texas.gov
In 2004 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) and New Source
Performance Standards for the Concentrated Aquatic Animal Production (CAAP) Point Source Category as part of the Clean
Water Act (CWA). The CWA generally prohibits the discharge of pollutants from a point source to surface waters except as
authorized by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) permit.
Depending on size, production and feed usage, aquaculture facilities are required to obtain a NPDES permit. To comply with
the permit, the facility must monitor and report monthly criteria established for the permit. The presentation will discuss
application for a NPEDS permit and who needs a permit, and how sampling, record keeping and reporting are done at the East
Texas State Fish Hatchery to comply with the current general NPDES permit for aquaculture for Texas.
In most states a BMP plan is required as part of the permit. The Southern Division of American Fisheries Society Technical
Committee developed a model Best Management Practices (BMP) plan to provide a simple model for aquaculture facilities to
use. This model BMP plan will also be discussed.
453
ADVANCEMENTS IN MAHI-MAHI Coryphaena hippurus AQUACULTURE
John D. Stieglitz*, Ronald H. Hoenig, Carlos Tudela, Zack Daugherty, Martin Grosell,
and Daniel D. Benetti
*University of Miami
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS)
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149 U.S.A.
E-mail: jstieglitz@rsmas.miami.edu
The biology, physiology, and life history of apex pelagic predatory fish species, such as mahi-mahi, have inherent characteristics
that have historically limited their mariculture production. Overcoming these challenges may allow the aquaculture industry
to capitalize on the numerous positive attributes of these species, such as rapid growth rates, circumtropical distribution, and
growing market demand. The unique location of the University of Miami Experimental Hatchery (UMEH), in close proximity
to the Gulf Stream, allows for unprecedented access to wild mahi-mahi broodstock. Combined with UMEH’s resources
and experience in developing hatchery technology for challenging marine fish species, substantial improvements have been
made with regards to mahi-mahi aquaculture. From systems design and handling methods to environmental manipulation
and broodstock management, the key aspects of mahi-mahi broodstock capture, transport, acclimation, and spawning will be
discussed. Current methods result in wild broodstock survival rates of >90% from capture to successful spawning in land-
based tanks. Volitional spawning events occur every 24 to 48 hrs, with fertilization and hatching rates consistently exceeding
90% thereby providing steady supplies of high-quality mahi-mahi embryos for larviculture and grow-out trials. Improvements
in larval rearing and weaning methods currently result in consistent production of ~10,000 – 15,000 fully weaned juveniles
per 10 m3 production tank at UMEH. Advancements in larval husbandry, juvenile grow-out, and the challenges facing
commercial-scale production will be presented. Current research efforts are aimed at gaining a greater understanding of the
unique bioenergetics and physiology of mahi-mahi to further refine the closed-cycle production process of this species.
454
ALTERNATE DAY FEEDING: AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR PRODUCING BROOK

TROUT Salvelinus fontinalis STOCKERS
Stephen G. Stowell*, John R. Foster, Brent C. Lehman
Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Environmental Science

State University of New York
Cobleskill, NY 12043
Stowels098@cobleskill.edu
In many state hatcheries, trout reared for recreational fisheries typically take 18 months to reach a stocking size of 9-12 inches.
Trout spawned in the fall are not stocked out until the spring of the following year. The primary goal of these hatcheries is to
meet a minimum stocking size and not to maximize growth. Feed and labor costs as well as water quality improvements cannot
be offset by increased production. The focus of this study was to examine the feasibility of utilizing an alternate day feeding
schedule to produce stocker size brook trout as a strategy for improving water quality and reducing labor and feed costs.
This experiment was conducted at the cold-water hatchery on the State University of New York’s Cobleskill campus. Two,
500-gallon circular tanks were stocked with 200 brook trout that averaged 171 mm, each. Zeigler Gold 3/16th floating trout
pellet was fed to each tank throughout the duration of the study. One tank was fed daily (morning/afternoon), while the
other tank was fed every other day (morning/afternoon). Environmental parameters of dissolved oxygen and temperature were
measured each day and nitrite and ammonia were measured weekly. Mass and length of thirty randomly selected fish from each
tank were recorded to determine feed conversion, condition and growth.
Alternate day feeding substantially improved water quality, reducing the frequency in which filters had to be cleaned. Throughout
the study, the tank fed daily had poor water quality, with higher ammonia, nitrite and turbidity than the tank that was fed on
alternate days. Trout following the alternate day feed schedule fed more vigorously and wasted less feed, leading to a superior
feed conversion ratio compared to the daily fed fish feed conversion ratio. Alternate day feeding did not increase mortality or
negatively impact condition over the daily feeding strategy. However, fish fed on alternate days grew significantly slower (.5
mm versus .6 mm per day).
In conclusion, the data collected in this study indicates that the alternate day feeding strategy would produce stocking size
brook trout (> 9”) at the end of the 18-month production cycle. Although trout reared under an alternate day feeding strategy
reach a smaller size because of their slower growth rate, they have a higher feed conversion ratio and considerably better water
quality. Thus alternate day feeding provides an economic benefit to a hatchery by cutting feed costs in half and substantially
reducing labor costs.
455
EFFECTS OF DIETARY COPPER SUPPLEMENTS ON THE RESISTANCE OF CHANNEL

CATFISH TO COLUMNARIS DISEASE
Bradley D. Farmer, Benjamin H. Beck, Andrew J. Mitchell, Steven Rawles and David L. Straus
Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center

Post Office Box 1050
Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160, USA
Bradley.Farmer@ars.usda.gov
Copper is an essential dietary component in animal feeds. Copper sulfate has also been shown to be therapeutic and
prophylactic as a water treatment for several indications including columnaris disease. Columnaris disease is one of the most
important bacterial diseases of channel catfish commercially grown in the US. A study was conducted to evaluate if fish feed
supplemented with copper sulfate at 0, 40, and 80 mg/kg of diet (at a daily rate of 3% body weight) would affect resistance
to columnaris disease. The results indicate that fish fed the Cu-supplemented diet for two weeks had a significant increase in
resistance to columnaris disease. This increase in resistance was also dose dependent. The mean percent survival for fish fed
the base diet for two weeks and then challenged was 2.0%. Fish fed the 40mg/kg copper sulfate-supplemented diet had a mean
survival of 22.0%, and fish fed the 80mg/kg copper sulfate-supplemented diet had a mean survival of 29.3%. No statistical
differences were found in growth rate or food conversion ratio among the diets.
456
ADULT FEEDING REGIMENS ALTER LARVAL ZEBRAFISH Danio rerio PHENOTYPES
Jennifer Strykowski*, Sadie A. Bergeron, Tohei Yokogawa, Kathryn M. Tabor, Eric J. Horstick,
and Harold A. Burgess
Charles River / NIH - Contractor

Building 6B, Room 308, 6 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-2759
jennifer.strykowski@nih.gov
Despite the growing use of zebrafish in many research disciplines, few levels of zebrafish husbandry, including feeds, have
been standardized. Other model organisms, such as rodents, have been fed standardized diets for many decades. Because
most experimental studies on zebrafish are performed on embryos and larvae that depend on nutrients in maternally deposited
yolk, we considered the possibility that parental diet may influence viability and phenotypes of offspring. Wildtype adult
zebrafish were fed one of four different feeding regimens for two months. Growth rates and behavior of larvae were measured
following spawning events. As previously reported, different feeds affected the fecundity of adults. Intriguingly, parental feed
also significantly influenced the rate of growth of offspring. However in behavioral assays that test sensory and motor function,
no differences were observed. Thus, while larval behavior may not be strongly affected by the parental diets tested here, our
findings suggest that growth of offspring is susceptible to the nutritional status of the parents. Therefore, standardization of
diets may help to reduce experimental variability between research labs that use zebrafish as a model. It may also be valuable
to report parental diet in studies examining larval growth rates.
457
EVALUATION OF EXPERIMENTAL MICRODIETS WITH LARVAE OF TWO MARINE

FINFISH SPECIES
Kevin Stuart, Frederic T. Barrows, Michael B. Rust, Ronald B. Johnson, Matt Hawkyard, Chris Langdon
and Mark Drawbridge
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

2595 Ingraham St.
San Diego, CA 92109
An important area of larval finfish production is the development of formulated microdiets. The ability to reduce the need for
live feed during the larval rearing phase as well as transitioning larvae onto an effective microdiet have the potential to improve
growth and survival rates for cultured species while reducing overall culture costs.
We conducted two weaning trials using two marine finfish species; California yellowtail (CYT; Seriola lalandi) and white
seabass (WSB; Atractoscion nobilis). The trials were conducted from 15 to 40 days post hatch (dph) using experimental
microdiets prepared by particle-assisted rotational agglomeration (PARA). The diets ranged in size from 250 to 700 µm.
Larvae were co-fed with Artemia nauplii and microdiets from 15 dph until they were 25 to 35 dph, depending on the trial.
The first trial tested four levels of taurine (0.4, 3.0, 6.0, and 10.0% inclusion) on CYT larvae at 21oC. Results showed that
larvae were significantly larger in total length when fed experimental diets that had at least 3.0% taurine (P< 0.05; Table
1). Survival and feeding incidence throughout the trial was not significantly different. The second trial tested two different
weaning times (25 and 35 dph) and three experimental diets with WSB larvae: 1) control - open formulation PARA; 2) control
plus glycine, alanine and betaine, stimulant mix; 3) control plus ProMega 55 stimulant. Water temperature was maintained at
18oC. Results showed significant differences in survival (P< 0.05; Table 2) between the two weaning times with the 35 dph
treatments having higher survival than the 25 dph treatments. Growth was significantly higher for the fish fed the PARA diet
supplemented with the ProMega 55 stimulant.
Results from these trials demonstrated that taurine inclusion above 3.0% for an early weaning diet is not necessary for CYT,
but a minimum of 3.0% improved growth performance. It was also shown that attractants have the ability to improve growth
and potentially decrease the weaning time from live feeds in WSB. These results are a starting point for developing improved
formulations for microdiets specifically for the species of interest in this study.
458
COMPARISON OF ICTALURID HYBRID PERFORMANCE IN IN-POND RACEWAYS
Ginger Stuckey, Spencer Gowan, Thomas Houston, Esau Arana, Jesse Chappell, Eric Peatman
Auburn University
203 Swingle Hall
Auburn, Al 36832
gls0008@tigermail.auburn.edu
The decreasing availability of fresh water and land with an increasing human population means that fish producers need
to increase efficiency of production, specifically, increasing production in a given volume of water. This production need
has led to increased use of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) both indoors and in ponds using systems such as split
ponds and floating in-pond raceway systems (FIPRS). Raceways can increase fish production in a limited area by providing
better growing conditions such as constant water flow and aeration allowing for higher stocking densities and feed inputs.
One of the advantages of in-pond raceway systems is that they make natural research environments for evaluating potential
improvements allowed by superior genetics, improved diets, or vaccinated fish. Replicated cells sharing the same water quality
parameters allow for evaluation of industry-relevant numbers of fish while decreasing the environmental variability associated
with replicated pond studies. Fish in raceways can be easily sampled and evaluated throughout a growing season and bird
predation can be virtually eliminated.
Use of hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus ♀ x Ictalurus furcatus ♂) in the US catfish industry has dramatically expanded in
the last decade, due to superior growth and disease resistance. However, large genetic variation in selective and domestication
histories of channel and blue parental lines means that hybrid performance can differ widely between crosses. Here we evaluated
performance of 8 hybrid crosses from fry to stocker (1/4 lb) utilizing flow-through tanks and in-pond raceway systems. Our
results indicated that the blue parental line can be critical in early growth and disease resistance, particularly in intensive
environments with high stocking levels. The identification of parental lines which consistently produce fast-growing, robust
hybrid catfish will be critical for the continuing adoption of intensive production systems by the catfish industry.
459
DEVELOPMENT OF POROUS CERAMIC METAKAOLINITE-ZEOLITE TECHNOLOGY

FOR NITRIFYING BACTERIA PRESERVATION
Gede Suantika*, and Febby N. Rohmah
Department of Microbiology
Bandung Institute of Technology
Bandung, Taman Sari 40116
gsuantika@sith.itb.ac.id
This study aimed to assess the capacity of nitrifying bacteria attached to a porous ceramic material metakaolinite-zeolite in
maintaining cell viability and the ammonium oxidation rate over a prolonged preservation. This study aimed to assess the
capacity of nitrifying bacteria attached to a porous ceramic material metakaolinite-zeolite in maintaining cell viability
and the ammonium oxidation rate over a prolonged preservation.
This research conducted in three stages: (1) Activation of nitrifying bacteria culture, (2) Comparing the rate of oxidation
of ammonia and nitrite on the four different substrates, and (3) Comparing the rate of ammonium and nitrite oxidation
by nitrifying bacteria attached to a porous ceramic and CaCO3 powder after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of storage. Immobilization
media used in this research is a natural zeolite mineral in the form of powders and porous ceramics that was made by
using direct ceramic foam technique. Biomass production begins by growing the nitrifying bacteria culture in 5 liter
winogradsky medium for 1 month until the entire ammonium is converted to nitrate and a thick biofilm is forming on the
surface of the container.
Based on the tests performed, (1) The oxidation rate of ammonium by

nitrifying bacteria culture is increasing as the culture is activating, (2)
The rate of ammonium oxidation by nitrifying bacteria culture on CaCO3
powder, zeolite powder, limestone and porous ceramics was 9.22 ppm/day,
30.31 ppm/day, 32.08 ppm/day and 38.22 ppm/day respectively and (3)
The rate of ammonium oxidation by nitrifying bacteria attached to a porous
ceramics after 1, 2 and 3 weeks of storage are 41.54 ppm/day, 40.16 ppm/
day and 42.75 ppm/day. The rate of ammonium oxidation by the nitrifying
bacteria culture stored in liquid form with CaCO3 powder showed a lower
value of 21.43 ppm/day, 26.34 ppm/day and 27 ppm/day at 1, 2 and 3 weeks
of storage. During storage, the growth of nitrifying bacteria still detectable
and the biofilm structure can be seen by the photographic image of SEM on
the media.
Based on the results, this research showed that the viability of the cell and
ammonia oxidation rate of the bacteria was maintained during storage on
porous ceramic metakaolinite-zeolite and has a higher value than in liquid
form with powdered CaCO3.
460
AN OVERVIEW ON MARINE FISH NUTRITION IN THE AMERICAS
Jorge A Suarez*Carlos Tudela, Stephen Sutton, Matthew Taynor, Christina Belfranin, Daniel Benetti
University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149, U.S.A.
Email: jsuarez@rsmas.miami.edu
Reliable technologies in broodstock spawning fingerling production, nursery and growout cobia (Rachycentron canadum),
mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), pompanos (Trachinotus carolinus), jacks (Seriola spp) and snappers (Lutjanus spp), among
others have been successfully established in recent years in the Americas. As with the development of any new industry, there
are serious hurdles to overcome before commercial viability can be secured. Development of optimal feeds for the new target
species is at the top of the list of problems to resolve. A lack of knowledge about the nutritional requirements and digestibility
of nutrient ingredients at the various life stages of most commercially important tropical and subtropical high-value marine
fish species being cultured has been identified as the major problem to be addressed and solved. Currently, economic feed
conversion rates remain extremely high, ranging from 2.0-4.0. The problem is aggravated at larger sizes, when the fish reach
maturation and growth and survival rates decrease remarkably. Researchers and the industry are tackling these major issues
by focusing on identifying the nutritional requirements at different life stages of each species targeted, aiming at formulating
and manufacturing economically viable and ecologically efficient aquafeeds. In this paper, we’ll summarize the current status
of nutrition of tropical species of marine fish in the Americas and the Caribbean regions, focusing on cobia (Rachycentron
canadum) and the Florida Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus).
Growth performance was evaluated in near commercial size cobia fed novel soybean cultivar, Navita™ (non-genetically
modified and selectively bred soy), regular, commodity soybean meal,soy protein concentrate, and a control diet (similar to a
commercial cobia diet). Results indicated that after 91 days of culture, fish fed all diets exhibited excellent growth, comparable
to commercial conditions. Although no statistically significant differences in SGR, FE, and FCR, except for FIFO ratio, were
found among any of the treatments evaluated, cobia fed the Navita™ diet numerically showed the highest performance for most
parameters evaluated. A relevant finding of the present experiments is the fact that Navita™ can be incorporated at very high
levels (45%) in the diet of cobia with no detriment to performance.
The effect of dietary digestible protein/digestible energy (DP/DE) ratio on growth, feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio
(PER) and nitrogen (N) utilization was investigated for Florida Pompano. The formulated DP/DE ratios were 26.2, 25.4, 24.3,
23.3 and 21.7 g MJ-1. Pompano were harvested when they reached commercial sizes, averaging 576 g. A digestible protein/
digestible energy ratio of 23.3gMJ-1 was sufficient to produce maximum growth and feed efficiency for the large fish. The
lowest weight gain, ADG, FE and FCR was obtained con a DP/DE ratio of 21.7g Mj-1.
461
THE LOGISTICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS OF

INTEGRATION OF AQUACULTURE INTO PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Cherie A. Sukovich*, Joseph C. Mallon

20750 Jamie Road
casukovich@yahoo.com
The advantages of integration of aquaculture and aquaponics into the public school curriculums are well known. Students benefit
from more project and inquiry based learning, increased student attention and interest, and application of science principles
to real life situations. All this gives value to the required standards public school teachers must cover in their curriculums.
However, the logistics and administrative hurdles often seem overwhelming and insurmountable, thus outweighing the benefits.
The first obstacle to overcome is administrative approval. Many Principals need to be educated on the value and advantages
of aquaculture and aquaponics in the public school curriculum. This obstacle is easily overcome with proper knowledge,
references to successful programs, and an enthusiastic teacher. The teacher must also recognize the commitment involved.
Aquaculture is a twenty-four/seven, three hundred sixty five days a year job that does not end when the dismissal bell rings.
However, there are many solutions to minimize the time commitment such as shared responsibilities, automatic feeders, proper
filtration, low stocking densities, and salary supplements.
Once the program is approved, the crop must be chosen and equipment procured. It is highly recommended to start small with
a single crop and expand in following school years. This minimizes stress on the teacher and increases success for the students.
Additionally, equipment can be expensive, the learning curve is steep, and maintenance is particularly time consuming when
performed by students. Several crops can be recommended for ease and high success, but any choice must match existing water
parameters. Obtaining equipment can also be a daunting task. Many good beginning options exist including prefabricated
systems, construction of basic recirculating systems, and mimicking successful systems in other education facilities.
Funding is often the largest hurdle to overcome. Many solutions do exist to include grants, private funding, fundraising,
principal’s funds, and district funds (career and technical education or science). Fortunately, once established, most systems
generate enough income to become self-sufficient and little additional funding is needed after the initial investment.
Although there are many obstacles to overcome to integrate aquaculture into public secondary school curriculum, the solutions
are many and varied enough to make the investment a worth-while undertaking.
462
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DIETS FORMULATED WITH LOCAL INGREDIENTS ON

MEAT QUALITY IN INDIAN MAJOR CARPS (Catla catla, Cirrhina mrigala AND Labeo rohita)
Salma Sultana*, Asmat Zahra and Tayyaba Sultana
Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Govt. College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
E-Mail: sal545pk@yahoo.com
The isolated proteins in meat of different fish species were observed using SDS-PAGE. The water quality of different ponds
supplied with different feeds was assessed in terms of these parameters. A three month feeding trial was conducted in circulating
tanks to determine the effects of three different fish diets (animal, plant and their mixture as crude protein source 35%) on meat
quality of Major carps (Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala and Labeo rohita). Fingerlings 90 of each species were collected from
ponds and transported to the circulating tanks of Fish Seed Hatchery, Faisalabad. The fingerlings (10 each fish species) were
randomly distributed between the three tanks with triplicates (already marked with animal, plant and mixed according to feed
based) for polyculture at a stocking density of 30 fish/tanks. The data was analyzed with the help of ANOVA (2 factor CRD
and 2 Way). Meat quality was assessed quantatively (spectroscopically) and qualitatively (SDS-PAGE) by isolating proteins
from each fish species from each feed treatments at Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology,Wildlife and Fisheries, Govt.
College University, Faisalabad.
In case of quantitative analysis the protein concentration was maximum (0.798 + 0.013 & 0.666 + 0.001 mg/ml) in C. mrigala
& L. rohita in case of diet B whereas diet C showed maximum concentration( 0.725 + 0.015 mg/ml) in C. catla. It was minimum
in diet A (0.495 + 0.019, 0.567+ 0.003 & 0.564 + 0.036 mg/ml) in all three fish species. The order of protein concentration in
C mrigala & L rohita was Diet A > Diet C > Diet B whereas in C catla it was Diet A > Diet B > Diet C
When the efficiency of diets were statistically analysed it was observed that in case of C. mrigala and L. rohita the Diet A is
significantly different (P<0.01) from Diet C whereas non-significantly different (P>0.05) form Diet B, and efficiency of Diet
B & Diet C were significantly (P<0.01) different ( Table 1). Whereas in case of C. catla the Diet A is significantly different
(P<0.01) from Diet B whereas non-significantly different (P>0.05) form Diet C, and efficiency of Diet B & Diet C were
significantly (P<0.05) different (Table 1). In case of qualitative analysis maximum number of bands of isolated protein in C.
mrigala were 16, 15 & 13, respectively, in diets A,B & C. The number of protein bands in L. rohita were 13, 11 and 12 in case
of diets A, B & C. The number of protein bands in C catla were 12, 10 and 11 in case of diets A, B & C. The order of number
of bands of protein in C. mrigala was Diet A > Diet B > Diet C whereas in L. rohita & C catla was Diet A > Diet C > Diet B.
In case of shared bands animal origin diet showed only one sharing band of L rohita and C catla while two sharing bands of C
catla and C mrigala. In case of plant origin diet only one sharing band b/w L rohita and C catla and three sharing bands b/w C
catla and C mrigala. In case of mixed diet two sharing bands b/w L rohita and C catla and only one sharing band b/w C catla
and C mrigala.
463
LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP OF Centropomus nigrescens IN BOCA DEL ASADERO,

NAYARIT, MEXICO
Tapia-Varela, J. R. (1, 3), J. T. Nieto-Navarro (2), D. S. Palacios-Salgado (2), C. A. Romero-Bañuelos (1),

P. Aguiar-Garcia (1, 3). W. M. Contreras-Sánchez (4)
1
Secretaría de Investigación y Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Tepic Nayarit, México.
Colección ictiológica, Escuela Nacional de Ingeniería Pesquera (ENIP-UAN), 63740, Bahía de Matanchén
2
Km. 12, Carretera a los Cocos San Blas, Nayarit. México.
3
Instituto de Estudios Tecnológicos y Superiores “Matatipac” A.C. Tepic Nayarit, México.,email:
raultapia539@hotmail.com
Laboratorio de Acuicultura Tropical, División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas,Universidad Juárez

4
Autónoma de Tabasco, México.
The snook fishery is one of the main economic activities and subsistence in the region. For the Nayarit coast, there are few
studies that provide information on biological and ecological aspects of the species of this family. The analysis of the length-
weight relationship of the fish are useful in evaluating fisheries and conservation, allow comparisons of the type of growth
and the condition of the species (between sexes, seasons, or regions). In this research, commercial fishing snook Centropomus
nigrescens was evaluated in Boca Asadero fishing camp, monthly for five years (2009-2014). In field, each organism was sexed,
weigh was obtained, the standard and total length was obtained. A total of 78 organisms were recorded, with lengths from
39 to 127 cm and weights from 300 to 23.500 g. The inference of the type of growth by combined and separated sexes was
determined with a t-test-student, based on the difference in the slope (b) and the standard error of the fit of the model potential.
In general, the results indicated that both females and males, presented a positive allometric growth with growth parameter b=
>3 (p< 0.05).
464
GENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF Vibrio parahaemolyticus ISOLATES FROM CLINICAL,

HUMAN CARRIER, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES IN THAILAND, DETERMINED BY
MULTILOCUS SEQUENCE ANALYSIS
Chonchanok Theethakaew*, Edward J. Feil, Santiago Castillo-Ramírez, David M. Aanensen,

Orasa Suthienkul, Douglas M. Neil, Robert L. Davies
Laboratory of Genomic Research on Pathogenic Bacteria, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka
University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
chonchanokthe@biken.osaka-u.ac.jp
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a seafood-borne pathogenic

bacterium that is a major cause of gastroenteritis
worldwide. We investigated the genetic and
evolutionary relationships of 101 V. parahaemolyticus
isolates originating from clinical, human carrier, and
various environmental and seafood production sources
in Thailand using multilocus sequence analysis. The
isolates were recovered from clinical samples (n=15),
healthy human carriers (n=18), fresh seafood (n=18),
frozen shrimps (n=16), fresh-farmed shrimp (n=18),
and shrimp farm water (n=16). Phylogenetic analysis
revealed a high degree of genetic diversity within the
V. parahaemolyticus population, although isolates
recovered from clinical samples, farmed shrimp and
water samples represented distinct clusters (Fig. 1).
The tight clustering of the clinical isolates suggests
that disease-causing isolates are not a random sample
of the environmental reservoir, although the source of
infection remains unclear.
Furthermore, the existence of distinct clusters of shrimp

tissue isolates from different farms points to very limited
diversity within the farms at any given point in time.
This suggested that the clusters may represent temporal
effects resulting from cycles of rapid clonal expansion
and replacement within a single farm.
Evidence of interspecies horizontal gene transfer and

intragenic recombination was observed among clinical
and carrier isolates. Thus, it is possible that the human
intestinal tract serves as a potential reservoir of donor
and recipient strains that is promoting horizontal DNA
transfer, driving evolutionary change, and leading to the
emergence of new, potentially pathogenic strains.
465
DIETARY LIPID AND PREBIOTIC EFFECTS ON SUNSHINE BASS GROWTH,

PERFORMANCE, AND SURVIVAL
Michele Thompson*, Steven D. Rawles, and Rebecca Lochmann

1200 North University Drive, Mail Slot 4912
mthompson6971@uapb.edu
Two trials, 12-weeks and 6-weeks, were conducted with juvenile hybrid striped bass (“sunshine bass”, f Morone chrysops x
m M. saxatilis) using four diets containing two levels of a dairy-yeast prebiotic (0 or 2%) and either menhaden fish oil or
flaxseed oil as a lipid source. The objective of the 12-week trial was to determine the main and interactive effects of the
prebiotic and lipid sources on the growth performance, non-specific immune responses and thermal tolerance of hybrid striped
bass. The objective of the 6-week trial was to determine resistance to a common bacterium, Streptococcus ineae. The data from
the 12-week challenge was analyzed using two-way ANOVA, while the 6-week survival was analyzed using survival curves
and two-way ANOVA. In the 12-week trial average weight gain was higher in fish fed fish-oil diets. There was a significant
interaction between the lipid source and diet type. Mean feed consumed and muscle ratio were higher in fish fed fish-oil diets.
In the 6-week trial no differences were detected using two-way ANOVA. However, the survival curve indicated that fish fed
the flaxseed-oil diet with prebiotic had the highest survival.
466
TWO DISTINCT GALECTINS FROM ROCK BREAM Oplegnathus fasciatus: MOLECULAR

AND EXPRESSIONAL INSIGHTS, AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THEIR
ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
William Shanthakumar Thulasitha*, Navaneethaiyer Umasuthan, M.S.Mothishri, Wan Qiang,

and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University,

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Republic of Korea
thulasiwilliam@gmail.com
Galectins are a family of evolutionary conserved molecules; exist in protists to invertebrates and vertebrates, characterized by
having carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) with the affinity to bind β-galactoside. They have been identified as pattern
recognition receptors in innate immunity due to the binding ability with several pathogenic microbes, parasites and fungi. In
the present study, we identified a 15.17 kDa proto-type galectin (rbGal-1) and a 16.14 kDa galectin related protein type B like
(rbGal like B) from the cDNA library of rock bream Oplegnathus fasciatus.
Even though, both identified genes comprised of a single CRD, they were categorized into different types based on the conserved
carbohydrate recognition residues as proto type and galectin related protein, respectively. Multiple sequence alignment and
phylogenetic studies with homologous sequences of other fish and non-fish vertebrate counterparts further confirmed their type
and revealed high evolutionary conservation of these proteins. The putative protein of rbGal-1 shared highest identity (88.1 %)
and similarity (93.3 %) with galectin-1 of Dicentrarchus labrax (ACF77003). Meanwhile rbGal like-B shared highest identity
(91 %) and similarity (95.4 %) with galectin-related protein B-like of Takifugu rubripes (XP_003976269). Spatial mRNA
expression of these two genes revealed that rbGal-1 was highly expressed in heart followed by head kidney and intestine, and
rbGal like-B in brain followed by gill and spleen. Temporal in vivo expression of rbGal-1 upon LPS and bacterial (Edwardsiella
tarda and Streptococcus iniae) challenges in head kidney showed a significant up-regulated expression. In contrast, rbGal
like-B expression in gill showed a significant up-regulated pattern with LPS, poly I:C, rock bream irido virus, E. tarda and S.
iniae.
Purified recombinant protein of rbGal-1 showed high affinity towards D-galactose, α-lactose and fructose, while no sugar
specificity was observed for rbGal like-B. It was suggested that the lack of sugar specificity could be due to the absence of four
out of seven conserved residues of CRD. Both of these recombinant proteins showed bacterial agglutination with S. iniae, E.
tarda, Escherichia coli, Vibrio tapetis and Listeria monocytogenes in a concentration dependent manner and agglutination was
not detected for Micrococcus leuteus. Anti-parasitic activity was tested with a fish ciliate parasite Scutica sp. Strong agglutination
was observed when treated with rbGal like-B even at very low concentration (1.5 μg/ml). However weak agglutination was
observed with rbGal-1 even at a high concentration (200 μg/ml).
The results from the present study suggest that both genes belong to different galectin subfamilies and they play a significant
role in the innate immunity of rock bream against microbial invasion.
467
EFFECT OF FEED PELLET CHARACTERISTICS ON GROWTH AND FEED CONVERSION

EFFICIENCY OF LARGEMOUTH BASS RAISED IN PONDS
James Tidwell, Shawn Coyle, and Leigh Anne Bright

Frankfort KY 40601
james.tidwell@kysu.edu
Fish diets must be formulated to meet the animals’ nutritional requirements but must also be manufactured into pellets that the
fish will readily accept and utilize in the most efficient manner. The ability of fish to detect, ingest and utilize a feed can be
affected by physical characteristics such as pellet density (floating, sinking, sinking rate), size, color and texture.
This study investigated the growth, feed conversion and feeding characteristics of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides
fed one of two sizes of floating pellets (5.5 mm vs. 13.0 mm) or a sinking pellet (5.5 mm) for 151 days in 0.04 ha ponds. The
floating and sinking pellets were made from almost identical formulas. The fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation based
on observed feeding activity.
At harvest, there was no significant difference in survival, growth, or feed conversion of fish fed the larger floating pellet
compared to those fed the standard size floating pellet. Fish fed the sinking pellet (629 g) were significantly larger at harvest
than fish fed a similar size floating pellet (566 g). The efficiency of feed utilization was not decreased with the sinking pellet.
These results indicate the largemouth bass accept and utilize sinking pellets well. However, their use of commercial scale farms
would likely require some management modifications.
468
AQUACULTURE BOOT CAMP: QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF OUTPUTS OF A NEW

AND BEGINNING FARMER TRAINING PROGRAM
Laura Tiu* and Estefania James
Ohio Center for Aquaculture Research and Development

Ohio State University South Centers
Piketon, OH 45661
tiu.2@osu.edu
Aquaculture Boot Camp (ABC) was designed to provide a hands-on, in-depth training and mentoring program in aquaculture
production and business management training to new and beginning fish farmers. The goal was to compress a typical five-year
learning curve into one year. ABC-Intensive was a one-year intensive program offered to 25 carefully screened recruits each
year in both 2013 and 2014. During the year, recruits attend monthly face-to-face training modules, three conferences and a
bus tour of fish farms.
A program evaluation plan was developed prior to the program. On-line post-treatment surveys were conducted monthly, after
six months, and at the end of the year-long program to document the degree of achievement of pre-determined targets and the
extent to which program implementation influenced such achievement. Evaluation of monthly modules of year one provided
for immediate feedback for the instructors enabled changes and enhancements to the ABC Program in year two.
Results of the program output evaluations, effectiveness of the program design and implementation and overall perceptions of
years one and two of ABC will be presented.
469
FEED MANAGEMENT IN PRODUCTION DIETS FOR THE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP

Litopenaeus vannamei, REARED IN LOW SALNITY WATER
Van Pham Thi Ha To*, Yangen Zhou, D. Allen Davis, Melanie A. Rhodes, Chuck Charles Roe,
and Igor Simone Tiagua Vicente
School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, AL, USA36849-5419

vpt0001@tigermail.auburn.edu
Feed cost is generally considered the largest component of variable costs in semi-intensive and intensive farming. Proper feed
management is an approach that reduces overall production costs, but also promotes reduced environmental impacts. Over
the years, considerable effort has been made to improve feed management at our facility this has both improved production
and reduced feed utilization. Given the potential benefits of optimizing feed management this research was conducted to
investigate further modifications of feed management strategies affecting production and economic return. The production diet
was produced by RangenTM Inc. and was designed to contain 35% protein and 8% lipids. Growth performance of L. vannamei
was evaluated in production ponds stocked at 10 shrimp/m2 (9 production ponds, three feed scheduled) and at 30 shrimp/m2
(6 ponds, two feed strategies) and outdoor tanks (6 feeding strategies) at Claude Peteet Mariculture Center, in Gulf Shores,
AL, USA. For the low stocking density pond, the treatments were designed with standard ration, a 10% increase and 10%
decrease. For the high stocking density pond, the treatments were designed with standard ration and 10% decrease. At the
end of pond production trials, the yield, final mean weight, size distribution, survival, and FCR will be assessed. In parallel
to grow-out pond, a 6-week tank trial was conducted in an outdoor green water recirculating system designed to mimic pond
conditions. Shrimp with an average weight of 0.77 g were stocked at a density of 30 shrimp/tank (35 shrimp/m2). This system
consists of twenty-four circular polyethylene tanks designed to hold 750 L of water, as well as a reservoir tank, circulation
pump, and supplemental aeration. The same test diet was offered at various feeding rates to shrimp in four replicate tanks per
treatment throughout the 6-week period. The standard daily ration for both growth trials were calculated using an expected
growth of 1.3 g/wk and expected feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.2.The result of tank trial showed that there was no significant
(P>0.05) difference observed in survival rate and FCR among treatments, which ranged from 95.8 to 99.2% and 0.76 to 0.87,
respectively. The final weight in treatment 6 (11.9 g) was higher than that in treatment 2 (10.2 g), but not different from the
remaining treatments.
470
TOXICITY OF NITRITE TO BLUE CRABS, Callinectes sapidus, IN LOW-SALINITY

ENVIRONMENTS
D.A. Friedman & J.R. Tomasso
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas 78666 USA
Jt33@txstate.edu
Nitrite sometimes reaches detrimental concentrations in aquaculture systems when nitrification processes are unable to oxidize
nitrite to nitrate at an adequate rate. The toxicity of environmental nitrite is usually not a problem with marine or estuarine
species because environmental chloride acts to inhibit uptake of nitrite. However, in very dilute seawater (<5g/L), nitrite has
been shown to be a problem during shrimp culture.
This work is part of a larger project to develop techniques to culture blue crabs in inland ponds that have had minimal amounts
of salts added. We conducted a series of 96-h toxicity tests to determine if blue crabs (20-50 mm in width) were sensitive to
nitrite when held in 1 g/L artificial sea salt at 26 C.
Crabs that did not molt during the exposure period did not die when exposed to 7.6 mg/L Nitrite-N or less. Eleven percent
(N=9), 75% (N=4) and 100% (N=1) died when exposed to 11.4, 17.1, and 25.7 mg/L Nitrite-N, respectively. Crabs that molted
during the exposure were more sensitive with 40% (N=10) dying when exposed 3.4 mg/L Nitrite-N.
These results, although preliminary, indicate that molting blue crabs are sensitive to nitrite in low-salinity water.
471
CANNIBALISM IN SINGLE-BATCH HYBRID CATFISH PRODUCTION PONDS
Les Torrans* and Brian Ott

Stoneville, MS 38776 USA
Les.Torrans@ars.usda.gov
Hybrid catfish are more efficiently harvested by seining than are Channel Catfish. Due to that, and their faster growth, hybrids
are typically produced in “single-batch” production systems, either in intensively-aerated commercial ponds or in split-pond
systems. In either production system, hybrids are typically harvested by seining twice in the fall or winter, and then to conserve
water the ponds are typically restocked without draining. However, even with a skilled seining crew, 2-3% of the food-size
hybrids may be missed after two seine hauls. There is concern among some catfish farmers that without completely draining
or poisoning the pond after harvest, enough food-size hybrids (so-called “carry-over” fish) may remain that cannibalism by
those larger fish may result in significant mortality of the smaller understocked fingerlings. The purpose of this study was to
determine if small hybrid fingerlings stocked after the fall harvest would be eaten by the carry-over fish over winter.
Six 0.04 ha ponds at the USDA ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit pond facility at Stoneville, Mississippi were used
in this study. Three ponds were each stocked on November 25, 2013 with 100 (2500/ha) 11/2-year-old hybrid catfish averaging
1.07 kg (2.36 lbs). These fish simulated carry-over food fish from a single-batch production system that were missed after
seining at the end of the growing season. All six ponds were then stocked on November 27, 2013 with 300 hybrid catfish
fingerlings (7500/ha) averaging 14.8 g (32.5 lbs/100). The fish were not fed overwinter.
On March 26, 2014 the ponds were harvested by seining twice and then draining with the remaining fish hand-picked from the
pond bottom. Large fish were counted and weighed in 15-fish batches; the fingerlings were euthanized in a MS-222 solution,
counted and measured individually for total length and weight.
No dead fish were observed during the study. Of the 300 large fish stocked in total, all but one survived over-winter (99.7%
survival). Although they were not fed, weight loss by these large fish averaged only 1% in the four months of the study.
Weight gain of the fingerlings averaged 15.2% overall and was not significantly different among treatments. Survival of the
understocked fingerlings was not significantly different (P=0.674) among treatments, averaging 91.9% and 92.9% in the
ponds with and without carry-over fish (Table 1). The difference in fingerling survival was neither statistically nor biologically
significant, even though we stocked fingerlings that were smaller than are typically used by the industry, and used more carry-
over fish than are normally seen to exaggerate any effect. This study indicates that there is no risk of cannibalism from carry-
over fish on understocked fingerlings overwinter. The study was repeated during the following growing season do determine
if there was a seasonal effect. That data will also be presented.
472
INTENSIVE PRODUCTION OF HYBRID CATFISH – 14 TONS PER ACRE IN EARTHEN

PONDS
Les Torrans* and Brian Ott

Stoneville, MS 38776 USA
Les.Torrans@ars.usda.gov
In spite of record high feed prices (averaging over $400/ton during the past five years) and a flood of cheap imports being dumped
on the country, the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry has remained viable by increasing production intensity while decreasing
FCRs (food conversion ratios). Two technical advances led to this – an understanding of the impact of DO (dissolved oxygen)
management on the feed intake and growth of catfish, and the commercialization of hybrid catfish fingerling production.
By maintaining the minimum DO concentration at or above 2.5-3.0 ppm, feed intake and growth is more than doubled over
traditional oxygen management regimes. Hybrid catfish, with their greater disease resistance, allow farmers to utilize this
increased feed consumption and grow out food fish in a single season from fingerling, compared to 2-4 years typically required of
channel catfish a decade ago. Farmers now can truly capitalize on intensive production systems, greatly increasing yields while
achieving FCRs better than 2.0:1. Two systems, “split-ponds” and “intensively aerated traditional ponds” are the production
systems now used by most farmers producing yields in excess of 12,000 lbs/acre. In this study we attempted to push the limits
of catfish production in traditional earthen ponds using high stocking rates of hybrid catfish (20,000/acre) and intensive aeration
(10 hp/acre) capable of maintaining a minimum DO over 3.0 ppm while feeding the fish to satiation. This was compared to a
more traditional stocking rate of 5,000/acre and similar DO management.
At the higher stocking rate we achieved an average (N=3) yield of 27,704 lbs/acre, compared to 10,176 lbs/acre at the lower
stocking rate. Although the harvest size was smaller at the higher density (1.6 lbs vs. 2.2 lbs, resulting in a slightly greater
fingerling cost per lb produced), the FCR was identical (1.8) and the aeration cost similar.
Commercial farmers in Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama, while not achieving these yields yet, have produced up to 15,000-
20,000 lbs/acre using similar techniques in 3-6 acre commercial ponds. Farmers not ready to construct split ponds but willing
to divide larger ponds can greatly increase their on-farm production using intensive aeration.
473
DIETARY LEVELS OF SATURATED AND UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS AFFECT FATTY

ACID COMPOSITION OF HYBRID STRIPED BASS
Jesse T. Trushenski*, Curtis C. Crouse, and Artur N. Rombenso
Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

Carbondale, Illinois, 62901
saluski@siu.edu
Fish oil sparing affects the fatty acid composition of cultured fish fillets, in most cases resulting in lower levels of beneficial
long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). The identification of alternatives to fish oil (individual oils/fats or blends)
that support growth and help to conserve tissue fatty acid composition is a high priority in aquaculture nutrition. Accordingly,
we assessed the growth performance and fillet fatty acid composition of hybrid striped bass (29.1 ± 0.2 g) fed diets containing
menhaden fish oil (100 FISH); fully hydrogenated saturated fatty acid (SFA)-rich soybean oil (100 SFA SOY); or 75:25, 50:50,
25:75, or 0:100 blends of fish oil and standard C18 polyunsaturated fatty acid (C18 PUFA)-rich soybean oil (25 PUFA SOY, 50
PUFA SOY, 75 PUFA SOY, 100 PUFA SOY) or non-hydrogenated monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich soybean oil (25
MUFA SOY, 50 MUFA SOY, 75 MUFA SOY, 100 MUFA SOY) for 8 weeks.
Feed conversion ratio was the only production performance metric that varied, with the 100 SFA SOY group exhibiting a higher
value than the other dietary groups, probably due to reduced digestibility in comparison with the rest of the treatments. Some
minor variation in growth (albeit not significant) was noticed, likely associated with the limited utilization of the fish oil-free
feeds, especially the 100 SFA SOY and, to a lesser extent, 100 MUFA SOY. Fillet fatty acid composition was strongly influenced
by dietary lipid source and fatty acid profile. The magnitude of fillet fatty acid profile distortion (as indicated by Coefficient
of Distance [Djh]) was influenced by the level of fish oil sparing, with greater Djh values associated with more aggressive or
complete fish oil replacement feeds. However, Djh associated with the 100 SFA SOY feed was lower than those associated with
the other 100% fish oil replacement feeds (Figure 1). It is possible that blending SFA-rich lipids with ingredients containing
some level of unsaturated fatty acids may be a means of addressing digestibility limitations while still mitigating the effects of
fish oil sparing on tissue composition.
474
CONCURRENT SPARING OF FISH MEAL AND FISH OIL IN HYBRID STRIPED BASS FEEDS
WITH TERRESTRIAL-ORIGIN FEEDSTUFFS
Jesse T. Trushenski* and Jonah May

saluski@siu.edu
Marine-origin feedstuff sparing is one of the most active areas of research in aquaculture nutrition, but few studies have
evaluated fish meal and fish oil sparing concurrently. To evaluate the independent and/or interactive effects of concurrent fish
meal and fish oil sparing, we assessed the growth performance of hybrid striped bass fed diets containing menhaden fish meal
(FM) or grain distillers dried yeast (GDDY) as primary sources of protein and menhaden fish oil (FO), vegetable oil refinery
lipid (VO REF), soybean oil (STD SO), hydrogenated soybean oil (HYD SO), or soybean oil blends (67 STD SO/33 HYD SO
= MIX 1, 33 STD SO/67 HYD SO = MIX 2) as the principal source of dietary lipid. Feeds were randomly assigned to triplicate
tanks (N = 3) in a recirculation aquaculture system housing juvenile fish (~38 g, 10 fish/tank), and fish were fed to apparent
satiation once daily for 10 weeks. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of protein source on final weight, weight gain,
specific growth rate (SGR), and feed intake, with fish fed GDDY-based diets generally outperforming those fed FM-based diets
(Table 1). Lipid source had little or no effect on these metrics, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not vary among dietary
treatment groups. Conversely, lipid source strongly influenced fillet fatty acid composition, with levels of beneficial long-
chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) being higher in fillets of fish fed diets containing FO (26% of fatty acid methyl
esters [FAME]) or HYD SO (19% FAME) than those fed diets containing the other lipids (12-16% FAME). Protein source
affected fillet fatty acid composition in a similar, though less dramatic manner with FM-based diets yielding higher LC-PUFA
levels, most likely as a result of residual lipid found in FM, but not GDDY. Our results suggest that protein source and lipid
source have largely independent effects on performance and additive effects on tissue composition of hybrid striped bass, and
certain terrestrial-origin feedstuffs can be used to spare a considerable fraction of marine-origin feedstuffs without substantially
altering growth performance or product quality.
475
BEEF TALLOW AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO FISH OIL IN HYBRID STRIPED BASS FEEDS
Jesse T. Trushenski*, John Bowzer, and Christopher Jackson

saluski@siu.edu
The issues of least-cost feed formulation and providing of adequate levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-
PUFA) are complicated by incomplete knowledge of the LC-PUFA requirements of many fishes. Quantitative essential fatty
acid requirements are lacking for many commonly cultured fishes, and none of the studies conducted to-date have taken the
interactive effects of overall dietary profile into account. Our previous research suggests that saturated fatty acid (SFA)-rich
alternative lipids, including rendered animal fats, can make utilization of available LC-PUFA more efficient. We hypothesized
that using SFA-rich beef tallow as an alternative to fish oil may effectively reduce minimum LC-PUFA requirements and
allow for greater fish oil sparing in aquafeeds. Accordingly, we evaluated growth performance of hybrid striped bass Morone
chrysops × M. saxatilis fed diets containing menhaden fish oil (positive control), beef tallow (negative control), or beef tallow
amended with purified sources of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to achieve levels of these
fatty acids corresponding to 50% or 100% of those observed in the fish-oil based control feed (Table 1). Diets were randomly
assigned to quadruplicate tanks (N =4) in a recirculation system housing juvenile fish (10 fish/tank; ~24 g/fish) and fish were
fed assigned diets to apparent satiation once daily for 10 weeks. Survival (range = 98—100%) was equivalent among treatment
groups, but weight gain (117—180%) specific growth rate (1.12—1.49% body weight/d), feed intake (1.41—1.77% body
weight/d), and feed conversion ratio (1.11—1.43, dry matter basis) varied among the dietary treatments, but no differences
were observed between fish fed the positive and negative control feeds. Performance was consistently superior among fish fed
the BEEF + 100% DHA and BEEF + 100% BOTH. Results suggest that beef tallow may be used as a direct replacement for
menhaden fish oil in practical diets for hybrid striped bass, but that performance may be improved by supplementation with
LC-PUFA, particularly DHA.
476
USING AGITATION DURING LIVE TRANSPORTATION OF POND-REARED HYBRID

STRIPED BASS
Jesse T. Trushenski*, Kelli Barry, and John Bowzer

saluski@siu.edu
Anecdotal information suggests that pond-reared hybrid striped bass are especially vulnerable to transportation-related stressors,
with previous research pointing to CO2 accumulation as a contributing factor. Accordingly, we evaluated water quality and
physiological status of pond-reared hybrid striped bass during simulated transportation with and without the use of agitation.
Market-sized hybrid striped bass were seined from earthen ponds (812 ± 12 g, mean ± SE) and stocked in an insulated, two-
compartment fish hauler (~106 g/L (0.9 lb./gal.) Fish were provided with supplemental O2 and salt was added to hauling water
(~3 g NaCl/L). Both compartments were fitted with two ‘bull’-style agitators each that were operated continuously or not.
Approximately 5 minutes after stocking, 3 fish and a water sample were collected from each compartment for water quality
and blood chemistry analysis, respectively. Samples were also collected after 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours of simulated transportation.
Transportation trials were conducted on 4 separate days in April/May 2014 with trials serving as experimental units (N = 4).
Although water temperature (range = 17.4-19.7°C) and O2 concentration (range = 8.3-13.8 mg/L) were relatively stable, other
aspects of water quality changed differentially by treatment during transportation. CO2 accumulation was negligible in the
agitation treatment, but relatively high levels were observed in the control treatment (Figure 1). Rising CO2 in the control
treatment was associated with declining pH values, whereas pH was relatively stable in the agitation treatment (Figure 1). Total
ammonia nitrogen increased in both treatments, but elevated pH in the agitation treatment resulted in greater accumulation
of un-ionized ammonia (Figure 1). Plasma cortisol, glucose, lactate, and osmolality indicated all fish underwent an acute
stress response during the early hours of transportation that dissipated over time. No major differences in blood chemistry
were noted, except for glucose, which was consistently higher among fish in the control treatment, suggesting some benefit of
agitation. Results indicate the use of agitation may be beneficial for curbing CO2 accumulation during live transportation of
pond-reared hybrid striped bass. However, the effects of agitation on pH, other aspects of water quality, and their influence on
animal welfare must also be taken into consideration.
477
DESIGN AND FISH CULTURE CONSIDERATIONS FOR CATFISH FARMING IN SPLIT

PONDS
Craig S. Tucker* and Travis W. Brown

PO Box 38
Stoneville, MS 38776
craig.tucker@ars.usda.gov
Split ponds are simple, pond-based aquaculture systems constructed by dividing an existing catfish pond into two unequal
basins with an earthen levee. Fish are confined in the smaller basin (usually about 15-20% of total water area) while the larger
basin serves as a waste-treatment lagoon. A high-volume pump circulates water between the lagoon and fish-holding basin
during daylight and aerators maintain adequate dissolved oxygen in the fish-holding basin at night. Split ponds are relatively
easy to manage and allow the genetic potential of fish to be expressed by maintaining favorable environmental conditions for
growth. The original split pond design was based on overcoming limitations associated with dissolved oxygen availability.
Daytime pumping rate and nighttime aeration rate were established by oxygen mass-balance calculations. Ultimate production
limits are governed by climate (growing season length) and the finite capacity of the pond ecosystem to process and remove
fish metabolic wastes. Theoretical considerations and field results set the production limit at about 20,000 pounds/acre per year
although realized production is affected by the type of fish raised, pond size, and system design (especially daytime pumping
rate).
Only hybrid catfish Ictalurus punctatus x I. furcatus should be used in split ponds. Channel catfish survival and growth is inferior
in split ponds and the high cost of system construction argues for using only the best-performing fish. Practical experience
indicates that the fish-holding basin should not be larger than approximately 2 acres. Oxygen management in larger basins is
difficult and fish biomass may become so great that problems are encountered with harvest and marketing. Accordingly, ponds
larger than 8 to 10 acres should not be used as starting points for construction. Aeration requirements are easy to calculate
from target fish biomass and aerator oxygen transfer rates, but optimum daytime pumping rate has been more difficult to
quantify. Pumping rate in the original design was approximately 1,200 gallons per minute (gpm) per 10,000 pounds of final fish
biomass. Pumping rates in most commercial systems are less than 700 gpm per 10,000 pounds of fish. Low pumping rates cause
chronically low daytime dissolved oxygen concentration near the end of the cropping cycle, which reduces fish growth rate.
Equipment considerations for use in split ponds should include dissolved oxygen monitoring systems to control pump and
aerator operation, fish barrier screening material, and inverter-duty electric motor-driven pumps with variable frequency drives.
Dissolved oxygen monitoring systems should be reliable with minimal maintenance requirements. Fish barrier screening
material should have the greatest open surface area without allowing fish to escape. Variable frequency drives should be NEMA
4 rated and installed in NEMA 4 rated enclosures.
478
EVALUATION OF LIPID SOURCES IN DIETS FED TO THE ENDANGERED LOST RIVER

SUCKER (Deltistes luxatus)
Ronald G. Twibell*, James M. Barron, Ann L. Gannam
Abernathy Fish Technology Center

1440 Abernathy Creek Road
Longview, WA 98632
ronald_twibell@fws.gov
The Lost River sucker (LRS, Deltistes luxatus) was listed as endangered in 1988 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Declining
LRS populations are the result of habitat loss, diminished water quality, overharvest and entrainment in water management
structures. If artificial propagation is required to prevent extinction, information on nutritional requirements of this species will
be essential. As a first step in developing nutritionally complete artificial diets for LRS we are conducting a feeding trial to
determine appropriate source(s) of dietary lipids for this species. Marine fish oil, linseed oil, soybean oil or a 50:50 mixture
of these oils were added to a practical basal diet to obtain six dietary treatments. Diets were mixed and pelleted using a Hobart
food mixer and pelleting attachment. Each dietary treatment was fed to triplicate groups of 100 juvenile LRS initially weighing
0.47 g/fish. Fish were maintained in 13.25 L circular tanks equipped with flow-through water supply and supplemental aeration.
Water temperature was maintained at 18 ± 1°C throughout the experiment. At the conclusion of the feeding trial, weight gain,
survival, whole body proximate composition and whole body fatty acid profile will be analyzed.
479
DIETARY LYSINE REQUIREMENTS FOR JUVENILE AND ADULT ZEBRAFISH Danio rerio
Marc Tye* and Marshall D. Stern
University of Minnesota
420 Washington Ave SE
Pediatrics, 3-133 MCB
Minneapolis, MN 55455
mttye@umn.edu
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a well-established model organism used globally in biomedical research. A standardized diet for
zebrafish has not been established which has led to feeding protocols that vary greatly between facilities. Many mammalian
models have standard open-formula diets that are used extensively in research facilities. In order for a zebrafish model to
continue to flourish, a standardized diet should be established to limit the influence of nutrition on research results, particularly
as it pertains to zebrafish as a model for studying human disease and toxicology.

A standardized diet should meet all nutritional requirements of zebrafish. Unfortunately none of their nutritional requirements
have been determined. Previous research focused on dietetics (i.e. comparing one diet to another diet and determining which is
best) as opposed to nutrition, which involves determining how much of a specific nutrient is optimal for the species. Objectives
of this study are 1) to determine the dietary lysine requirement of zebrafish and 2) to establish protocols that can be used to
determine other dietary nutrient requirements of zebrafish.
A dose-response study is currently being conducted to determine the dietary lysine requirement for both adult and juvenile
zebrafish. Variables that will be measured for juvenile fish include growth and survival while embryo production will be
measured for adults.
Zebrafish adults were randomly assigned to one of seven dietary treatments with three tanks of 10 fish in each treatment.
Dietary treatments consist of the same semi-purified basal diet with the only difference being the amount of lysine (1.5 to 2.7%
of diet). Adult fish will be fed for 28 days and will then be set up to spawn once per week for 6 weeks. Total fecundity, hatching
rate, length of newly hatched larvae and adult plasma free amino acids will be determined for each dietary treatment. Zebrafish
juveniles will be randomly assigned to one of seven dietary treatments as described above. Juveniles will be fed for 60 days.
Mean length, weight, and survival will be determined for each dietary treatment.
A broken-line model will be used to evaluate the dose-response data. It is expected that growth and embryo production will
increase with increasing dietary lysine until the requirement is met, after which no increase will be observed.
480
CAVIAR YIELD OF FARM RAISED WHITE STURGEON FED A LOWER FAT CONTENT
DIET FOR 29 MONTHS PRIOR TO HARVEST
Joel Van Eenennaam*, Serge Doroshov and Ken Beer
University of California, Department of Animal Science

Meyer Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
jpvaneenennaam@ucdavis.edu
Body size, condition factor, ovary weight, gonadosomatic index (GSI), caviar weight, caviar yield expressed as a percent body
weight and ovary weight, and amount of ovarian fat were compared between cultured white sturgeon fed a low fat (7%) for 29
months prior to harvest while the control fish remained on the high fat (16%) diet. Protein level was 47-49%. Sturgeon were
reared in six-outdoor circular tanks (15 m diameter), at stocking densities 30-40 kg/m3 and were fed a commercial diet (47/16)
by demand feeders until age 5 ½ years, when three tanks were shifted to the low fat diet. The tanks utilized well water and water
from large ponds and had annual temperatures ranging 10-28°C.
The average sturgeon weight for all six tanks was 16 ± 4 kg at the initiation of the diet shift. Data was then collected during
caviar harvest at age 8 years, and the data pooled for the three tanks fed each diet. Although sturgeon fed the low fat diet were
significantly smaller and leaner, with a lower yield of caviar per individual, when yield is expressed as a percent of body weight
and ovary weight, the fish shifted to the low fat diet had higher yields (Table 1).
A subsample of ninety ovaries per diet, after egg screening, were analyzed for quantity of fat lobes, and the sturgeon fed the
low fat diet had significantly less fat lobes (637 ± 518 g) compared to fish remaining on the high fat diet (1,025 ± 752 g). We
categorized low fat ovaries as ovaries that produce over 65% caviar, while high fat ovaries produce < 50% caviar. The tanks
fed the low fat diet had 55% of the sturgeon with low fat ovaries and only 12% with high fat, while tanks on the high fat diet
had 25% of the sturgeon with high fat ovaries and only 31% with low fat ovaries. Large amounts of adipose tissue surrounding
individual eggs in the ovigerous folds and large lobes of fat attached to the ovary increases processing time and decreases yield.
Production of fish with leaner ovaries would improve caviar yield and profitability in white sturgeon farming.
481
QUANTIFYING THE IMPACT OF THE U.S. REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT ON BAIT AND

SPORTFISH AQUACULTURE.
Jonathan van Senten*, Carole Engle
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Sentenj6085@uapb.edu
Aquaculture in the United States (U.S.) is a highly regulated industry. With over 1,300 state and federal laws directly affecting
the sector, it is believed that the regulatory environment is not only limiting the growth of the industry, but also placing pressure
on existing firms. While regulations are not inherently harmful, they can introduce inefficiency and result in added costs to
producers and/or consumers. As such, it is crucial to develop an understanding of the impacts of the regulatory environment on
the various groups of U.S. aquaculture; starting with bait and sportfish producers.
Quantifying the effect of regulations on bait/sportfish farming is the first step in developing an understanding of the overall
regulatory impact for this group of farmers. This means establishing the costs of regulations on firms in existence; considering
both direct costs, such as permit application fees, and indirect costs, such as additional labor to ensure regulatory compliance. A
survey was constructed to obtain data on direct costs, indirect costs, and changes implemented on the farm to be in compliance
with regulations. This survey was administered to bait/sportfish producers, randomly selected from the top four producing
states (Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Minnesota) as indicated by the 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture. Using the results of
this survey, the number of state and federal regulations affecting each firm was determined, as well as the proportions of fixed
and variable regulatory costs, and last but not least the proportions of direct and indirect regulatory costs. Comparisons were
made across farm sizes as well as respective states.
482
EFFECTS OF HYDROXYPROLINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE,

WHOLE BODY, AND PLASMA CONCENTRATION OF JUVENILE RED DRUM Sciaenops
ocellatus FED PLANT-PROTEIN BASED DIETS
Alejandro Velasquez*, Delbert M. Gatlin III

College Station, Texas 77843-2258
majagua@tamu.edu
The inclusion of non-fishmeal (FM) protein sources in feeds for aquatic organisms has been an area receiving much attention
over the past decade. Among those sources most suitable to replace FM in aquatic feeds are certain plant protein concentrates.
However, there may be constraints to plant feedstuffs in regard to the presence of anti-nutritional factors and imbalanced amino
acid profiles. To assess the latter, research has been conducted to elucidate proper supplementation of limiting indispensable
amino acids. However, there is less information in regards to supplementation of dispensable amino acids, which can be vital in
metabolic pathways necessary for maintenance and growth, as well as proper immune function. Among these, hydroxyproline
(HP) is a vital component of collagen, and growth of various species has benefited with its supplementation. Plant proteins
typically have less HP than FM. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of HP in all-plant-meal
diets with juvenile red drum Sciaenops ocellatus.
A 6-wk feeding trial was conducted with seven isoproteic (35% crude protein) and isolipidic (12% crude lipid) diets supplemented
with graded levels of crystalline HP (0-2% of dry diet). Groups of 15 juvenile red drum (2.09 ± 0.07 g/fish) were randomly
stocked into each of 21, 110-L aquaria as part of an indoor brackish (7 ppt) water recirculating system. Each diet was fed to
three replicate groups of juvenile red drum twice daily at rates close to apparent satiation. Fish were group-weighed weekly to
adjust feeding rations.
At harvest, growth performance parameters were determined including percent weight gain (PWG), feed efficiency (FE),
and percent survival and subjected to analysis of variance and regression analysis. Body indices, whole-body and plasma
samples were collected for further analysis. After the 6-wk growth trial, significant (P<0.05) differences in PWG resulted from
hydroxyproline supplementation were not detected. However for FE, significant effects were attributed to hydroxyproline
supplementation, with fish fed the diet supplemented with HP at 2% having lower FE than fish fed the remaining dietary
treatments ( p-value = 0.0067). In regards to muscle ratio, significant differences were also observed, with the 2% treatment
being significantly lower (p-value = 0.0427) than the rest of the treatments. No statistical differences were found for percentage
survival or proximate composition of whole-body tissues. Based on these results, there were no marked effects of HP
supplementation on juvenile red drum. Thus, unlike other fish that have benefited from HP supplementation, red drum appears
not to have a conditional requirement for HP when fed plant-based diets.
483
EVALUATION OF DIETARY WHEAT GLUTEN PRODUCTS ON GUT HEALTH AND GROWTH

PERFORMANCE OF RAINBOW TROUT Oncorhynchus mykiss
Sam W. Voller*, Daniel L. Merrifield, Simon J. Davies and Emmanuelle Apper
School of Biological Sciences

Plymouth University
Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
Samuel.voller@postgrad.plymouth.ac.uk
Increasing the sustainability of aquafeeds is paramount to improving the long term sustainability and productivity of the
aquaculture industry. The replacement of fishmeal with alternative protein sources, such as those derived from plants, has
received much attention and has enabled the expansions of aquaculture production despite the stagnated levels of fishmeal
availability and elevations in fishmeal cost. Salmonid diets require high protein levels and the plant protein sources used, and
those with potential for use, are coming under increasing scrutiny due to the presence of antinutritional factors. Identification of
plant protein products with greater health benefits and fewer antinutritional factors is a high priority. Gluten meals, high-protein
co-products from the removal of starch from cereal grains, are highly digestible proteins rich in glutamine which are considered
to be potentially beneficial plant protein sources.
A 9 week feeding trial was conducted at Plymouth University, using rainbow trout (24.02 ± 0.30g) stocked in triplicate 120L
tanks. The fish were fed diets that contained 10% fishmeal and 10% soybean meal. The remainder of the dietary protein in
the control diet (diet SPC) was provided by soy protein concentrate. The experimental diets contained either 10% vital wheat
gluten (diet 10% VWG), 20% vital wheat gluten (diet 20% VWG), 10% hydrolysed wheat gluten (diet 10% HWG), or 10%
soluble wheat gluten (diet 10% SOL) at the expense of soy protein concentrate. Corn starch was used as a filler and all diets
were iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic. These diets were designed to assess the quality of the wheat gluten meals, produced by
Tereos Syral (France), directly against soy protein concentrate. Posterior intestinal samples were obtained for histological, gene
expression and microbiological analyses to determine the localised dietary effects. In addition, blood samples were obtained
and the growth performance determined to assess the effects at the whole-organism level.
Fish fed 20%VWG were significantly heavier at the end of the trial compared to the SPC fed fish. This was due to a significantly
improved protein efficiency ratio (PER) and numerical, though not significant, improvements in feed conversion ratio (FCR)
and specific growth rate (SGR). Fish fed 10% HWG displayed significantly higher FCR (P<0.05) than the SPC fed fish. There
were no significant differences between hematocrit levels but haemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the 10% VWG
treatment and lower in the 10% SOL treatment, compared to the SPC, 20% VWG and 10% HWG fed fish (P<0.05). Serum
lysozyme activity was unaffected by dietary treatment. DGGE analysis from a preliminary two week trial revealed that the
inclusion of both VWG and HWG could modulate the intestinal microbial communities.
The results suggest that inclusion levels of up to 20% vital wheat gluten is feasible in rainbow trout aquafeeds to maintain, and
potentially enhance, growth and performance. Analysis of the effect of dietary wheat gluten inclusion on intestinal morphology,
immunological gene expression and gut microbiota using next generation sequencing is on-going.
484
APPLYING LAGRANGIAN DRIFTERS AND HYDRODYNAMIC MODELING TO SITE

SELECTION IN SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE
Pandora Wadsworth*, Scott Rutherford, and Dale Leavitt
epartment of Biology, Marine Biology and Environmental Science

One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809
pwadsworth878@g.rwu.edu
The success of a shellfish farm depends to a large degree on the selection of a suitable site to provide physical conditions
necessary for culture, such as the rate of water exchange, the flux of available food supply, and substrate quality, among other
factors. A suitable site is therefore dependent on the water circulation in the area and knowledge of the circulation patterns can
improve the efficiency of the selection process. In Narragansett Bay, determining water circulation patterns can help to locate
sites with high larval densities and food supplies or help to minimize the selection of sites prone to biofouling or oyster overset.
Additionally, the ability to predict the abundance of larvae at the site through water circulation patterns will benefit aquaculture
practices that rely on the placement of spat collectors for seed procurement.
To track hydrodynamic conditions and larval dispersal, Lagrangian subsurface drifters were deployed at six locations throughout
Narragansett Bay and released during the seasonal spawning period, from May to October. Deployment sites were chosen at
various sites throughout the upper bay and were part of a comprehensive study of the water circulation within Narragansett
Bay. The resulting drifter tracks showed unique hydrodynamic patterns at each deployment site and implied differences in
the rate of water exchange and resulting invertebrate larval dispersal. At the primary convergence site between the East and
West passages of Narragansett Bay, the drifter tracks indicated the mixing pattern was random. At other deployment sites,
the drifter tracks either showed widespread larval dispersal and extensive water exchange, or remained in the vicinity of the
site and suggested high larval settlement and/or limited water exchange. In addition, locations in the Bay where the drifters
continuously ran aground were considered similar to deployment sites with low larval dispersal and represented potential larval
sinks. The in situ drifter tracks were also compared to passive particle transport simulated by a Regional Ocean Modeling
System (ROMS) applied to Narragansett Bay. The comparability between the modeling system and the drifter deployments
varied greatly among sites, with some deployment sites showing very similar projected dispersal patterns and other sites
showing significant differences. With adequate verification, hydrodynamic characterization of local waters can contribute to
the site selection process for shellfish aquaculture.
485
ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCE ON THE FECUNDITY AND FERTILITY OF ZEBRAFISH

Danio rerio
Lemnique Wafer*, Jesse Whitney, V. Behrana Jensen, Rene Flores, Thomas Gomez,
Bradford S. Goodwin Jr.
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Center for Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care
6431 Fannin St, Houston, Tx 77054
lemnique.n.wafer@uth.tmc.edu
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become a popular vertebrate model for behavior and biomedical research. Although many
research projects depend on maximization of production of zebrafish embryos and fry, only a limited amount of literature has
been published investigating the effects of environmental enrichment on their fertility and fecundity. We propose that zebrafish
in a breeding tank with substrate will show greater fertility and fecundity than those in a bare tank. Substrates examined in
this study include plastic plants and plastic grass. Based on our initial observations, zebrafish with substrate in their micro-
environment appear to have greater embryo production. Our eventual goal is to identify specific environmental substrates
that maximize breeding efficiency and successful hatching in zebrafish. Findings will also help determine the feasibility and
importance of environmental enrichment in this particular species, a growing area of importance in laboratory animal medicine
and biomedical research.
486
GUIDING CAPTIVE BREEDING OF AFRICAN LUNGFISH (Protopterus aethiopicus) IN

UGANDA: GENETIC DIVERSITY AND SEX DETERMINATION
J. Walakira*, J. Molnar, K. Veverika. A. Wanda, P. Achieng, G.Kityo, C. Ondhoro, C. Masembe, S. Osama

and M. Agaba
National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, Uganda

Email: johnwalakira2003@yahoo.co.uk
The African lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) is an air-breathing fish that can be cultured in drought and stressful water quality
conditions, and supports many communities in Uganda. Fish farmers engaged in growing lungfish can only access the seed
from natural environments. This is not sustainable environmentally as wild lungfish populations are reportedly declining in
Uganda. Appropriate captive breeding techniques are currently developed using information generated from genomic research.
Lungfish samples were collected from six sources: lakes Wamala, Kyoga, Nawampasa, Bisina, Edward and George-Kazinga
channel. Genomic DNA was extracted from 253 samples using the Invitrogen™ genomic DNA extraction kit; PCR amplification
of D-loop fragments using primers developed from complete mt DNA of P. dolloi ; purified and sequences generated through
sanger sequence protocol. Genetic diversity analyzed at the mt DNA level using the D-loop sequences to establish the
phylogeography of lungfish. Assays to determine the sex of phenotypically identified lungfish verified using Sox family genes.
This study reveals the genetic diversity of African lungfish in Uganda and information that guides in determining sex of
fish. Information generated is important to the development of lungfish seed technologies in the sub-Saharan region and will
contribute to conservation of biodiversity of this fish: hence, improving nutrition and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
487
ALKALINITY, pH AND CO2: EFFECTS AND TOLERANCE LIMITS FOR Litopenaeus vannamei
SUPERINTENSIVE BIOFLOC CULTURE SYSTEM
Wilson Wasielesky Jr.*1, Plinio Furtado1, Luis Poersch1, Carlos Gaona1 and Craig Browdy2
1
Laboratório de Maricultura, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
manow@mikrus.com.br
2
Zeigler Bros, Inc. 400 Gardners Station Road, Gardners, PA, USA
During the last few years researchers have been developing newer production methods which move shrimp production indoors,
into greenhouse enclosed raceway systems. Shrimp have been reared at high densities in these systems reaching production
levels up to 9.0 kg/m2, in high density culture systems with no water exchange, alkalinity is consumed and pH can be decreased
severely due to increasing CO2- concentrations, associate to shrimp- and microorganisms respiration activities. The objective
of this study was to evaluate the effect of alkalinity, pH and CO2- concentrations, on survival, growth, food consumption, and
FCR of Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles in BFT culture systems.
Six experiments were carried out at Marine Station of Aquaculture, Federal University of Rio Grande – Brazil and at Waddell
Mariculture Center, SC Department of Natural Resources. The first experiment compared five pH treatments in clear water. In
the second experiment, two treatments (Normal pH 8.0 ± 0.1 and low pH - 6.7 ± 0.2) were compared in BFT systems. The third
trial was checked the effects of different alkalinities levels (75, 150, 225 and 300 mg/L) in L. vannamei culture performance. In
the fourth trial was determined the the suitable amounts of CaOH for improve alkalinities and pHs on L. vannamei BFT culture.
In the fifth and sixth trials were checked effects of CO2- on L. vannamei survival and growth, respectively.
Results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and differences between means analyzed by Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). In
clear-water (trial 1) survival was greater than 98% in all treatments and was not significantly different (P>0.05). In experiment
2, survival was also not significantly different (P>0.05). However, final weight, weight gain, final biomass, food consumption
and FCR were significantly higher in normal pH (P<0.05). In trial 3 better results were achieved when alkalinities were higher
than 150mg/L (P<0.05). In experiment 4 it was confirmed that applications of CaOH ranging from 10 to 20 percent of the
supplied feed amount can keep alkalinity and pH in suitable levels. In the fifth and sixth- trials was confirmed that is important
to monitor and keep CO2- concentrations below 6.2 mg/L in the BFT systems.
These results suggest that pH drops associated with build up of CO2 in intensive raceways can reduce growth and production,
although with proper husbandry, survival rates may not be affected. And also was confirmed the importance to keep alkalinity
up to 150mg/L and CO2-in low concentrations. for optimizing survival and growth of L. vannamei in BFT systems.
Acknowledgements: The authors are grateful to The US Marine Shrimp Farming Program and to FINEP, MPA, CNPq, Capes,
FAPERGS and Centro Oeste Rações S.A. (Guabi) for funding these researches.
488
EFFECTS OF NITRATE TOXICITY IN THE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP, Litopenaeus vannamei,

REARED WITH BIOFLOC TECHNOLOGY (BFT)
Bruno R. Campos, Plínio S. Furtado, Marta Klosterhoff, Alessandro P. Cardozo & Wilson Wasielesky Jr*

Federal University of Rio Grande - Rio Grande/RS – Brazil
manow@mikrus.com.br
In cultures of the Litopenaeus vannamei with biofloc the concentrations of nitrate rise during the culture period, which may
cause a reduction of growth and mortality of the shrimps. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the
concentration of nitrate on the growth and survival of shrimp in systems using bioflocs.
The experiment consisted of 4 treatments with 3 replicates

each: the concentrations of nitrate that were tested were 75
(control), 150, 300 and 600 mg NO3--N/L. To achieve levels
above 75 mg NO3--N/L, different dosages of sodium nitrate
(PA) were added. For this purpose, 12 experimental units
with a useful volume of 45 L were stocked with 15 juvenile L.
vannamei (1.30±0.31 g), corresponding to a stocking density
of 333 shrimps/m3, that were reared for an experimental
period of 42 days. Regarding the water quality parameters
measured throughout the study, no significant differences
were detected (p>0.05).
Concerning zootechnical performance, a significant

difference (p<0.05) was verified with the 75 (control) and
150 treatments presenting the best performance indexes,
while the 300 and 600 treatments led to significantly poorer
results (p<0.05). The histopathological damage was observed
in the gills and hepatopancreas of the shrimps exposed to
concentrations ≥ 300 mg NO3--N/L for 42 days, and poorer
zootechnical performance and lower survival were observed
in the shrimps reared at concentrations ≥ 300 mg NO3--N/L
under a salinity of 23. The results obtained in this study show
that concentrations of nitrate up to 177 mg/L are acceptable
for the rearing of L. vannamei in systems with bioflocs,
without renewal of water, at a salinity of 23.
489
MYCOBACTERIAL INFECTION IN Pleoticus muelleri
Bruno R. Campos, Alessandro P. Cardozo, Fernando D’Incao & Wilson Wasielesky Jr*

Rio Grande/RS – Brazil
manow@mikrus.com.br
Mycobacteriosis is a systematic and granulomatous disease, which produce tissue damage with marked proliferative tissue
response, usually granulomatous, with lymphocytes, epithelioid histiocytes and some multinucleated giant cells.
The mycobacterial infection have been observed in several species of both invertebrate and vertebrate animals, and that in the
crustacean is well defined in species such as Litopenaeus vannamei grown in wild animals are few observations and specifically
Pleoticus muelleri not this work have registered for this reference disease. The red-shrimp or santana-shrimp, as is popularly
called, as a wide geographical distribution, being present in the Southwest Atlantic off the coast of Espírito Santo (Brazil) to
Santa Cruz (Argentina) (Boschi, 1989). The highest concentrations occur in the Patagonian coast (Argentina), in areas with
temperatures between 6 ° C and 20 ° C and salinity from 31.5 to 33.5 (Boschi, 1986). The aim of this study was to analyze the
occurrence of mycobacteriosis in the red shrimp through histopathology.
The animals showed irregular black spots on various body parts and carapace more intense in caudal region (Fig. 1). The
histopathologic study showed both the cuticle and the muscle formations with abundant encapsulated pigment melanin
appearance. Masson Fontana technique confirmed that the pigment was melanin. The removal of melanin staining allowed for
the search for pathogens, the PAS was negative so discard mold and the Fite-Faraco could observe the presence of acid-resistant
mycobacteria (Fig. 2). The micobaceriosis are often diagnosed as penaeid shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei cultura. We present
examples of Pleoticus muelleri with mycobacteriosis cuticular and muscular, we believe that this is the first recorded cases of
this disease in this species of shrimp.
490
EFFECTS OF GRADED LEVELS OF SOYBEAN MEALAND METHODS FOR IDENTIFICATION

OF POTENITAL BIOMARKERS IN JUVENILE RED DRUM, Sciaenops ocellatus
Aaron M. Watson*, Michael R. Denson, John W. Leffler, Dan Bearden, Gibson T. Gaylord,
Frederic T. Barrows, Justin Yost

217 Fort Johnson Rd.
*email: watsona@dnr.sc.gov
As inclusion rates of plant proteins increase in formulated feeds, the ability to detect potential negative impacts as early
as possible is critical. Early detection of poor performance will shorten evaluation times and costs, allowing more rapid
advancement and improvement of nutrition and feeds. To achieve this goal, we have conducted a study of the effects of graded
levels (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60%) of soybean meal in feeds (40% CP, 14% CL) for red drum. Juvenile red drum were obtained
from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resource’s Waddell Mariculture Center and experiments were conducted in a
24 tank, recirculating aquaculture system at the Hollings Marine Laboratory.
Four tanks of 25 fish were raised on each diet, as well as a commercial reference diet, under optimal rearing conditions.
Over the course of a twelve week study, samples were taken weekly to assess growth, feed consumption, feed conversion
ratio, and hepatosomatic index. At the conclusion of the trial, significant differences were observed in feed consumption and
hepatosomatic index.
Samples were also taken for the development of multiplexed quantitative PCR assays to assess gene expression of potential
stress and feeding-related genes. A generic panel has been designed to assess cholecystokinin (CCK, Webb et al. 2010), neuronal
nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70, Dang et al.
2010) expression in liver and intestine tissues.
491
EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL DIETS IN THE ZEBRAFISH Danio rerio
Stephen A. Watts*, L.N. Dennis, L.A. Fowler, Yuan Yuan, R.J. Barry, S. Farmer, L.R. D’Abramo
and M.L. Powell
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
sawatts@uab.edu
Despite the widespread use of zebrafish in biomedical research, a defined diet of zebrafish at all life stages has not been
established. Rodent research largely depends on defined diets to standardize husbandry and experimental conditions, leading
to the development of the AIN-93 purified diet and the NIH-31 chow. These diets remain the standards in rodents, but no such
standard exist in zebrafish. The zebrafish research community has used a variety of live and formulated diets among laboratories,
but diet utilization has little empirical evaluation. We evaluated four of the most common formulated diets (determined by a
survey of ZHA), a chemically defined diet, and Artemia stage I nauplii (AN) in supporting growth and egg production. AB
strain 5 dpf larvae were polycultured with the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis (fortified with Nannochloropsis) until 10 dpf, and
then fed AN until 21 dpf. At 21 dpf zebrafish were fed either Zeigler AP-100 (Z), Gemma Micro, Otohime C-1, Tetramin flakes,
Z12 (a non-commercial reference diet) or maintained on AN for 14 additional weeks (ad libitum, as AN were always in the
tank). Formulated diets were not supplemented with AN. Each diet was fed to zebrafish in nine 2.8 L tanks, each containing 13
individuals (n=117 ind/treatment) twice daily (09:00 and 17:00) at a ration of >5% body weight per day (based on the fastest
growing treatment). Rations were adjusted biweekly.
All diets promoted high survival (>95%) and weight gain. Growth varied among diet treatments. At 4 weeks of feeding AN
showed highest weight gain, but populations showed reduced SGR after that time period. Terminal size was not reached at 17
wpf, suggesting further growth potential. Lipid content of males and females (ovary removed) ranged from 22 to 42 and 18 to
45% dry matter, respectively, suggesting diets fed at these levels increase adiposity of the populations. Reproductive success
(egg production, fertilization and viability) were relatively high in all diets (data not shown). These results show all commercial
diets can be successful in providing reproductively competent adults in the absence of the addition of a live diet (post larvae).
However, adiposity and related co-morbidities associated with obese fish could affect outcomes in research labs, particularly
when zebrafish are used as models of human disease. We suggest additional work is needed to evaluate feed management
strategies that may reduce apparent obesity in these models.
492
USE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY TO IDENTIFY LATE-STAGE MATURITY IN RAINBOW

TROUT Oncorhynchus mykiss
Gregory M. Weber* and Timothy D. Leeds
National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture, ARS/USDA

11861 Leetown Rd.
greg.weber@ars.usda.gov
Morphometric measurements by ultrasonography has been used to determine gonad and follicle size in many species of fish for
purposes of identifying sex and estimating stage of maturation. We have been using a portable ultrasound system (SonoSite
MicroMaxx, L25e/13-6 MHz transducer) to identify female trout close to ovulation and to assess testis size in neomales treated
with salmon pituitary extract to induce maturation at or shortly after 1-year of age. In each situation, required information to
make an evaluation of the maturation status can be attained by a quick look at the sonogram screen image, allowing sorting
in real-time. Ultrasonography can be used to identify female trout typically within about 3 days from ovulation based on a
dramatic decrease in echogenicity in which the eggs turn from light gray (Fig 1a) to black (Fig 1b) in the sonogram.
Estimation of testis size is hampered by the irregular shapes of testes in neomales, but fish sufficiently mature to yield viable
milt can usually be identified. As part of an effort to mature rainbow trout at 1 year of age, 230 neomales began receiving thrice
weekly injections of salmon pituitary extract (SPE, 1.5 mg/kg) at ~7 months post-hatching. Approximately 95% survived until
testes removal or by the end of the project at month 11. Ultrasound was used at month 10 to identify potential breeders. Over
60% were identified as having developed testes, and >85% of those selected had motile sperm. Previously untreated 14-month-
old neomales were also injected thrice weekly with SPE (1.5 mg/kg) to evaluate the effect of treatment on testis size. Control
fish remained below 6 g testes weight and 0.6% gonadosomatic index (GSI, Fig 2ab). Treated fish reached 23 g testes weight
and 2.4% GSI within 4 weeks of treatment but did not exceed 31g testes weight and 3.1% GSI after 8 weeks of treatment.
493
RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT IN AQUACULTURE EXTENSION AND PUBLIC EDUCATION
Don Webster
College Park MD, 20742
dwebster@umd.edu
Extension and other publicly funded U.S. educational programs have a history of applying research-based information to
identified problems. Land Grant and Sea Grant College systems have formalized this outreach and applied it effectively
in aquaculture. The foundation of extension involves non-biased information taught to clientele in off campus, non-credit
programs. While multi-part public funding has traditionally been the norm in operating these programs, constricting budgets
may cause educators to seek funds from other sources. When that occurs, a variety of ethical issues may arise that could affect
the non-biased nature of programs.
Grants sought from private organizations may imply biases to deliver program material endorsed by funders. Programs
sponsored by commercial concerns or gear, supplies and equipment provided by them can introduce perceived bias in
information delivery. Government funding agencies may alter neutrality by top-down directives or project reviews. Questions
of ethics in these issues can affect the way the outreach educator and his or her program is viewed.
International extension programs that used top-down, paternalistic extension systems relying on outside experts to bestow
knowledge on local populations were found to have poor long-term results. Unfortunately these conditions have sometimes
been used for domestic programs as well. Partnerships that actively involve target populations from project inception have
been more effective by involving audiences in the identification of problem, developing choices of potential solutions and
creating demonstration projects to find the methods that are most effective within existing social, economic and political
framework parameters. The author investigates the application of ethics in extension methodology to develop programs that
result in useful and long-lasting outcomes.
494
EFFECT OF DIETARY SOY PROTEIN SOURCE ON EFFLUENT WATER QUALITY, GROWTH

PERFORMANCE, AND PHYSIOLOGY OF RAINBOW TROUT REARED IN A SERIAL REUSE
WATER SYSTEM
Thomas L. Welker*, Ken Overturf, and Rick Barrows
USDA-ARS
Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station
Hagerman, Idaho 83332
thomas.welker@ars.usda.gov
Increasing demand from feed production for aquaculture feeds has diminished availability of fishmeal and made it more
expensive. Plant protein sources, especially soy, are now frequently used as partial protein replacement in trout diets, but
replacing fishmeal with plant protein products has created a number of problems, including reduced water quality. The impact
of plant proteins on water quality could be minimized through improved diet formulation, such as incorporation of novel soy
protein products, and processing. Baseline information is needed on water quality and performance of rainbow trout fed diets
incorporating soybean meal and soy protein products. We currently have a research tank system that is capable of receiving 1st,
3rd, and 5th use water from a serial-reuse trout production hatchery and is able to monitor the water quality entering and exiting
the system. In this experiment, only the results from 1st and 3rd use water are reported due to issues with flow and water quality
in tanks receiving the 5th use water.
Juvenile rainbow trout (~120 g) were fed a fishmeal control diet (CN), a high soy protein concentrate diet (SPC), a high
soybean meal diet (SBM), or a diet with high levels of fermented soy protein concentrate (SPC-f) for 12 weeks (3 tanks/diet for
each water source). We measured temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), ammonium (NH4+), pH, turbidity, and dissolved
oxygen (DO) during the study with water quality data loggers. Total dissolved solids, NH4+, and turbidity were higher for 3rd
use compared to 1st use water, and values were also higher exiting the tanks compared to the inflow water. Total dissolved
solids and NH4+ were higher for the SPC-f diet. Turbidity was characterized by high variation and was highest for the SBM
and SPC-f diets. Dissolved oxygen levels were near 100% saturation for 1st use water inflow and approximately 80% for 3rd
use inflow. Levels decreased after passing through tanks and were significantly lower in 3rd use water but not affected by diet.
Water source and diet did not affect water pH. Weight gain was significantly lower in trout in 3rd use compared to 1st use water.
Weight gain was also lower for fish fed the SBM diet compared to the other diets, which produced similar growth. The same
pattern for weight gain for diet was observed in both 1st and 3rd use water. It is unclear if water quality contributed to poor
growth performance. Relative percent survival (RPS) was lower in 3rd use compared to 1st use water. Furthermore, RPS was
significantly lower in trout fed the SBM diet in 3rd use water but not in 1st use water. Fish fed the SBM diet were generally
in poorer physiological condition with lower body fat stores and lower growth rate. The effects of soy protein source on other
physiological parameters and expression of genes indicative of physiological performance will also be discussed.
495
FISH FEED TRIALS – ARE THEY HAPPY IN THERE?
T. Wilke*, I. Lowin, S. Kirwan, B. Eckel
Dr. Eckel GmbH, Postfach 20, 56651 Niederzissen (Germany)

E-Mail: t.wilke@dr-eckel.de
Introduction
Animal welfare is in the public eye mainly linked to mammals and birds. One of the implications of this is that animal welfare
is less of a concern in fish trials, however there is scientific evidence that fish have the same ability to suffer distress as other
higher animals.
Material and Methods

The goldfish (Carassius auratus) trial unit was set up primarily for a controlled feeding trial, consisting of 16 separate tanks in
a 4x4 frame; feed was offered twice per day by automated feeders. Weight gain and water parameters were measured regularly.
Behavior was observed and recorded daily, five times per week with special regard to behavior relevant to Brambell’s “Five
Freedoms”.
Even in a feeding trial elements of welfare are comprised with regards to the five freedoms. However, adapted handling
practices, water monitoring at frequent intervals and absence of natural stressors can improve welfare in a commercial trial
set up.
496
EFFECTS OF ESTABLISHED AND NEW EXPERIMENTAL FEED ADDITIVES IN GOLDFISH

(Carassius auratus L.) DURING A 12-WEEKS FEEDING TRIAL
T. Wilke, S. Kirwan, I. Lowin, M. Korzekwa, B. Eckel
Dr. Eckel GmbH, Postfach 20, 56651 Niederzissen (Germany)

E-Mail: t.wilke@dr-eckel.de
Livestock production knows a wide variety of feed additives, many of which are being taken up by aquacultures. However,
in-vivo trials to prove transferability are still scarce. This trial was aiming to test both well-established flavonoid blends, novel
phytogenic ideas.
The trial unit consisted of 16 tanks of 38 liters each; each tank was equipped with a heater and a filter system; 40 % of the
water was exchanged daily; five feeding groups plus a control group were fed twice per day for 12 weeks. Goldfish (Carassius
auratus) of between 2.0 and 3.5 g were chosen for the trial. Weight gain was measured weekly by tank-wise catch and weighting.
In the course of the trial the fish kept their body weight. But compared to the control group without feed additive and the all-
groups mean, groups behaved differently (Figure 1). Feeding group “LL”, representing an experimental additive based on
phospholipids, was the only group whose value were constantly higher than the control group and the all-groups-mean across
the whole trial period. The study has now been extended to investigate mode-of-action, mortality and vitality and further
analysis of water parameters is still ongoing
497
A TANDEM-REPEAT TYPE GALECTIN FROM SEAHORSE Hippocampus abdominalis:

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL PROFILE UPON IMMUNE
CHALLENGES
William Shanthakumar Thulasitha*, Navaneethaiyer Umasuthan, M.S.Mothishri, Wan Qiang,

and Jehee Lee
Department of Marine Life Sciences

School of Marine Biomedical Sciences
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Republic of Korea
thulasiwilliam@gmail.com
Galectins are the members of carbohydrate binding lectins identified by their affinity to β-galactosides. Based on the number
and structural architecture, they have been classified as proto, chimera and tandem-repeat type. Galectins are highly expressed
in innate immune cells and are involved in immune defense against pathogens as pattern recognition receptors. In the present
study we identified a tandem-repeat galectin (Galectin-4 like) from a cDNA library of seahorse Hippocampus abdomibnalis
(ShGal-4like). A cDNA of ShGal-4 like was composed of 22 bp of 5´ UTR, 1050 bp open reading frame encoding 349 amino
acids, and 130 bp of 3´UTR. The putative peptide (38.27 kDa) contained two homologous carbohydrate recognition (19Y - I150
and 220Y – F349) domains which are linked by a linker peptide of 69 aa (151G – P219). ShGal-4like protein shared high identity (65.7
%) and similarity (75.7 %) with Cynoglossus semilaevis galectin-4. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ShGal-4like clustered
together with other teleostean counterparts. The mRNA transcripts were detected in all the examined tissues of healthy fish with
the significant high fold level in stomach followed by intestine, testis and kidney (Fig. 1(A)). Up-regulated pattern of mRNA
expression was observed in kidney tissue when injected with bacterial pathogens including Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus
iniae and LPS in different time points. However, only a small induction was observed upon poly I:C challenge. Results from
the present study suggest the significant role of ShGal-4like in response to bacterial pathogens in seahorse.
498
FISHING FOR INFORMATION: ECONOMIC DATA RESOURCES FOR THE AQUACULTURE

INDUSTRY AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Dr. Sherry Wise*
Agricultural Marketing Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-0262
Sherry.Wise@ams.usda.gov
The mission of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is to provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural
development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.
In order to fulfill its mission, the USDA has developed a wealth of economic data and other information that is utilized by
independent commodity producers as well as multinational corporations. However, the extensive volume and variety of the
data, and even an understanding of the agencies that develop the data, can be overwhelming to the uninitiated. Much of the
information produced by the USDA has as much relevance for the aquaculture industry as it does for land production. But
where to go, and how to get started? The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the key agencies that develop
and publish USDA economic data, and to discuss the significance for the aquaculture industry. Five agencies and the key
information most likely to be of concern to aquaculture are described.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (www.ams.usda.gov), in addition to its grading, inspection and organic certification roles,
is the go-to source for current market prices of feedstuffs, covering local, state and national prices, as well as a wealth of
other information from wholesale and retail meat and poultry prices, to listings of farmers markets, and how-to information
regarding selling to USDA food programs. The Economic Rerearch Service (www.ers.usda.gov) compiles data from across
the government into user-friendly formats, conducts research on important issues facing the industry, and makes forecasts of
prices, production and trade. The Foreign Agricultural Service (www.fas.usda.gov) not only reports monthly data on trade
by country and product from various data bases across the government, but provides a database on attache reports to help
you understand the context of trade and trade relationships. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (www.nass.usda.gov)
compiles agriculture and aquaculture census data, available in different formats, and prepares regular reports on a wide range
of industry subjects, with customized data access. The Office of the Chief Economist (www.oce.usda.gov) produces current and
projected values of commodity production and price on an international basis, and houses a meterologic unit which reports on
global climate conditions, and how they affect food production. These five agencies are at the heart of USDA economic data.
499
MODELING INDIVICUAL DENSITIES OF TWO MICROALGAE SPECIES Tisochrysis leuta

AND Cheatoceros muelleri IN A GRADIENT DIET STUDY
Nitalya J. Wolkowicz*, Jacqueline Mitchell, Bradford Bourque, Joseph Szczebak, Andrew L. Rhyne


One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809
nwolkowicz725@g.rwu.edu
Copepods are important primary consumers and essential live prey in aquaculture. Their diet consists of microalgae. Ensuring
an optimal diet requires counting multispecies of algae. Traditional counting methods like hemocytometers are time-intensive
while faster light absorption techniques cannot differentiate species. Alternatively, an automatic Coulter Counter is not only
fast, but also capable of multispecies detection. By calculating the densities of each species of phytoplankton in multispecies
algal solutions of known concentrations, a model can be applied to predict the densities of each species of algae in solutions of
unknown concentrations. This can be used to determine an optimal diet. Six concentrations of multispecies algal solutions were
prepared and counted at varying size ranges (3.5-7.5 μm, 3.5-4.7 μm, 3.5-5.0 μm, 4.7-5.5 μm, 4.7-7.5 μm, and 5.5-7.5 μm). A
mathematical model was created using a series of equations to analyze the collected data. This analysis included density counts,
predicted cell counts for each algal species, and computation of the theoretical density counts for each solution. The model was
then validated and used in a diet study for copepods.
500
GENETICS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND PROTECT NATURAL POPULATIONS
William R. Wolters*1, Brian G. Bosworth2 and Timothy D. Leeds3
1
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center, 25 Salmon Farm
Road, Franklin, ME USA 04634
2
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Stoneville, MS
38776; 3USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture,
There have been many benefits of genetic improvements in terrestrial livestock; such as increased growth, disease resistance and
other traits desired by consumers, however aquaculture is lagging behind in production of genetically improved stocks. In order
to produce improved genetic stocks in aquaculture, breeding programs must be initiated and sustained and genomic resources
must be developed. The genetic knowledge, funding and labor to initiate and maintain these programs are extensive and
beyond the means of most small aquaculture operations common in the United States yet the potential for genetic improvement
in aquaculture could parallel genetic improvements in the poultry, beef and dairy cattle, and swine industries. Worldwide only
about 1% of aquaculture production was based on improved stocks in 1992 and it increased to only 5% by 2002 (Gjedrem and
Baranski 2009). The production percentage for U.S. aquaculture may be increasing because of recent releases of improved
germplasm and improved hybridization techniques in the U. S. catfish, salmon, and rainbow trout industries (Wolters 2010;
Wiens et al. 2013; Bosworth and Waldbieser 2014), however, the percentage of genetically improved stocks utilized in the U.S.
aquaculture industry is low compared to Norway (USDA 2003). Examples of genetic improvement using selective breeding,
genomics, hybridization, and chromosome set manipulations in the trout, salmon, and catfish industries will be presented.
Bosworth, B.G. and Waldbieser, G.C. 2014. General and specific combining ability of male blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) and
female channel catfish (I. punctatus) for growth and carcass yield of their F1 hybrid progeny. Aquaculture 420-421:S29-S35.
Gjedrem, T., and M. Baranski. 2009. Selective breeding in aquaculture: An introduction. Reviews: Methods and Technologies
in Fish Biology and Fisheries 10, Springer Science+Business Media. 221 p.
U.S.D.A. 2003. Part II: Reference of foodsize catfish health and production practices in the United States, 2003.
USDA:APHIS:VS,CEAH, National Animal Health Monitoring System, Fort Collins, CO. #N407.1103.
Wiens, G.D., S. E. LaPatra, T. J. Welch, J. P. Evenhuis, C. E. Rexroad, and T. D. Leeds. 2013. On-farm performance of rainbow
trout (Oncorhychus mykiss) selectively bred for resistance to bacterial cold water disease: Effect of rearing environment
on survival phenotype. Aquaculture 388-391:128-136.
Wolters, W. R. 2010. Sources of phenotypic and genetic variation for seawater growth in five North American Atlantic salmon
stocks. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 41:421-429.
501
EFFECTS OF METOMIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE AND TRICAINE METHANESULFONATE

ON THE SHORT TERM CORTISOL RESPONSE IN CHANNEL CATFISH
Monica L. Wood, Corrin Flora, Brian C. Peterson
Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of
Agriculture, Stoneville, Mississippi 38776
The effects of metomidate hydrochloride and tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) on cortisol stress response of channel catfish,
Ictalurus punctatus, were examined during 10 minutes of sedation. Channel catfish were assigned to three treatments: 1.
Metomidate hydrochloride (12.5 mg/L), 2. MS-222 (100 mg/L), and 3. Control (fish anesthetized immediately before the
bleeding interval). Fish were netted and transferred to buckets containing metomidate hydrochloride or MS-222, while Control
fish were netted and transferred to buckets containing no anesthetic. Blood samples were then taken at two minute intervals
from time zero (stage three sedation) to 10 minutes. After 6 minutes of sedation, cortisol levels were significantly different
across all treatments (P < 0.05). Additionally, cortisol levels in the control were greater than both anesthetics, while MS-
222 cortisol levels were greater than metomidate hydrochloride. Differences remained significant for the remainder of the
study. Although there were no significant differences during the first 5 minutes of sampling, the data suggests metomidate
hydrochloride may be a better choice for suppression of cortisol response if sampling is more than 5 minutes.
502
122
APPLYING EQUATIONS FOR CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus FOOD CONVERSION
RATIOS AND FEEDING RATES
William A. Wurts

UKREC, P.O. Box 469
Princeton, KY 42445-0469
http://www2.ca.uky.edu/wkrec/Wurtspage.htm
As production systems for channel catfish become more intensive, feeding must become more accurate and precise to ensure
good growth and survival. Robinson et. al. (1998) reported Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) and feeding rate values for various
sizes of catfish. Wurts (2014) presented equations generated with these data. The equations had high correlations with the
data (R2 = 0.97- 0.98). With these equations, reasonably precise FCR and feeding rate (% BW) estimates can be generated for
channel catfish ranging in size from 27 g to 1362 g.
If one knows individual fish weight, FCR and % BW fed it is relatively simple to calculate growth at regular intervals. Equations
can be used to calculate the data required to adapt feeding rate changes to coincide with good growth. FCR and % BW fed
equations will be discussed. Applications of the equations (Wurts, 2014) below to calculate FCR, % BW fed and growth will
be examined, where y = FCR or % BW fed and x = fish weight.
FCR:
y = 0.6742x 0.1694
R2 = 0.98
% BW fed:
y = 16x-0.378
R2 = 0.97
503
IRRIGATING LATE SUMMER CORN WITH CHANNEL CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus POND
WATER IN WESTERN KENTUCKY: A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
Forrest Wynne* and John Murdock

Graves County Extension Office
251 Housman Street
Mayfield, KY 40601
fwynne@uky.edu
Late summer corn was planted following the harvest of a winter wheat crop during late June 2014. Irrigation water was drawn
from a 1.6 ha commercial catfish pond and applied to a 16 ha corn field using a 247 m center pivot system equipped with a
terminal spray gun. This system was calibrated to deliver 1.5 cm of water per ha, an estimated 2,466,938 L per application,
on the corn field beginning the first week of July. Each water application was calculated as approximately 11% of the pond
volume. Replacement water was pumped a short distance to the irrigation pond from the nearby well. Depending on rainfall,
corn was watered every 6 days and at times more frequently, during the eight week growing season. One 1.6 ha pond was
used for irrigation and the other as a control pond. Weekly water samples were taken from the two ponds and irrigation water
suitability tests were analyzed by a commercial laboratory.
Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus ponds were stocked with approximately 12,400 fish per ha and are harvested and restocked
in a multiple batch production system. Fish were fed 136 kg of 28% protein commercial catfish feed daily in both ponds
throughout the demonstration. Annual catfish production was estimated to be 4,500 to 5,625 kg per ha. Corn was harvested
during September 2014.
Comparisons will be made between the irrigation and control pond to evaluate differences in water quality that may affect fish
and corn crop production. Irrigating with pond water increases pumping efficiency. Alternatively, water would be pumped long
distances from the well through irrigation pipe to the watering system. Pumping efficiency would be reduced due to the friction
of water flowing through the pipe. A potential advantage of irrigating from a pond as opposed from a well is the difference
in water temperature. Summer surface water temperatures in Western Kentucky ponds range from 26 to 32 Co. Well water
temperatures are 13 to 16 Co. Application of the colder well water may negatively affect corn during pollination.
504
THE MECHANISM OF CIRCADIAN CLOCK REGULATING REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINE

AND OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT OF YELLOW PERCH PERCA FLAVESCENS AT A
STIMULATED SEASONAL LOW TEMPERATURE
Zhigang Xie*1, Hanping Wang, Zhigang Shen, Yanhe Li
*Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Laboratory

The Ohio State University South Centers
1864 Shyville Rd, Piketon, OH, U.S.A., 45661
1College of Chemistry and Life Science

Zhejiang Normal University
Jinhua, PR China, 321004
xiezhigang@zjnu.cn
The seasonal timing of life-history events such as maturation and spawning is often under strong natural selection, requiring
organisms to integrate and coincide with multiple environmental signals. Since reproduction is of high energetic costs, it
is advantageous for an organism to forecast the optimal timing of reproduction, to exploit favorable conditions for future
offspring’s survival. Seasonal periodicity is believed to be entrained by environmental cues such as light and temperature, but
the knowledge about how these cues integratively triggering reproductive events is limited.
Photoperiod is a predictable and stable time signal that organisms use to respond to seasonally varying conditions, which has
a significant effect on annual and daily biological rhythms like reproductive cycles, spawning time, gonad maturation and
hormone secretion. Photoperiod can entrain the molecular system of circadian clocks, which is based on complex positive and
negative loops of a variety of relative clock genes oscillating with a periodicity close to 24 h. The circadian clock system in
response to changed photoperiod can affect gonad maturation and spawning time by regulating reproductive hormone secretion.
The yellow perch Perca flavescens is a cold water aquaculture species. The fish is an annual early spring spawner, and their
gonad development requires a relatively long time under a temperature of 10C. In this study, we attempted to explore the
mechanism of circadian clock regulating reproductive endocrine and ovarian development of yellow perch subjected to a
specific photoperiods (L: D 8:16 and 0:24) at a simulated low temperature. The results would demonstrate gene expression
pattern of molecular clock system, including positive elements (Clock or Bmal1) and negative elements (Per or Cry) of the
feedback loop, and the changes of plasma levels of melatonin and several key reproductive hormones.
505
WATER QUALITY AND COOL WATER OFF-FLAVOR ALGAE IN FOUR ARKANSAS

COMMERCIAL CATFISH FARMS
Lin Xie*, Peter Perschbacher
Aquaculture/Fisheries Department
xiel@uapb.edu
Pond culture during the cool weather period of late fall, winter and early spring have experienced problems related to algal
populations and water quality. Geosmin tainting by off-flavor cyanobacteria is more abundant at this time. Toxic algae episodes
also appear to be more common during cool weather periods, including the devastating new golden algae (Pyrmesium parvum)
HAB, in adjacent Texas and believed to have occurred in Arkansas. Water and phytoplankton samples were collected weekly
at 0800-1000 from November to April for three consecutive years from 12 ponds at 4 commercial catfish farms located in
the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain of southeastern Arkansas. The prevalence of Anabaena circinalis (A. C.) is greater than
Oscillatoria chalybea (O. C.) and Pseudanabaena limnetica (P. L.) during December-April (Table 1). Results from Poisson
regression shows that the values of the expected number of A. C. is significantly related to DO, pH, TDS, UIA, Chlorophyll a
and Pheophytin a and the expected number of O. C. is statistically associated with DO, pH, TAN, Chlorophyll a, Pheophytin a,
BD, and D, whereas the expected number of P. L. is linked to DO, TAN and Chlorophyll a, respectively.
506
PARASITISM BY ICH ENHANCED SUSCEPTIBILITY OF TILAPIA TO Flavobacterium

columnare
De-Hai Xu*, Craig A. Shoemaker and Benjamin R. LaFrentz
USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Aquatic Animal Health Research Unit, 990 Wire Road, Auburn, AL
36832, USA
dehai.xu@ars.usda.gov
In aquaculture systems, fish are commonly infected by two or more pathogens. Bacterium Flavobacterium columnare and
parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) are two common pathogens of cultured fish and result in heavy economic losses for
aquaculture. There is no published information available on whether parasite infection will increase the susceptibility of tilapia
to F. columnare. The objective of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of hybrid tilapia to F. columnare after parasitism
by I. multifiliis.
Hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus) with an average length of 9.1 ± 1.1 cm (mean ± SD) and weight of 12.4
± 4.6 g were used in this trial. Fish were divided into 18 tanks (triplicate tanks/treatment) with 20 fish per tank that received
the following treatments: 1) non-infected control; 2) infected by I. multifiliis at 30,000 theronts/fish alone; 3) infected by F.
columnare ALM-05-53 at 4.59×107 CFU/mL; 4) infected by I. multifiliis at 30,000 theronts/fish and exposed to F. columnare
ALM-05-53 at 4.59×107 CFU/mL; 5) infected by F. columnare TN-3-2012 at 4.27×107 CFU/mL; 6) infected by I. multifiliis at
30,000 theronts/fish and exposed to F. columnare TN-3-2012 at 4.27×107 CFU/mL. To challenge with F. columnare, fish were
immersed in water in buckets with ALM-05-53 or TN-3-2012 for 15 min. Fish not exposed to the bacterium were kept in water
with Shieh broth for the same duration. After challenge, the fish and challenge water were poured into the appropriate tanks
and water flows were adjusted to 0.4 – 0.5 L/min. Fish mortality was recorded and dead fish were examined for I. multifiliis
and F. columnare infection twice daily for 17 d. At 3 and 6 days post F. columnare challenge, two fish were randomly sampled
from each tank to check for I. multifiliis infection and then gill and kidney were collected to quantify F. columnare in tissues by
real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
The fish showed 2.1% mortality when infected by I. multifiliis alone at 30,000 theronts per fish. The fish yielded 0% mortality
when challenged with F. columnare TN-3-2012 alone and 29.1% mortality when challenged with F. columnare ALM-05-53
alone. Mortalities were significantly increased in I. multifiliis parasitized fish than non-parasitized fish after exposure to F.
columnare. The parasitized fish showed a 25.0% and 60.4% mortality after exposure to F. columnare TN-3-2012 and ALM-
05-53, respectively. Flavobacterium columnare in fish tissues was quantified by qPCR and reported as genome equivalents
per mg of tissue (GEs/mg). No F. columnare was detected in tissues of parasitized or non-parasitized fish prior to exposure
to F. columnare. The bacterial load in gill of parasitized fish (5702.5 GEs/mg) was 14 fold higher than non-parasitized fish
(415.4 GEs/mg) 3 days post exposure to F. columnare ALM-05-53. Similarly, the bacterial loads in the kidneys of parasitized
fish were significantly higher than non-parasitized fish after exposure to F. columnare. This study suggests that prevention of
parasite infection in fish will not only reduce the direct damage caused by the parasite but will also reduce fish mortality due
to F. columnare co-infection.
507
THE SEX CHROMOSOME SYSTEM IN ROCK BREAM FISH Oplegnathus fasciatus
Xu Dongdong (xudong0580@163.com)
Lou Bao (loubao6577@163.com)
Key Lab of Mariculture and Enhancement of Zhejiang province, Marine Fishery Institute of Zhejiang
Province, 316100, Zhoushan, P. R. China
The rock bream fish (Oplegnathus fasciatus) is an important commercial marine species. In this study, the cytogenetic and
molecular genetic methods were employed, and the chromosome banding and FISH techniques were used to determine the
sex-chromosome system and the evolutionary characteristics of the sex chromosome.
Karyotype analysis showed that the chromosome number in the females was 48 and their chromosome formula is 2n = 2m +
46t, NF=50. While, mitotic preparations show 2n = 47 in the males. The chromosome formula is 2n = 3m + 44t, NF=50. A large
metacentric chromosome observed exclusively in the males was heterotypic chromosome, and no other chromosomes paired
with it. The heterotypic chromosome stained by C-banding exhibited 1 centrometric bands and 2 telomeric bands. The unique
heterotypic chromosome in the males was likely to be Y chromosome.
The chromosomal distribution of 9 mono-, di- and tri-nucleotide microsatellites were analyzed using fluorescence in situ
hybrization (FISH) in rock bream fish. Generally, the males and females exhibited the same autosomal pattern of distribution
for a specific microsatellite probe. However, the male specific Y chromosome showed a strong composition of several
microsatellites, despite not presenting significant heterochromatic amount. These findings are likely in agreement with models
that predict that multiple sex chromosomes have no additional increase of heterochromatin during their differentiation.
Finally, we employed amplified fragment-length polymorphism (AFLP) approach with 144 primer combinations to identify
sex-specific markers in the rock bream. Four male-specific AFLP fragments were identified which were designated as Opl286,
Opl237, Opl422, and Opl228. Further sequencing analysis of the sex-markers’ genomic region revealed subtle differences
between the males and females. We identified 4 male-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a deletion of 8 bp
in marker Opl286, 6 male-specific SNPs in marker Opl237, 3 male-specific SNPs in marker Opl422, and 8 male-specific SNPs
and 1 bp inversions in marker Opl228. Specific primers were designed based on the nucleotide variations in the sequences to
develop a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for identifying genetic sex of rock bream. As a result, three out of
the four male-specific markers were converted into SNP markers. The male-specific AFLP markers and AFLP-derived SNP
markers were tested in 100 individuals collected from three locations around the coast of Zhoushan, giving reproducible sex
identification. These male-specific DNA markers will provide an important tool for the identification of sex-determining locus
and artificial breeding in the rock bream.
508
PROLONGED SALINITY TOLERANCE OF WHITE WORMS Enchytraeus albidus:

A EURYHALINE LIVE FEED FOR JUVENILE AND SMALL-MOUTHED ORGANISMS
Timothy V. Yakubowski* and Michelle L. Walsh
Florida Keys Community College

Key West, FL 33040
Timothy.Yakubowski@fkcc.edu
White worms Enchytraeus albidus are 2–4 cm long, globally distributed, intertidal oligochaetes that feed on decaying organic
matter. They are found on a wide variety of moist terrestrial soils, in fresh and brackish waters, in the marine littoral zone and on
aquatic plants washed ashore (Ivelva 1973). Many sectors of the aquaculture industry (public aquariums, research institutions,
commercial farms) have expressed interest in testing white worms as feed for juvenile and small-mouthed organisms, including
those reared for stock enhancement, ornamentals, and finicky eaters (such as sea horses). Thus, the University of New Hampshire
is currently spearheading an investigation on the efficiency, biosecurity and marketability of mass scale production.
Although generally reared in moist soils, white worms survive and continue to move when fully immersed in water. This
not only elicits a behavioral feeding response from predaceous organisms to which the worms are fed, but also may slow the
deterioration in tank water quality because any excess feed remains alive and thus does not break down in tanks like other
feeds, remaining available and moving until the appetite of the target cultured species returns (Walsh 2012). Salinity tolerance
of white worms spans the spectrum of most natural waters (0-35 ppt). However, the limits of prolonged exposure (if any) have
yet to be investigated.
We monitored survival of white worms over a series of days using 96-well plates (Fig. 1; *5 replicate plates). Salinities were
examined in 10 ppt increments from 0–40 ppt. Worm survival for each salinity per plate was averaged from 5 randomized,
individual wells (one worm per well). Food coloring was used to track differing salinities within each plate easily, a different
color for each salinity. Water within each well was changed daily. Worm survival was high for all salinities with little mortality
recorded even days after trial initiation.
This study has vast implications regarding the marketability of white worms for use with a diverse array of cultured species.
The prolonged survival in the full salinity spectrum of most natural waters makes white worms an attractive live feed candidate
for many juvenile and small-mouthed organisms.
Ivleva, I. V. 1973. Mass cultivation of invertebrates: biology and methods. Israel Programme for Scientific Translations,
Jerusalem, Israel.
Walsh, M. L. 2012. Potential of white worms, E
nchytraeus albidus, as a component for aquaculture and stock enhancement feeds. World Aquaculture Magazine. September.
43(3): 44–46.
Fig. 1. Experimental set-up in 96-well

509
EFFECT OF LIGHT INTENSITY ON COMMON SNOOK (Centropomus undecimalis) LARVAL

REARING
Carlos Yanes-Roca*, Nathan Brennan, Nicole Rhody, Kevan Main
Mote Aquaculture Park

12300 Fruitville Road,
Sarasota, FL 34240
cyanes@mote.org
Common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) culture is currently being developed and larval rearing remains as primary
bottleneck. The effects of different environmental factors during the larval stages are critical to achieve feasible survival and
growth.
Larvae were reared under three different light intensities (200, 500 & 1000 Lux) 24 hours a day during the first 15 days post-
hatch (DPH) and growth and survival were assessed. Eggs were stocked in 3 L hatchers which delivered into 90 L black conical
tanks after hatching. Each treatment included four replicate 90 L tanks within a recirculation system. Water temperature was
kept at 28 oC, salinity at 35 parts per thousand and dissolved oxygen at 5-7 mg/l. Growth was monitored at 1, 5, 10 and 15
DPH. Survival was assessed at day 15. No significant difference (p<0.05) was found on growth between treatments, although
the 1000 lux treatment had in average, the largest larvae (3.6 mm) at 15DPH. In terms of survival, a significant difference was
found (p>0.05, ANOVA). The 1000 Lux treatment had the highest survival with a 16.5% followed by the 500 Lux (5.9%) and
the 200 Lux (3.5%) (Figure 1).
510
CONTRORABLE STERILIZATION OF CATFISH Ictalurus punctatus THROUGH THE

KNOCKDOWN OF PRIMORDIAL GERM CELL MARKER GENES: VASA, NANOS AND
DEAD END BY USING THE STERIL FERAL SYSTEM
Zhi Ye*, Rex A. Dunham
Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture

Auburn University
Auburn, AL36849
zzy0008@auburn.edu
Regardless of the great progress that transgenic technology have made on the modification of economic traits, the
commercialization of transgenic fish still have a long way to go as the public’s concern about the risks of environment that
transgenic fish may cause have not been cleared. The government is more likely to proceed with commercialization of transgenic
fish if they are sterilized. Currently, transgenic sterilization is the only option which can offer potential for 100% effective,
permanent, commercial scale sterilization.
Three modified tet-off system based Sterile Feral (SF) constructs were designed, targeting three primordial germ cell (PGC)
marker genes: vasa, nanos and dead end (dnd), which are responsible for PGC migration, colonization of the genital ridge and
ultimately gamete formation. They all have the backbone of the plasmid FRMwg (GenBank: AF170915.1) and include the
knockdown component: nanos ds-shRNA driven by nanos promoter, dnd ds-shRNA driven by nanos promoter and vasa ds-
shRNA driven by Dazl promoter respectively. Each plasmid was electroporated into the 70 min post-fertilization embryos and
then divided into 100ppm doxycycline (dox) treated group and no dox group. The hatched fries were raised in the ponds till
sexual mature and checked for fertility during spawning season.
High percentage of sterility and fertility was observed in the no dox and dox treated group respectively, for both the males and
females (Table 1). The gonad of sterilized fish was either not formed or no mature germ cells produced. The results indicated
that the SF system worked well and the expression of target genes may was successfully knocked down. A further research on
gene expression analysis will be done by RT-PCR. Except the doxycycline treated females, the other groups didn’t get a 100
percent fertility or sterility, this may be due to the limitation of knockdown strategy, the efficiency of promoters and interferon
response can also affect the efficiency of these constructs.
511
EFFECTS OF GRADED LEVELS OF DIETARY SOYBEAN MEAL INCLUSION ON

INTESTINAL MORPHOLOPY AND GROWTH OF RED DRUM Sciaenops ocellatus
Justin Yost*, Patrick Biondo, Kiera Givens, John Leffler, Daniel Bearden, Michael R. Denson,
and Aaron M. Watson

yostj@dnr.sc.gov
The aquaculture industry relies heavily on fishmeal and fish oil as key ingredients in fish feed production. Over the past 20
years, reduction fisheries populations have plateaued while global seafood consumption has steadily increased. As a result, the
future sustainability of reduction fisheries’ products may not keep pace with the demands of the growing aquaculture industry.
Additional protein sources, including vegetable-based plant proteins, are currently being evaluated as possible substitutes for
fishmeal. Soybean meal (SBM) has been used as a sustainable alternative to fishmeal but has been shown to cause intestinal
enteritis in certain teleost species. With the continued expansion of the soy industry into aquaculture feeds, additional testing
of soybean meal and its potential impacts on growth and health in fish species needs further evaluation.
Red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, was used as a model for warm-water, marine species in determining soybean meal tolerance
through graded fishmeal substitution. A 12-week feeding study was conducted on juvenile (initial mean weight, 46.9 g) red
drum utilizing six experimental diets: a commercial reference diet, a 0% SBM control diet, a 15% SBM, a 30% SBM, a 45%
SBM, and a 60% SBM. Fish were held in twenty-four 1,500 L recirculating tanks, four randomly assigned replicate tanks per
diet at a concentration of twenty fish per tank, and fed twice daily to satiation. By the end of the experiment, no statistical
differences in final weight (g) or condition factor per treatment were detected (ANOVA, α = 0.05: p = 0.34022 and 0.355995,
respectively). Measurements of intestinal morphology (villi area, lamina propria area, and goblet cell density), taken from the
distal section of the small intestine, were compared weekly in a subset of fish from each treatment (fig 1). Determining the
maximum amount of soybean meal red drum can tolerate without negatively affecting growth and physiological functions will
offer feed manufactures a more sustainable, cost-effective alternative to fish byproducts. Initial results suggest the increased
concentrations of soybean meal used in this study to feed red drum did not negatively affect growth or intestinal morphology.
512
GENOTYPE-INTERACTIONS FOR SURVIVAL AT LOW AND SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES

AT VARYING SALINITY FOR CHANNEL CATFISH, HYBRID CATFISH AND TRANSGENIC
CHANNEL CATFISH
Nermeen Y. Abass, and Rex A. Dunham
School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, AL 36849, USA
Genetics Branch, Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture Saba-Basha, Alexandria University, Egypt
*Nyy0001@auburn.edu
Organisms exposed to subzero temperatures are at risk of freezing damage. Fingerling channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus,
channel catfish female × blue catfish, I. furcatus, male hybrid catfish, channel catfish transgenic for goldfish glutamate
decarboxylase (GAD) and channel catfish transgenic for catfish growth hormone gene driven by the antifreeze protein promoter
(AFP) were compared for survival at changing temperature (9.0 °C, 6.0 °C, 3.0 °C, 1.0 °C, 0.5 °C, 0 °C, and -0.5 °C) at
different salinities (0 ppt, 2.5 ppt, 5 ppt, and 7.5 ppt).
Survival was 98-100% for all genetic groups at all salinities between 0 °C and 9.0 °C. However, large differences were observed
at -0.5 °C. At 0 ppt salinity, 98% of AFP fingerlings survived, but survival of the other 3 genetic groups was 0-2%. Raising
salinity to 2.5 ppt at sub-zero temperature had a strong positive impact on survival as survival of AFP, channel catfish, GAD and
hybrid catfish was 100, 98, 71 and 18%, respectively. Increasing salinity further to 5 ppt reversed the survival trend, although
it was still higher than at 0 ppt as survival of GAD, AFP, channel catfish and hybrid catfish was 69, 18, 0 and 0%, respectively.
The interaction between temperature and salinity at -0.5 °C and 7.5 ppt was the only temperature that resulted in mortality of
100% of the catfish in all genetic groups.
Only negative heterosis existed for the hybrids at low temperature at the varying salinities thus, hybridization will not increase
survival under these adverse conditions. Growth hormone affects osmoregulation. The purpose of the GAD construct was to
alter gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone production, GnRH, and GnRH affects growth hormone production. Expression
analysis of these fish under these environmental conditions is needed to understand the physiological basis of the cold tolerance
and varying salt concentrations at sub-zero temperatures. The results are relevant for future application of catfish culture in such
adverse conditions and may also be relevant to other species.
513
OPTIMUM DIETARY LIPID LEVEL IN WHITELEG SHRIMP IN BIOFLOC SYSTEM
Hyeonho Yun*, Inkwon Jang, Sukyong Kim and Sungchul C. Bai

The study was conducted to evaluate the optimum dietary lipid level in juvenile whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Five
isonitrogenous (35% crude protein) diets were formulated with corn oil to contain five graded levels of lipid of 4.5, 6, 9, 12 and
15% (CL4.5, CL6, CL9, CL12, CL15). Fifty shrimp averaging 0.95 ± 0.03g (Mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into one
of the five dietary treatments in triplicate groups for 8 weeks in biofloc system. At the end of the feeding trial, weight gain and
specific growth rate of shrimp fed CL6 diet were significantly higher than those of shrimp fed CL4.5 and CL15 diets (P＜0.05).
But there were no significant differences among those of shrimp fed CL6, CL9 and CL12 diets. Feed conversion ratio of shrimp
fed CL6 diet was significantly lower than those of shrimp fed CL15 diets (P<0.05). But there were no significant differences
among those of shrimp fed CL4.5, CL6, CL9 and CL12 diets. Protein efficiency ratio of shrimp fed CL6 diet was significantly
higher than those of shrimp fed CL4.5 and CL15 diets (P<0.05). Survival rate has no significant differences among all the diets.
Broken-line model and second order polynomial analysis estimated that the optimum dietary lipid level could be higher than
5.98 but less than 9.33% for maximum growth. Other parameters such as proximate composition, hemolymph, enzyme assay
and water quality will be discussed.
514
HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE OF CATFISH IMMUNIZED WITH EXTRACELLULAR

PRODUCTS OF Aeromonas hydrophila
Dunhua Zhang, Dehai Xu, and Craig Shoemaker
Aquatic Animal Health Research Unit, USDA-ARS

990 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36832
dunhua.zhang@ars.usda.gov
Virulent Aeromonas hydrophila has emerged as a major problem in catfish aquaculture in the Southeastern United States,
causing recent outbreaks of motile aeromonad septicemia (MAS). Prophylactic treatment is being sought to prevent MAS.
Since multiple virulence associated factors were identified in extracellular products (ECP) of A. hydrophila, use of ECP,
prepared from a virulent A. hydrophila in liquid culture, as immunogens was investigated.
Catfish fingerlings (average weight of 11 g) were individually immunized with 0.8 µg of ECP protein in 100 µl of PBS-Freund’s
adjuvant (50:50) emulsion by intraperitoneal injection. Two weeks post immunization, serum collected from fish immunized
developed strong humoral immune response. The anti-ECP serum aggregated cells of homologous bacteria as well as other
virulent isolates of A. hydrophila (Figure 1). The agglutination titers increased from two to four weeks post immunization and
sustained a high level at week seven. Vaccinated fish were protected from infection by the pathogen with 100% of RPS (relative
percent survival). The anti-ECP serum also provided naïve fish with immediate protection against A. hydrophila as evidenced
by passive immunization. Immunoblotting analysis showed that the anti-ECP serum contained antibodies that bound to specific
targets in the ECP, including proteins and lipopolysaccharide-like molecules (Figure 2). These antibody-recognized targets
may serve as important immunogens. Results suggest that development of recombinant protein vaccines against virulent A.
hydrophila merits further investigations.
515
IMPACT OF ALLTECH FEED ADDITIVES ON SURFACE MUCOSAL HEALTH AND

COLUMNARIS SUSCEPTIBILITY IN CHANNEL CATFISH FINGERLINGS Ictalurus punctatus
Honggang Zhao*, Chao Li, Benjamin H. Beck, D. Allen Davis, Wilawan Thongda, and Eric Peatman

Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
hzz0024@tigermail.auburn.edu
One of the highest priority areas for improvement in aquaculture is the development of dietary additives and formulations which
provide for complete mucosal health and protection of fish raised in intensive systems. Far greater attention has been paid to
dietary impact on gut health than to protective effects at other mucosal surfaces such as skin and gill. These exterior surfaces,
however, are important primary targets for pathogen attachment and invasion. Flavobacterium columnare, the causative agent
of columnaris disease, is among the most prevalent of all freshwater disease-causing bacteria, impacting global aquaculture
of catfish, salmonids, baitfish and aquaria-trade species among others. Columnaris infections target the host skin and gill
surfaces. Previous work by our group has demonstrated that higher levels of secreted mucins and higher expression of a host
rhamnose-binding lectin (RBL) at these surfaces facilitate columnaris attachment and pathogenesis. We were interested in
examining here whether the feeding of a standard catfish diet supplemented with Alltech dietary additives ActigenTM, a second
generation product derived from yeast cell wall mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and/or Allzyme SSFTM, a fermented strain
of Aspergillus niger, could offer protection against F. columnare mortality. We were particularly interested in the potential
of MOS to saturate the RBL receptor as we have previously demonstrated with addition of rhamnose and galactose sugars.
A nine-week feeding trial of channel catfish fingerlings with basal diet (B), B+Allzyme SSF, B+Actigen and B+Actigen+Allzyme
revealed good growth in all conditions (FCR <1.0), but no statistical differences in growth between the treatments. At nine
weeks, based on pre-challenge trial results, basal, B+Actigen, and B+Allzyme SSF groups of fish were selected for further
challenges with F. columnare. Replicated challenge with a virulent F. columnare strain, revealed significantly longer median
days to death in B+Allzyme SSF and B+Actigen when compared with the basal diet (p<0.05) and significantly higher survival
following the eight day challenge period in B+Actigen when compared with the other two diets (p<0.05). Given the superior
protection provided by the B+Actigen diet, we carried out transcriptomic comparison of gene expression of fish fed that diet
and the basal diet before and after columnaris challenge using high-throughput RNA-seq. Over 1,215 and 2,756 differentially
expressed genes were captured from the basal diet and the Actigen diet groups, respectively. Gene and pathway analyses
revealed significant suppression of RBL induction after challenge in the B+Actigen fed fish (4.56-fold vs. 307.52 fold in basal
diet), lower pro-inflammatory gene expression (e.g. IL-17, iNOS), and lower expression of mucin pathway members (e.g.
AGR2, MUC2, MUC19). Taken together, our results indicate that addition of ActigenTM to catfish diets may be protective against
external columnaris disease.
516
ALL-PLANT-BASED DIETS CHANGING BODY COMPOSITION, INTESTINAL STRUCTURE

AND ENZYME ACTIVITY OF BLUNT SNOUT BREAM
Yuhua Zhao and Weimin Wang
Fisheries College of HuazhongAgricultural University, Wuhan, China

wangwm@mail.hzau.edu.cn
Blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) is an important herbivorous cyprinid freshwater fish and mainly distribute
in the Yangtze River of China. Based on previous study that all-plant-based diets could not affect the growth performance,
two trials on blunt snout bream fingerlings were undertaken to evaluate the optimum protein level of all-plant-based diets,
and whether all-plant-based diets could change their body composition, intestinal structure or enzyme activity. In the first
experiment, six all-plant-based diets were formulated with different protein levels (22%, 24%, 26%, 28%, 30%, 32%). Healthy
fish were randomly divided into six treatments (triplicate per treatment) and fed with different formulated diets for 8 weeks. The
results showed that with the increasing dietary protein, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency
ratio (PER) of blunt snout bream in each group showed a significant increase trend (P<0.05) and achieved their maximum when
the protein level was 30%, then the significant decrease was observed (P<0.05). The trend of feed conversion ratio (FCR) was
in contrast with them, and was the best when the protein level was 30%. The condition factor (CF) and viscerosomatic index
(VSI) in 30% protein level group were also not worse than in other groups. In whole body composition, the crude protein and
moisture were significantly influenced by the dietary protein levels (P<0.05), while the changes in lipid and ash values were
non-significant (P>0.05). With the increasing dietary protein, the total crude protein and ash showed an increase trend and
achieved the maximum when the protein level was 30%, then a decrease trend was observed. Therefore, according to all of the
above observations, the dietary protein level of 30% was the most optimal for blunt snout bream fingerlings.
On the basis of the results of the first experiment, that

optimum protein level of all-plant-based diets was 30%, a
second experiment was conducted. Two diets were prepared
with different protein composition: a fishmeal-based-diet for
the control group and all-plant-based diet for test group while
rearing and experimental conditions were kept the same. The
results showed that the moisture and crude protein of fish
body decreased for all-plant-based diet group, but the crude
lipid and ash increased (Table1). Furthermore, significant
difference was observed between the crude lipid of control
group and test group (P<0.05). In histological structure, the
intestinal epithelial cell rupture appeared and some of them
vacuolated in foregut and midgut of all-plant-based diet group
(Fig.1). In digestive enzyme activity, the intestinal protease
activity of all-plant-diet group significantly decreased
(P<0.05) and the amylase activity increased. These results
indicated that the intestinal structure and digestive enzyme
activities of blunt snout bream fingerlings were influenced
by all-plant-diet. The conclusion: the dietary protein level of
30% was optimal for blunt snout bream fingerlings,
517
AN ASSESSMENT OF TOTAL AMMONIA NITROGEN CONCENTRATION IN ALABAMA

(USA) ICTALURID CATFISH PONDS AND THE POSSIBLE RISK OF AMMONIA TOXICITY
Li Zhou* and Claude E. Boyd

Auburn University, Alabama 36849 USA
lzz0016@tigermail.auburn.edu
An assessment of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentration and possible ammonia toxicity in ictalurid catfish culture was
conducted for 31 ponds on six farms, in the Blackland Prairie region of Alabama (USA). Five farms that provided production
data had average annual feed inputs and harvest weights of 15,579 – 21,739 kg ha-1 and 8,104 – 12,344 kg ha-1, respectively.
Concentrations of TAN were measured 26 times (weekly June through September and less frequently other months) between
May 2013 and May 2014. The farm average, annual TAN concentrations were 1.05 – 1.78 mg L-1 at five farms and 4.17 mg
L-1 at the other. Correlation were not found (P > 0.05) when pond average TAN concentration was regressed individually
against feed input, weight fish harvested, FCR, and aeration rate. Nearly half of the TAN concentrations were < 1 mg L-1,
the majority were <5 mg L-1, but some ranged from 5 to 15 mg L-1. Analysis of the literature on ammonia toxicity to channel
catfish suggested that the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) is around 1.0 mg L-1 NH3-N in ponds where NH3-N concentration
fluctuates greatly because of daily change in temperature and especially pH. Based on the daily pH fluctuation of 7.5 to 9.5
observed in ponds, and typical monthly average water temperatures, the NOEL for NH3-N was often exceeded. At pH 8.5 – 8.9,
depending upon the month, up to 14.5% of ponds exceeded the NOEL for NH3-N. The NOEL was exceeded by up to 31.5% of
pond at pH 9.0.
518
RESPONSE OF JUVENILE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei TO DIETARY

COPPER SUPPLEMENTATION WITH TRIBASIC COPPER CHLORIDE
Yangen Zhou*, D. Allen Davis, Van Pham Thi Ha To, Chuck Charles Roe, Melanie A. Rhodes,
and Igor Simone Tiagua Vicente
School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, AL, USA 36849-5419

yzz0027@tigermail.auburn.edu
The objective of this study is to evaluate the growth performance and bioavailability of copper (Cu) from tribasic copper
chloride (TBCC) for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in a practical feed formulation. The trial was conducted
at the Claude Peteet Mariculture Center (CPMC) in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The diets of the trial (36% CP, 8% lipid) were
formulated and produced in the Nutrition and Technology Lab at Auburn University. In this trial, six dietary treatments
containing increasing supplements of dietary copper 0, 30, 90, 150, 210 and 270 mg/kg from TBCC containing 58.81% copper
were randomly assigned among 44 tanks (160 L) with seven replications per treatment. Juvenile shrimps (initial weight 0.22 g)
were stocked at a density of 15 shrimps per tank over a 7-week feeding trial. Daily feeding rates were calculated, based upon
an expected weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The shrimp were cultured in a semi-close recirculating system containing
a biological filter, bead filter, reservoir, supplemental aeration and a circulation pump. Make up water was renewed twice per
week at a rate of 40% of the system volume at each exchange. At the conclusion of the growth trial, there were no significant
differences in final mean weight (5.06-5.43 g), final biomass (64.0-69.1 g), survival (81.9-89.5%), weight gain (2199-2388 or
FCR (1.39-1.56) (Table 1). Tissue analyses for Cu content will be determined for selected tissues (carapace, hepatopancreas,
and hemolymph) and reported.
519
DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METAL (CD, PB) AND TRACE ELEMENT LEVELS (CU, ZN)
OF FISH IN THE BLACKSEA AND FRESHWATER (TURKEY) VIA ICP-OES METHOD
Aydın ZOR*1 and Tayfun KARATAŞ2
1
Faculty of Education, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, 04100 Agri, Turkey
Health Services Vocational School, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, 04100 Agri, Turkey
2
Corresponding author: tlf: +90472 216 20 10 fax: +90472 215 07 20

E- mail: azor@agri.edu.tr
In this study, we were determined the levels of cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in muscle tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta fario), seabream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) sold in Erzurum and
Agri fish markets. 20 samples for each fish species were analyzed by ICP-OES method. Average levels of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in
the samples were acceptable levels established by Turkish Food Codex. The highest levels of cadmium, copper, zinc and lead
were found in sea bream and sea bass when compared to rainbow trout and brown trout. Our results showed that fish samples
analyzed were acceptable for human consumption.
520
ADDENDUM
UTMarT & AwF COLLABORATION
Héctor Hugo Gójon Báez *
Universidad Tecnológica del Mar de Tamaulipas Bicentenario (UTMarT)

Carretera Estatal N° 52 Soto La Marina - La Pesca, Km. 46+400, S/N, La Pesca, 87678 Soto La Marina
TAMPS,
MEXICO
Tel: +52 835 327 1538
email: hgojon@hotmail.com
UTMarT and AwF signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2013.
This has resulted in a number of activities and actions which we wish to elaborate and bring every one up to date with what we
are doing and our plans at UTMarT working in collaboration with AwF.
Please see our website for updated news - http://www.utmart.edu.mx/mensaje-de-bienvenida/

521
INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TANK COLORS ON THE GROWTH AND MORTALITY OF

EUROPEAN PERCH FINGERLINGS (Perca fluviatilis L.)
Frederik Buhrke, Ralf Bochert
State Research Center for Agriculture and Fishery, Mecklenburg Western-Pomerania, Germany
Institute for Fishery
18375 Born a. Darss, Germany
f.buhrke@lfa.mvnet.de
The European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) is a popular fish in Europe. Mélard et al. (1995) estimated a potential of 5,000 to
10,000 tons perch per year for the European market. Since the last decade there is a focus in aquaculture on the intensification
of perch production. It is known that different rearing conditions can have an influence on the behavior and the growth of fish.
Under natural conditions perches seek cover under trees, branches, water plants and so on. Because of this behavior an effect
triggered by different tank design or color on behavior and total growth of perch fingerlings could be expected.
In this study different tank colors were tested. 30 fingerlings (mean body weight 7.6 g) were kept in white, black and blue tanks
with a volume of 40 l. These tanks were all part of a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)-, so all fish were reared under
equal conditions. The fish were fed over four month for 24 h with automatically and weighted six times during this experiment.
All treatments were organized in triplicates. Similar mean body weights of 31.4 g and 31.5 g were observed in white and blue
tanks whereas mean body weight where higher in black tanks (33.8 g) at the end of the experiment. One major effect was
observed in the mean loss of fish, which was lowest in black (2.0 fishes), higher in blue (2.7) and highest in white tanks (4.0).
That led to a significantly different mean total biomass in all treatments (blue: 857.7 g, black: 947.1 g, white: 819.4 g). The
specific growth rate showed no significant results (blue: 1.42, black: 1.49, white: 1.41 %/day). It was observed, that particularly
at the beginning of this experiment fish kept in black tanks needed less time to acclimatize on their new environment, than fish
kept in the other two treatments. The perches in the black tanks appeared relatively unstressed in comparison with fish in other
treatments. They calmed down faster after feeding events or disturbances like tank cleaning. In particular fish hold in white
tanks showed an anxious behavior. The Food Conservation Rates in all treatments were not significantly different from each
other (black: 1,67, blue: 1,71, white: 1,70).
It was shown that total growth of perch fingerlings was not strongly effected by the tank color. In relation to the mortality a
significant influence of the tank color was discovered.
522
STRATEGIC MARKETING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR PROFITABLE

AQUACULTURE BUSINESSES: A WORKSHOP
Carole R. Engle and Madan Dey
Cengle8523@gmail.com
This two-hour workshop will provide opportunities for hands-on analysis and strategic thinking related to key aspects of
financial management and marketing for aquaculture businesses. Many
aquaculture business owners enjoy raising fish and other aquatic crops, but all too often do not spend the time necessary to
analyze their farm from a business perspective. Annual scrutiny of financial, biological, marketing, and personnel performance
are essential for success in today’s business climate.
This workshop will focus on analysis of several different aquaculture business scenarios. Participants will practice their
business analytical skills by working through various alternative solutions for hypothetical aquaculture businesses, based on
sets of “records” presented. The
emphasis will be on hands-on engagement of participants to increase their ability to analyze business performance each year
and make strategic marketing decisions for improvement.
523
THE BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF METHODS OF KEEPING RIVER PERCH LARVAE AND FRY
IN THE INDUSTRIAL CONDITIONS
Fedorovykh Yu.V.*, Ponomarev S.V. Bakaneva Yu.M.
Astrakhan State Technical University, Russia, Astrakhan

E mail: jaqua@yandex.ru
At the moment the biotechnology of cultivation of river perch with intensive methods is at the initial stage of development.
Thus, one of the major tasks at perch as predatory specie is a receiving of viable fry with the developed instinct of food
searching. Work with this object of an aquaculture at early stages is difficult because of the small sizes of larvae, need for live
food, cannibalism.
The special attention at early stages of development of the perch is deserved by emergence of cannibalism. At cultivation
of predatory species of fish in industrial conditions at the high stocking density this phenomenon has a great influence on
production.
The cannibalism starts being noted in 10-12 days after active feeding as part of fry starts lagging behind in growth. On the chart
presented in figure the main dimensional groups of larvae of a perch are allocated.
Dimensional group of 60-70 mg is represented by the largest number of individuals - 48% of the total. The largest specimens
weighing 100 mg or more, and most small - 10 -20 mg, were very small (less than 10% each). On the other hand, with increasing
the weight increases and the percentage of individuals of cannibals in the group. Among the biggest perch of more than 21%
were cannibals, in a group of individuals that make up the most numerous group, the rate of cannibalism was below 6%.
To prevent cannibalism in growing larvae should be sorted. This helps to reduce the loss to 1-2%.
It was also necessary to analyze the relationship between stocking density of early juveniles of perch and the emergence
of species - cannibals. The level of cannibalism was almost unchanged at different densities. Differences were observed in
survival rates. In the advanced options, where the density of larvae were 50 individuals/l and 100 individuals/l, the waste was
34% and 36%.
The highest mortality was in two other variants, although losses from cannibalism were also at the level of 12-14%. Therefore,
as a practical proposition density of early juvenile perch 100 individuals/l. In this case, the survival rates are relatively high,
and compared to the same option 5 individuals/l saves nursery area.
524
TETRAPLOID AMERICAN OYSTER Crassostrea virginica CONTINUED BROODSTOCK

DEVELOPMENT FOR THE GULF OF MEXICO REGION
Megan E. Gima* and John Supan
Louisiana Sea Grant Oyster Research Laboratory

133 LSU Drive
Grand Isle, LA 70358
mgima@lsu.edu
Maintaining tetraploid broodstock oyster lines is an important goal for future commercial applications within the Gulf of Mexico
region. Hatchery produced triploid seed may offer an alternative to naturally produced oysters with increased summertime
meat yield for the oyster industry in Louisiana and southeastern states. The tetraploid x diploid cross can have a greater success
at producing 100% triploid offspring over other methods, such as chemical and pressure induction. Thus, the development of
tetraploid oyster broodstock can play an important and valuable role in the production of triploid oysters. The development
of standard operating procedures (SOP) concerning quality control and disease certification of tetraploid germplasm is also a
crucial component of broodstock development for interstate distribution.
Adult tetraploid American oysters, Crassostrea virginica, were spawned using temperature induction to produce tetraploid
offspring. Larval performance was evaluated by estimating total numbers of eggs, larvae and spat in each brood to calculate
percent hatch, larval survival rates, and setting success. Sperm ploidy was confirmed using flow cytometery prior to fertilization.
Ploidy was also confirmed on the resulting larvae and/or seed. During the 2013 hatchery season, seven spawning attempts
produced 19 larval broods, resulting in 17 oyster seed broods.
The 2014 hatchery season was the start of germplasm distribution, in collaboration with 4Cs Breeding Technologies, LLC.
Efforts were concentrated on the SOP concerning quality control of ploidy level and disease certification of tetraploid
germplasm. Distribution and ploidy level of germplasm and resulting larvae and seed were confirmed using flow cytometery
at the Louisiana Sea Grant Oyster Research Laboratory. Disease screening was also initiated in collaboration with Virginia
Institute of Marine Sciences. Corresponding samples to each germplasm order were sent to be analyzed for Perkinsus marinus
and Haplosporidium nelson.
525
EFFECTS OF HATCHERY AND RELEASE PRACTICES ON POST-RELEASE SUCCESS OF

SPOTTED SEATROUT Cynoscion nebulosus
Taylor W. Guest*, Reginald B. Blaylock, Andrew N. Evans, Chet F. Rakocinski
Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

The University of Southern Mississippi
taylor.guest@eagles.usm.edu
Alteration of habitat associated with coastal development and increased demand for food and recreation can result in the
depletion of marine fisheries resources such as the Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), one of the Gulf of Mexico’s most
popular recreational fish. Stock enhancement, or the release of cultured fish to supplement wild populations, is one potential
tool for managing important fisheries resources. Although considerable money and effort has been expended on marine stock
enhancement, the effectiveness of stocking is not well established and techniques for ensuring success are not well developed.
Although the responsible approach to stock enhancement has long recognized the need to understand the ecology, life history,
and behavior of the target species, the specific applications of this knowledge have only recently begun to be tested. Hatchery
environments can affect many behaviors; however, the specific role of stress associated with handling, transport, and release
processes in the success or failure of marine stock enhancement is unknown.
This study examined the impacts of pre-release handling, tagging, transporting, and releasing on the primary stress response
and post-release survival and growth of 48- and 80-day post-hatch (dph) hatchery-reared Spotted Seatrout. We assessed cortisol
production during real-time release processes and examined post-release survival and growth in both 48 and 80 dph fish.
Cortisol concentration for both 48 and 80 dph fish increased throughout the release process. Cortisol in 48 dph fish increased
almost sevenfold from control to peak concentration, and almost threefold in 80 dph fish. There was no difference in survival
between 48 dph control and experimental treatments; both exhibited 93% survival. In 80 dph fish, however, control fish survived
far better (87%) than experimental fish (26%). 48 dph controls were also heavier, longer, and of greater condition factor (K)
than experimental counterparts, while 80 dph controls were of greater K than 80 dph experimental fish. Although further
investigation, particularly into the tagging procedure, is required, this preliminary information suggests that younger, untagged
fish might have higher post-release survival than those grown to the size needed for insertion of a coded-wire tag.
526
REFLECTING ON 15 YEARS OF FIELD DATA COLLECTED UNDER THE USFWS’S

NATIONAL INAD PROGRAM
Bonnie Johnson*, Dave Erdahl
Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership Program

Bozeman, MT 59715
bonnie_johnson@fws.gov
The acronym “INAD” stands for Investigational New Animal Drug exemption, a U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
process that authorizes and controls the transport, possession, and use of certain unapproved drugs. The National INAD
Program (NIP) is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership
Program (AADAP). The NIP provides the means, under INAD exemptions, through which Federal, State, Tribal, and private
organizations are allowed to legally use certain unapproved drugs to maintain the health and fitness of aquatic species. INAD
exemptions are granted by FDA, and are a critical tool used by aquaculturists and fisheries biologists to meet management
objectives. INAD exemptions also contribute drug effectiveness and safety data that may be used to support the future approval
of new drugs for use in aquatic species. INADs are granted by FDA with the expectation that information will be generated to
support a New Animal Drug Approval. INADs are not a “use permits.”
The NIP was created over 15 years ago, and each year more than 250 facilities/offices located throughout the United States
have participated and benefited. The field data collected from studies conducted by these facilities have created a wealth of
useful data. This data has been used to demonstrate efficacy and safety of individual INAD drugs to FDA, as well as to assist
pharmaceutical drug sponsors assemble complete data packages for submission to FDA. Similarly important, the NIP has
functioned to help maintain the health and fitness of fish stocks from across the country, and assisted fisheries managers in
meeting restoration, recovery, and recreational program objectives.
For more information on the NIP please visit the AADAP website (http://www.fws.gov/fisheries/aadap/home.htm).
527
QUANTUM HEALTH
Dr. Jack Kruse*
Director
Optimized Life
New Orleans, LA
USA
c/o email: palmerroyd@gmail.com
Dr. Jack Kruse is a Neurosurgeon and Optimal Health Educator and we had the pleasure of his information through a great
presentation in Nashville 2013.
He is CEO of Optimized Life, a health and wellness company dedicated to helping patients avoid the healthcare burdens we
typically encounter as we age. He is currently in private practice. As a neurosurgeon, Dr. Kruse’s research has been published
in respected dental and medical journals. His popular blog, www.JackKruse.com, gets over 150,000 unique worldwide visitors
per month.
Jack is a lover of aquaculture shellfish and is going to enlighten us on all the latest information from his area of expertise and
the relevance of the right seafood in a balanced diet.
528
INFLUENCE OF BREEDING TEMPERATURE ON THE LARVAL DEVELOPMENT OF

MARAENA WHITEFISH Coregonus maraena BLOCH, 1779
Peter Luft*, Theresa Horn, Ralf Bochert, Carsten Kühn
Institute for Fisheries

State Research Center for Agriculture & Fishery
Born/Darss, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
p.luft@lfa.mvnet.de
Maraena Whitefish, Coregonus maraena (Bloch, 1779), typically spawns in winter at low water temperature from November
to December in the region of the Oder Estuary (Northeastern Germany). The hatching time will be in February and March
after about 340 day degrees. As it is essential for stocking in ponds to match the time where there is zooplankton available, it
is beneficial in Recirculation Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to reach the fastest possible growth and broadening of production
period.
Therefore eggs of Maraena Whitefish were incubated in triplicates at three different temperatures, 4 °C (control) and at 6 °C
and 10 °C. The development of the eggs was investigated and the hatching success was obtained. Afterwards the larvae of the
different groups were treated equally. Each group was reared at 20 °C. There was a 16 h feeding with Artemia salina L. nauplii
ad libitum for the first 7 days post hatching (ph). Then dry feed and Artemia sp. nauplii were fed at a ratio of 50:50 for 9 days.
Afterwards the larvae got dry feed only. Throughout the rearing process feeding rate and particle size were adjusted to the size
of the larvae. The growth was measured twice a week for 140 days ph. At the end of the trial additionally the deformation rate
was examined.
The development of the eggs occurred as reported in literature. The slowest group to hatch was the 6 °C-group (380 day degrees)
whereas fastest hatching was observed at 10 °C (294 degree days). Hatching rate at 4 °C and 6 °C achieved 76 % respectively
72 %. The 10 °C-group showed a hatching rate of only 28 % due to lower water quality.
The final average weights for all groups 140 days ph were 17.8 g (4 °C), 22.1 g (6 °C) and 24.6 g (10 °C). Specific growth rates
were significantly different between the 10 °C-group and the two other groups (Figure 1). Deformities within the groups were
high and reached 45 % (4 °C), 48 % (6 °C) and 70 % (10 °C). But those numbers were driven by deformities of eye and mouth.
The rate of lordosis was only 1.7 % overall and therefore relatively low. So the hatching time for Maraena Whitefish can easily
be shortened by means of higher breeding temperature resulting in a longer grow out phase in the first year.
529
VALUE CHAIN FINANCING
Gorjan Nikolik *
Executive Director
RABOBANK
THE NETHERLANDS
Tel: + 31 (0) 30 216 0000
email: Gorjan.Nikolik@rabobank.com
Gorjan Nikolik is speaking as a special guest presenter for AwF

Gorjan is a senior industry analyst on food and agribusiness for Rabobank International.
Since joining Rabobank in 2005, he has focused on the global seafood sector, including aquaculture, wild catch, seafood trade
and processing. In his primary role, Nikolik works as an internal consultant to Rabobank departments such as Mergers and
Acquisitions, Leveraged Finance, Venture Capital and Credit Risk Management. He also produces research articles covering
the seafood industry.
Gorjan is specifically going to speak about Rabobank Foundation which pursues its objectives by supporting cooperatives or
member-based organizations which offer an opportunity to save, borrow or insure.
530
COMPARISON OF WATER QUALITY AND CHANNEL CATFISH PRODUCTION IN EARTHEN

PONDS OR A BIOFLOC TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTION SYSTEM
Bartholomew Green and E. Gregory O’Neal*
USDA-ARS Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center

PO Box 1050
Stuttgart, AR 72160
bart.green@ars.usda.gov
Biofloc technology (BFT) production systems are being used more commonly to produce high yields of fish or shrimp because
very high feed rates are possible. In an outdoor BFT production system, a complex of living organisms is closely associated
with particulate organic matter and is maintained in suspension by continuous aeration. Ammonia excreted by the culture
animal is utilized by the phytoplankton and bacteria that are part of this complex of living organisms. Channel catfish have
been grown successfully in an outdoor experimental BFT production system, which differs substantially from traditional
earthen pond grow-out. In this 210-d study, we evaluated variation in water quality and fish growth for channel catfish (47 g/
fish) stocked in earthen ponds (14,820 fish/ha) or the BFT production system (12.6/m2 or 126,000/ha). Ponds were equipped
with electric paddlewheel aerators (13.8 kW/ha) that were activated by datalogger to maintain minimum dissolved oxygen
concentration above 40% of saturation. BFT tanks were lined with HDPE and aerated continuously. Fish were fed a 32%
protein commercially extruded feed daily to apparent satiation. Water quality varied between culture systems. Chlorophyll
a increased rapidly in the BFT system after stocking whereas in ponds concentration remained static. During the first 60 d
chlorophyll a averaged 1,720 mg/m3 in the BFT compared to 144 mg/m3 in ponds. Subsequently, chlorophyll a concentration
in both treatments converged to a mean of 534 mg/m3 that persisted throughout the remainder of the experiment. Dissolved
inorganic nitrogen concentrations in the BFT system were driven by nitrification: an initial ammonia spike was followed by a
nitrite spike followed subsequently by increasing nitrate concentration. In comparison, pond concentrations of ammonia and
nitrite were higher and more variable, and nitrate was lower. Fish were sampled periodically for growth and growth curve
analysis showed intercepts and slopes did not differ significantly. However, at harvest, fish from ponds (0.630 kg/fish) were
significantly larger than those from the BFT system (0.542 kg/fish). A significantly greater percentage of fish harvested from
ponds were of market-size (0.57-2.04 kg/fish). Despite this, gross and net yields of market-size fish from the BFT system (3.1
and 2.8 kg/m3, respectively) were significantly higher than from ponds (1.0 and 0.9 kg/m3, respectively). Survival did not differ
between production environments and averaged 96.7 and 92.2% for the BFT system and ponds, respectively. Feed conversion
ratio was significantly higher in the BFT system (2.0) compared to ponds (1.6). Density-related social interactions appear to
have affected fish growth more in the BFT system.
531
AwF - FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Roy Palmer*
Executive Director
AwF
Melbourne
AUSTRALIA
Born and bred from the Aquaculture sector in order to create a voluntary organization to contribute to the alleviation of poverty
through small-scale aquaculture, Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF), recently celebrated its 10th birthday with an updated
vision and strategy.
As most people know AwF was formed by Michael New OBE having been encouraged by colleagues after delivering a keynote
paper at the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) conference in Salvador, Brazil in 2003 (New 2003).
Michael’s idea was stimulated by reading about the activities of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and two articles published
in the Economist (Anonymous 2003a,b). He ventured the idea that people that had retired from a career in aquaculture might
wish to volunteer their experience to help those less fortunate than themselves. In fact, Michael found that the idea of voluntary
service in aquaculture appealed to a wide spectrum of individuals, from students to retirees.
The board was a veritable who’s who of aquaculture and it ran then, as it does now, on the smell of an oily rag. AwF is not an
organisation built around creating a massive bank of donated funds, creating overheads and paying high salaries to staff but
on actually working with the great goodwill of aquaculture people and doing things that create positive outcomes for the poor
and hungry of the world. It is the real meaning of what a charity is all about – people give what they can, whether that is a few
dollars or more importantly their time, knowledge and experience. It is a real gem in today’s world of professional NGO’s and
it is a credit to its founder and all that have or are still serving its needs.
Having said that there was the need to modify some of the organisation and and this presentation aims to bring people upto date
with the activities.
532
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION (FSN)

FOR FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE
Roy Palmer*
Executive Director
Association of International Seafood Professionals
Melbourne
AUSTRALIA
In November 2012 the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) requested the High Level Panel of Experts on Food
Security and Nutrition (HLPE) to conduct a study on The Role of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture for food security and
nutrition.
Final report was delivered in Spain in 2014 and the final findings of the study fed into CFS 41 Plenary session on policy
convergence at the end of 2014.
Taking into account the results of the scoping consultation, the HLPE assessed the importance and relevance of Fisheries and
Aquaculture for Food Security and nutrition as well as the current challenges faced by Fisheries and Aquaculture in relation to
Food Security, pointing out changes going on, including overexploitation of fish stocks and the boom of aquaculture, in order
to better understand these changes and to maximize the positive effects of them.
This presentation will highlight the findings from the report.

533
THE EFFECT OF THREE DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS OF FLOATING UPWELLER

SYSTEMS (FLUPSY) ON THE GROWTH RATE OF OYSTERS
Mira Patel*
Westhampton Beach High School

49 Lilac Rd, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
mirapatel32@gmail.com
Floating Upwellers, commonly referred to as FLUPSYs, are specialized nursery units that efficiently direct the flow of nutrient
rich water upwards through oyster seed resting on mesh. Floating Upwellers have been proven to increase oyster growth rates
and accordingly are important features in hatcheries around the world, though they are most common in the USA and Canada.
All FLUPSYs used in this experiment employed pumps to create the flow of water; the pumps empty a middle pipe, which
connects to the silos, creating a vacuum which will cause water to rush up through the silos to refill the pipe.
The aim was to determine if different configurations of the Floating Upwellers effected the growth rate of the oyster. There were
three different types of Upwellers used: Upweller A has a pump placed at the center of the pipe, Upweller B has a pump placed
out of water, and Upweller C has a pump placed at the end of the pipe. Nine silos total were used, three silos for each Upweller
placed at locations 1,5, and 9, and each silo started with 4100 milliliters of oysters. The volume of the oysters was measured
every week for six weeks beginning on July 11, 2014.
The final measurements for the nine silos (Letter = Upweller, Number = Location on Upweller) were determined as see in the
chart below.
534
PRODUCTION OF JUVENILE RED SNAPPER FOR RELEASE ON MISSISSIPPI ARTIFICIAL

REEFS
Eric Saillant*, Agnes Bardon-Albaret, Angelos Apeitos, Michael Lee, Reginald Blaylock, Jeffrey M. Lotz

The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
Ocean Springs, MS, 39564
E-mail: eric.saillant@usm.edu
The Gulf red snapper Lutjanus campechanus is a marine reef fish of major economic importance in the Southeast United
States particularly in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Commercial and recreational harvests are highly restricted stimulating
investigations on aquaculture for commercial production and stock enhancement of this species. Collaborative research between
the University of Southern Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources aims to develop aquaculture
methods for the production of red snapper juveniles, and evaluate the potential for stocking produced fish on artificial reef
habitats deployed in Mississippi coastal waters. The main challenges to develop hatchery methods for red snapper include the
much reduced and unreliable spawning activity of captive broodstocks, but also difficulties raising offspring through the early
larval stages. Studies of sexual maturation of captive broodfish revealed that sperm production was much reduced in males
and that a high proportion of females did not reach advanced stages of gamete maturation. In this work, the results of initial
trials using LHRH implants to induce maturation and spawning of captive red snapper will be reported. Other challenges to
red snapper aquaculture include the requirement of live copepods as an initial feed for larvae and the overall low survival
rates during early phases of the larval culture. Current research to improve culture protocols incorporates the results of recent
investigations on the nutritional requirements of red snapper larvae through evaluations of feeding regimes and alternative
initial feeds. Monitoring of the success of experimental releases is in a planning process in partnership with the Mississippi
Department of Marine Resources reef fish monitoring program and will focus on assessing the survival and movements of
released fish. Genetic management of release operations program also is in development through studies of population structure
and local adaptation of regional populations. Current status of the project and future orientations will be discussed.
535
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO LOUISIANA OYSTER FARMING
John Supan* and John Tesvich
Sea Grant Oyster Research Laboratory

Louisiana Sea Grant College Program
133 LSU Drive
Grand Isle, LA 70358
Louisiana is the leading oyster producer in the Gulf Region and generally leads the US in oyster production, from public and
private oyster grounds. For over 100 years, the state has had a progressive oyster leasing program, allowing the private use of
leased waterbottoms for oyster culture. As a result, nearly 80% of oyster harvest in Louisiana results from extensive culture
(on-bottom) from private leases.
The State of Louisiana imposed a moratorium on new oyster leases in March of 2002 due to the state’s concern over potential
liability and conflicts with the state’s burgeoning coastal restoration initiatives. Later, constitutional changes were made
guaranteeing protection from liability, followed by the passage of Act 808 by the state legislature during 2008 that set up
a moratorium lifting committee, which after years of debate, made their recommendations. Since then, the settlement for
damages from the BP oil spill, and the interests of other stakeholders in the coastal areas have created more disagreements,
thwarting any effort to lift the moratorium.
During 2012, Act 293 was passed by the legislature to allow an oyster leaseholder to apply for an Alternative Oyster Culture
(AOC) permit from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (DWF), which allows the use of the water column and
surface above the oyster lease. The types of activities can include on- or off-bottom cages, racks, or bags, suspended by poles,
floats, string or longlines. Prior to application, the leaseholder should verity the desired lease is suitable for AOC activities,
as per location on the DWF AOC suitability map, a product of marine spatial planning meetings with various coastal user
groups. The applicant must first obtain a coastal use permit from the La. Department of Natural Resources and Section 9 and
10 obstructions to navigation permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers and a state water quality certification from the La.
Department of Environmental Quality. US Coast Guard approved lighting and markings, a removal cost estimate from a valid
La. commercial contractor and a surety bond for gear removal are also required.
Applicants can receive assistance with site and gear selection, hatchery-based seed production and permit application from the
Louisiana Sea Grant College Program. As of 2015, only two AOC permits have been issued. Potential loss of crops and gear
by theft and hurricanes and future state coastal restoration planning of Mississippi River diversions are causes for concern by
interested leaseholders.
536
THE NUTRIENT FOOTPRINT OF OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE
Aaron Welch*, Sharein El Tourky, Zachary Daugherty, Angela Knapp, Gary Hitchcock, and Daniel Benetti
University of Miami
Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy
and
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Policy
1365 Memorial Drive, #230
Coral Gables, FL 33146
awelch@rsmas.miami.edu
Results of an environmental monitoring project at the world’s first commercially scaled offshore aquaculture facility are
reported. In this study, LaGrangian (dynamic) techniques were used to monitor the effects of aquaculture operations on the
pelagic environment. Samples were taken at regular intervals along the trajectory of a CODE design surface drifter deployed to
track water masses through the cage field and beyond. Samples were analyzed for NH4, NO3 + NO2, Particulate N, Particulate
C, and Chl-a concentrations. Water column profiles of dissolved oxygen, salinity, turbidity, chl-a, rhodamine, and salinity were
also created along the drifter track using a CTD and C6 optical scanner. Sediment samples were collected around the cage site
in three zones and at a control site and analyzed for Particulate C and Particulate N.
Statistical analysis of the collected data showed no significant impact from farm operations on the pelagic environment or
the benthos, although a trend towards increased levels of organic matter in the sediment directly underneath the cage site
was evident. While the ultimate carrying capacity of a marine environment is dependent on a variety of factors, this research
indicates that offshore farms are a viable solution for mitigating the nutrient related environmental effects of aquaculture.

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Aquaculture America 1

February 19-22, 2015

New Orleans Marriott

Kathleen Hartman, DVM, PhD

Aquaculture America 2015 Abstracts........................5

To find abstracts for a specific author or subject, use the

INFLUENCE OF SALINITY ON THE EARLY DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF CHANNEL

Nermeen. Y. Abass*, and Rex A. Dunham

ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF COPEPOD PRODUCTION FOR COMMERCIAL USE: RESULT

Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen

EFFECTS OF PADDLEWHEELAND DIFFUSED-AIR AERATORS ON WATER TEMPERATURE

Hisham A. Abdelrahman* and Claude E. Boyd

The School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

COMPARISON BETWEEN PERFORMANCE TESTS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF AERATORS

Hisham A. Abdelrahman* and Karen L. Veverica

The School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

EFFECTS OF CLAY AND PHYTOPLANKTON TURBIDITY ON WATER TEMPERATURE

Hisham A. Abdelrahman* and Claude E. Boyd

EFFECT OF ACUTE TEMPERATURE CHANGE ON CHANNEL CATFISH, Ictalurus punctatus,

Daniel L. Aboagye*, Heather Stewart, Shane Ramee and Peter J. Allen

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

INTERRACTIVE EFFECTS OF AN ENZYMES COCKTAIL AND PROBIOTICS ON TILAPIA

Ayodeji A. Adeoye*, Daniel L. Merrifield and Simon J. Davies

Aquatic Animal Nutrition and Health Research Group

DIETARY LYSINE REQUIREMENT FOR SOUTH AFRICAN DUSKY KOB Argyrosomus

Adejoke A. Adesola* Clifford L.W. Jones and Thomas A. Shipton

ANTRHOPOGENIC IMPACT ON BENTHIC ANIMAL COMMUNITIES IN AN ICELANDIC

Thorleifur Ágústsson*, Thorleifur Eiríksson, Ólafur Ögmundarson, Gudmundur Vídir Helgason,

International Research Institute of Stavanger

STUDIES ON WATER QUALITY SUITABILITY OF RIVER BENUE FOR AQUACULTURE IN

Akaahan, T. James, *Araoye Pius A.

Department of Biological Sciences

EVALUATING THE ROLE OF AQUACULTURE AND FISH ON HUMAN NUTRITION IN

Akua Akuffo* and Kwamena Quagrainie

Department of Agricultural Economics

BIOMARKERS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AS INDICATORS OF WATER POLLUTION IN

Khalid A. Al-Ghanim*, Shahid Mahboob, H. F. Alkkahem Al-Balwai, F. Al-Misned, and Z. Ahmed

Department of Zoology, College of Science,

EFFECTS OF DIETARY SALT SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH, SURVIVAL, BODY

University of North Carolina Wilmington

EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BIGHEAD

Mohammad A. Alam* and Konrad Dabrowski

School of Environment and Natural Resources

ANALYSIS OF THE EXPRESSION OF 7 HOUSEKEEPING GENES IN AHPND POSITIVE

Luna-Badillo, Cecilia G., Quiroz-Macias, Martha E., Ibarra-Gamez, Jose C.

Colonia Centro. C.P. 85000. Ciudad Obregón, Sonora. Mexico. dcanoib@gmail.com

THE INFLUENCE OF MARINE POLLUTION ON DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF

El-Gendy, S. Al-Farraj, S. Al-Kahtani, M. El-Hedeny

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF POMEGRANATE (Punica

USING 1-D AND 2-D J-RESOLVED 1H-NMR METABOLOMICS TO UNDERSTAND THE

Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

SALT REGULATORY ABILITIES OF INLAND AND COASTAL ALLIGATOR GAR Atractosteus

Peter J. Allen*, Alf Haukenes and Steve Lochmann

Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY IN AQUACULTURE: SELECTION, HYBRIDIZATION,

Standish K. Allen, Jr.

Aquaculture Genetic and Breeding Technology Center

DESIGN OF MECHANICAL AND ECO-SECURITY TO LIMIT DOUBLE-CRESTED

John K.B Alosias

Virginia State University

COMPUTER SIMULATION OF AMMONIA REMOVAL THROUGH HETEROTROPHIC

Daniel Alt*, Dr. Ronald Malone, Fatemehsadat Fahandezhsadi

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

FISH FARMING AND HOUSEHOLD WELLBEING: A CASE STUDY IN SELECTED REGIONS