North Central Regional Aquaculture Center Funded Projects
A complete list of previously funded projects can be found here. Read more about North Central Regional Aquaculture Center Funded Projects
A complete list of previously funded projects can be found here. Read more about North Central Regional Aquaculture Center Funded Projects
Given the NCRAC goal of “establishing strong and vibrant state aquaculture associations,” it is essential to first have a thorough understanding of 1) why some aquaculture producers choose to join associations and others do not; 2) how producers value the various types of activities undertaken by state associations; 3) what types of services or programs would attract membership; and 4) what barriers and challenges exist to organizing and sustaining state aquaculture associations. Read more about Funded Project #26 - Assessing the Status of Aquaculture Associations in the NCR
This project will design and implement a leadership development and training program. The immediate impact will be on the individual participants who will learn to prioritize projects and engage members in the association in efforts to solve industry issues
Chaired by Carole Engle Read more about Professional Development Training in the North Central Region
We propose to conduct comprehensive environmental and energy audits of five representative facilities during winter and summer, develop solutions to observed problems, and to disseminate findings and recommendations via publications and presentations to producers, consultants, extension personnel, and other stakeholders.
Chaired by Albert J. Heber Read more about Field Assessment of Design and Operation of Midwestern Aquaculture Buildings
Arming producers with practical means of improving farmed fish health in the NCR was identified as a priority need during the 2020 NCR Aquaculture Roundtable Sessions. This is achievable in short term with off-the-shelf tools previously developed by NCRAC-funded projects and regional synergistic efforts. Read more about Improving fish health in the NCR by integrating extension with the development of alternative disease prevention methods
We propose to use metagenomic DNA sequencing techniques to characterize populations of microbes in aquaponics systems in the Midwest. Read more about Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Populations in Aquaponics Systems
We will analyze sperm from these males using flowcytometry to verify exclusive production of “X” sperm. DNA from “X” sperm will be analyzed against an annotated yellow perch genome, to characterize sex-determining genes. Finally, these selected sperm samples will be cryopreserved and stored in a pilot cryo-bank. Read more about Development of an all-female yellow perch population: A strategic approach using thermal manipulation, sperm selection, and genomic data analysis
We plan to develop aquaculture workshops focusing on the needs of the schools and Extension educators, as well as provide access funding for them to attend these workshops. A basic education in aquaculture opens the door for students to attend universities with potential careers in business, engineering and the life sciences, all vital skills required by the aquaculture industry. Read more about Educating a workforce for the aquaculture industry: Matching skill needs of the aquaculture industry with U.S. career and technical education (CTE)
This project proposal will complement the webinar series, and enhance learning outcomes for participants by providing multiple hands-on, advanced aquaculture techniques workshops throughout the NCR. Topical areas for these fee-based workshops will include but not be limited to culture techniques for important NCR aquaculture species, advanced aquaculture systems design and management, aquaculture business and marketing, water quality maintenance, advanced fish health diagnostics and aquaculture regulatory issues.
Chaired by D. Allen Pattillo Read more about Comprehensive outreach and training program to expand development of NCR aquculture
We propose to utilize currently available protocols for larval rearing and explore starter diets formulated with new ingredients (variable molecular weight fish protein hydrolyzates), enzyme supplements (yeast expressing fish trypsin) and attractants (inosine monophosphate). Read more about Formulation and Assessment of a New Generation of Starter Diets for Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch Larvae
The U.S. catfish industry encountered a similar need to be efficient and competitive and developed intensive aeration and split pond designs to increase production levels and ultimately bottom lines. Similar strategies may be applicable to NCR pond production but need to undergo “Proof-of-concept” on-farm trials prior to dissemination to the yellow perch industry and other NCR industries.
Chaired by Matthew A. Smith Read more about Evaluation of Alternative Management Techniques and Systems to Improve Production of Pond-Reared Yellow Perch: Modeling the U.S. Catfish Industry
The overall goal of the project is increased consumer awareness of and demand for the locally grown, healthy protein that aquaculture provides resulting in a more resilient, profitable aquaculture industry.
Chaired by Tomas O. Hook Read more about A NCRAC-Sea Grant Partnership for Regional Aquaculture Extension Focused on Marketing and Consumer Demand
The general focus of this project will be to collaborate with the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center’s (NCRAC’s) Industry Advisory Council (IAC) to develop a sustainable program that will be beneficial for established farmers throughout the Midwest; which will hopefully increase productivity and decrease costs.
Chaired by Matthew A. Smith Read more about Supporting and Expanding Aquaculture in the Midwest through Extension and Outreach
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We propose to optimize and combine two technologies (e.g., sex reversal and triploidy) to produce walleye Sander vitreus with superior production traits. We will produce gynogenetic masculinized walleye and cross these individuals with walleye females. Resulting zygotes will then be subjected to pressure shock, producing triploid (sterile) all-female offspring. Read more about Genetically Improved All-Female Walleye (Sander vitreus) For Intensive Aquaculture Production In The Great Lakes Region
We propose an unconventional NP strategy with dietary PP for yellow perch (YP) Perca flavescens using live food as a vehicle. We believe this innovative feeding approach will become a practical way for enhancing utilization of diets based on high levels of cost-effective plant raw materials. Read more about Nutritional Programming of Yellow Perch Larvae Using Live Food as a Vehicle